LIVING WITH LUPUS

Living with lupus
One of the most important aspects of lupus is the individual's ability to help control their disease.  Sun exposure, excessive fatigue, uncontrolled stress, poor diet or lifestyle habits are factors, which may trigger a flare and should be avoided.  A good working relationship with the physician, the willingness to take medications as prescribed.  The strong support of family and friends and membership in lupus organizations will all help to positively affect the outcome of therapy.

Lupus flares often follow the same pattern with the same combinations of symptoms reappearing.  With the physicians help the patient may be able to identify the early warning signs of a flare and then alert the physician should they appear.  While false alarms are frequent, this early identification can be important as most flares are easier to treat when they first begin rather than after they have gained momentum.

The individual's education should also include knowledge of the other possible symptoms of lupus.  Throughout the person's history, new symptoms may develop and those who know the warning signs will be able to bring the presence of new symptoms to their physician's attention.

Living with SLE is a challenge and an education, but people who have lupus can learn how to meet this challenge and live a full and meaningful life.  It helps to know that, with close medical supervision, most people can live a relatively normal life, that remissions or quiet intervals may occur and that lupus organizations exist to provide information and coping support.

What about the future?
The scientific investigation into the cause and cure of SLE is proceeding at a tremendous rate led by physicians and researchers at medical centers around the world including Canada.  This research has led to the improvement of tests for diagnosing lupus and greater ability to predict when lupus flares will occur.  As a result, physicians have developed more expertise in evaluating the symptoms and signs of SLE and, with earlier detection, treatment can be started sooner.

In many treatment centers, information from patient records is being collected and stored in computer programs. Analysis of this large body of information is providing the tools to make treatment choices for individual symptoms. Lastly, utilizing the advanced technology available today, laboratory research is making great progress in the search for a cure.

Greater physician awareness, better diagnostic techniques, improved treatment regimes and the promise of a cure bring hope to all whose lives are affected by lupus.