After years of suffering from Arthritis and rashes all over my face, recently, a physician diagnosed my problem as Lupus. I’ve never heard of this disorder and am slightly perturbed, although my GP says it’s nothing to be bothered about. My symptoms started at the autumn of 2004. I first thought may be the sudden exposure to sunlight after cold months made my skin break into rashes. I didn’t attach much importance to it. Then I also suffered from severe joint pain. That’s when I decided to meet my GP. I’m being treated currently and believe that it would take awhile to completely recover. Anyone out there with similar problems? I’d like to hear.

Ted Deb

This is Brian. Yes, I’ve heard about the symptoms mentioned by you. My 55 year old mom experiences the same difficulties. However, she is in her menopausal years. So arthritis could be due to lack of calcium too. But I’d like to refer to Lupus. This is something I haven’t heard about before. Could you mention your age as I’d like to compare the symptoms with those of my mother’s. Especially, I’m anxious to know if it’s due to hereditary factors. Do write about symptoms as I’d like to hear more form you or anyone who knows about it.

Brian Stalk

Dear Brian,

I’m nearly your mother’s age. 52 years to be precise. I did a bit of net surfing on Lupus and learnt that this disease affects women more than us males, especially women of child bearing age. Could it be possible that your mother had experienced this problem even before, but she was in the dark about it? Why don’t you check with your physician?

I learnt that our human body has the immune system that checks for bacteria, virus etc. by making proteins called antigens. But lupus is a condition when the immune system cannot tell the difference between virus, bacteria etc and its own tissues and cells. This is when problem starts. The immune system erroneously starts making antibodies against its own self. Surf through and you’ll be able to find some pertinent answers to your worries.

Ted

Throw some light please

Yep, I did surf through and agree with what you have got to share. It’s time to call the medical team to treat my mom. She too experiences inflammations. And it kind of puts her off. I was afraid that it could be some form of cancer, but did not want to raise a false alarm.

Mom could be experiencing menopause too. The rashes are often reddish and she experiences heat waves which is a characteristic of menopause too. Do you experience this kind of symptom? Then it could be Lupus. Will be glad if you could enlighten me on this.

Brian

Have a beautiful day,

Kaitlan

Post edited by: oneloopykat, at: 12/12/2007 07:54

I am sorry to hear of your troubles. I am a lupus patient also and have been diagnosed and dealing with this for 19 years. I do have to suggest you call and make an appointment with a rhumatologist. It can take a while to get it, so call soon. A gp suggesting it is nothing to worry about, makes me uneasy. There are certainly things that need to be monitored with lupus. Our biggest problem is if the disease starts affecting our organs. If it is discoid lupus, often organs don't get involved. But, there is no way of knowing for sure. G.P.'s are great generalist, but Lupus requires a specialist, it's a weird disease. Best of luck, and check back on this forum. It's helped me!

Beth