What exactly is a lupus flare?

[jennawings]

This may be a silly question and I'm assuming that it is a prolonged period of bad days when symptoms are playing up?

Does anyone have the feeling that it's too much effort to breath?

[Thaddeus]

Hello

A flare can be anything from a short episode of total crapness, to several weeks of total crapness.

As I am sure you are aware by now, lupus is a very personal illness, in that we each have our own version of it. So the exact nature of your flare might be very different from mine, and also it will change from episode to episode.

The definition is that your immune system is going into overdrive and attacking one or more organs or systems.

[Hidden]

A sudden worsening of symptoms is probably the best description. Happened to me yesterday, was feeling amazing then i was floored with fatigue and pain, i hope your well ^.^ x

[Bonnie39]

Agree. When I'm bad lying in bed is painful and too much effort, forget about getting up. It totally floors me.

[lennox]

You will know urself whe your having a flare I can't even get out of my bed and for weeks after I can't even leave my house alone everyone is different depends one they type lupus you have where it's attacking, I coped really well for 7 years then hit me like a brick wall, and all you can do is ride it out with medication pain killers and plenty of rest,

[jamg3916]

Lupus is so individual and so varied, I find it's when all symptoms are worse. I also find depression much worse and become very tearful as well as exhausted and painful. It is even a struggle to breath. I know it will pass and this is only thought that keeps me afloat at those times.

[JJKANE]

I agree with lennox , you will know it's like hitting a brick wall and you will sleep and not be a ble to move or tolerate noise , light ... Tell your GP as it begins and ride it out . Try not let it get you depressed . X

[dgleds]

I can start out feeling ok...little bit of stress i feel like deflated balloon. Im like half of who I use to be..vibrance has gone...stupid little things crop up...I haven't felt real well for about a year....tired to the max...I guess I have spurts to go out etc..but I don't get far.