lupus

[SpreadWing]

Dear guys, i have SLE which was diagnosed 2 months ago! How did I find out? Anemia, hair loss and swelling of the joints. Doctors gave me therapy plaquenil 2 per day and corticosteroids. Now all the results are ok, stopped with corticosteroids, but kept plaquenil 2 per day. First question, what do you think about therapy? Second question is this disease dangerous? Third what about skin and wrinkles (I’m 40 years old). I will truly appreciate your help. Im sooo new in this and kind of scared.

[StriatedCaracara]

Lupus UK and Lupus Foundation of America have good websites.

I got a second hand copy of DrDonald Thomas' Lupus Encyclopedia.

Them there are video clips where others share stories and folk can learn about different subjects. healthunlocked.com/lupusuk/...

[MusicalFurbaby]

Hi SpreadWing and welcome! I assume by ‘therapy’ you’re asking about medications? Meds are different for everybody, some people get great benefits while others only a few, some people have side effects while others have none. Work with your doctor to find the meds and dosages that are right for you.

In terms of lupus being dangerous, that’s an ‘It depends’ question. Lupus targets different organs in the body, so it depends which organs it targets. It sounds, from your description, that so far your lupus has targeted your blood and joints. It may or may not target other organs at a later stage, there’s no way to know. Technically, lupus is non-fatal, but in some people it can target vital organs such as the heart or kidneys, and then you do have to address it immediately. But some people never experience this. Lupus can target the skin, but it’s hard to say whether it will or not. Lupus is quite random and unpredictable.

Best thing to do is stay in touch with your doctor, review your medication regularly, and tell them whenever you notice new symptoms. That will help both of you stay on top of things. Good luck to you x

[Kevin53]

The steroids hopefully have calmed things down. The plaquenil will continue to control flares hopefully.

Please contact LUPUS UK for support and free information.

Best wishes

Kevin

[michaellasmith Administrator]

Dear SpreadWing,

It is great to hear that you have had positive results from your treatments. Please see attached below some links to some of our publications that you may find useful:

lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u...

lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u...

lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u...

If you need any advice or just to talk to someone, you can call our helpline on 01708 731251, which is available from 9am until 5pm Monday to Friday.

Warmest regards,

Michaella 😊

[daniel55 in reply to michaellasmith]

Hi Sreadwings welcome to the group MusicalFurbaby has much described Lupus as it is there are three main groups of medication antimalarials such as hydroxychloroquine, steroids and immunosuppressants. Hydroxychloroquine is usually the main choice of treatment. read up on some of the information provided about Lupus to increase your knowledge don't get scared by any of it as not all will apply to you if you have any questions don't be afraid to ask your Doctor. Good luck xx