The results of an ANA test as well as symptoms seem to indicate that I have Lupus. I have looked at webmd and gotten a lot of information about the disease but the one question I have is never answered. Is Lupus fatal and if so what is the likely course of the disease? So far I have some fatigue but most of the symptoms are muscle and joint pain. I also plan to ask my md when I see him after the next round of tests but in the meantime your help would be appreciated.
2007-03-28 05:50:57 · 9 answers · asked by Poohcat1 7 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
If left untreated, Lupus is manageable and if treated properly you can live a long life jus t like any other manageable diesease. I will pray for you!
2007-03-28 05:56:55 · answer #1 · answered by pattiof 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, I'm sorry to hear about your pending diagnosis. It's not easy to find out you have something that will affect the rest of your life. My mother-in-law and sister-in-law have been living rather productive lives with lupus, so there is hope. Both have Masters degrees and are constantly on the go.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease. Anything that affects your immune system makes you vulnerable to infections more than other people. It's not as severe as HIV or something like that (not even really related, so don't worry about that) but it can lower your body's defenses. Mostly, there is a lot of discomfort associated with the illness, and more sick days than your peers.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is another common illness associated with Lupus, which can degenerate your joints. You have to have a skeletal system, so that's something you want to keep an eye on.
Good Luck and God Bless!
2007-03-28 05:57:58 · answer #2 · answered by dbackbarb 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry to hear that you are suffering.
Bit disconcerting and discouraging. But Who know tomorrow the scientists discover a new antibiotics to cure this disease. Don't discourage, you will certainly be cure.
Lupus is a disease seen in significantly fewer men than women. lupus is not as common in men due mostly to male hormones being less compatible with lupus related activity. Male hormones usually suppress autoimmunity, thus males with lupus usually have below normal testosterone levels and other androgens.
Female hormones have a great compatibility with lupus, as estrogen can promote autoimmunity with increased inflammation.
Most cases of SLE develop in childbearing years when the production of estrogen increases, yet with SLE patients the hormone is metabolized differently. This difference can result in vaginal dryness or even vaginal ulcers associated with Sjogren's syndrome. Also, amenorrhea (lack of menstruation) can occur in 15 to 25 percent of female SLE patients between the ages of 15 to 45. Even irregular periods are not uncommon along with greater malaise and cramping during menstruation.
For more detail joint this site:http://healthresearchtoday.com/lupus
Good Luck and God Bless!!!
Anousha
2007-03-28 06:08:30 · answer #3 · answered by Tubby 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a friend with a rather severe form of lupus...she's in her mid-30s and been dealing with this more than decade. She is under the impression that it could kill her at anytime, she's heard before that people with lupus often don't make it past their 30s. However, I have found this to be not true. And apparently there's two forms of the disease - one that attacks the blood stream and one that attacks the internal organs. Two really good friends have both dealt with mothers with lupus with two separate outcomes...my friend Rob's mom ended up wasting away to nothing (her husband lovingly called her camel knees), eventually succumbing to a heart attack in her 50s. My friend Amy's mom is still alive and well last I heard, she is also in her 50s, perhaps close to 60 something by now. Back to the friend I originally mention - as I said, she does have a rather severe form...from August to December or January, she spend much more time in the hospital than out - from local hospitals to the Cleveland Clinic and Ann Arbor. Right now, she's under control and usually better in the summer months...one piece of advice my friends who have mom's suffer from lupus have passed on is to pay close attention to your doctor, be sure to do what he says, follow his instructions to a 't'.
2007-03-28 06:07:06 · answer #4 · answered by Sunidaze 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are studies reporting that women with lupus have a heightened risk of developing abnormal PAP smears, and early changes that put them at risk for cervical cancer. Women with lupus should be investigated regularly for these cervical change, especially in the first five years following their lupus diagnosis. I have lupus and I have had cervical cancer. Lupus is not cure-able,but it is treatable.Taking proper care of herself and seeing the doctor regularly, your friend will live long....
2016-03-17 03:58:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I'm very sorry that you are going though all of this, but I think its pretty rare for someone to die from this. I'm not 100% sure of this.
I believe that there is a reason you are here. So don't think of the bad just enjoy your life and bring hope into others. I will pray for you. Good luck.
2007-03-28 06:01:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have a friend that has lupus very rare for it to kill you but if its not treated it can cause you to be very miserable good luck
2007-03-28 05:54:13 · answer #7 · answered by cwilsonhappylife 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes.
2007-03-28 07:15:17 · answer #8 · answered by awsmgman 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You should ask your doctor.
2007-03-28 05:55:07 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋