DEAR DR. GOTT: I have recently been diagnosed with lupus. My specialist hasn’t really given me tips for living comfortably with it. He has prescribed prednisone for my flare ups but I cannot use it very long even though it is like a miracle drug as it makes me feel so good. I just need things to do so I won’t hurt so much.
DEAR READER: Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system incorrectly attacks its own healthy tissues and organs. The most unique sign is a rash that resembles butterfly wings unfolding across the cheeks and nose, but generally speaking, lupus can be rather difficult to diagnose because the signs and symptoms resemble so many other ailments. Stress is a known factor.
Symptoms may vary from patient to patient; they may appear suddenly or develop over a period of time. They may be mild or more pronounced, temporary or permanent. Since the disease can affect the skin, joints, brain, heart, lungs and more, the symptoms each individual experiences will depend upon which body system is affected. Generally speaking, however, an individual with lupus may experience the facial rash I mentioned above, joint pain, stiffness, fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, headaches, memory loss, confusion, dry eyes and Raynaud’s phenomenon (fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold).
When the heart is affected, inflammation of the heart muscle may occur. This may be accompanied by an increased risk of heart attack and cardiovascular disease.
When the lungs are affected, the inflammation present may cause painful respirations.
If the brain becomes involved, headaches, dizziness, stroke, seizures, hallucinations and behavioral changes may occur. It may be difficult to express thoughts and ideas.
With kidney involvement, kidney damage and failure may occur. Kidney problems can cause a number of different symptoms, including leg edema, vomiting, nausea, itching and chest pain.
The cause of lupus may be genetic but may also be triggered by specific medications such as those prescribed for high blood pressure, seizures, and infection requiring antibiotics. When a drug is the culprit, symptoms will disappear when the medication is discontinued.
While it can affect anyone at any age, the disorder is more common in women and those between the ages of 15 and 40. Hispanics and African Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with lupus than are Caucasians.
Testing for diagnosis may include a complete blood count, sedimentation rate, ANA tests, urinalysis, chest X-ray, or echocardiogram.
Treatment might begin with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), flaxseed, fish oil with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and supplements containing dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) that may allow you to reduce the dose of prednisone you are taking. Other than your corticosteroid (prednisone), anti-malarials or immunosuppressant drugs might also be prescribed by your physician. I recommend you exercise appropriately each day, eat a healthful diet with whole grains, fruits and vegetables included, avoid stressful situations, get sufficient rest and above all — take precautions when going out in the sun, since ultraviolet light can trigger a flare up. Wear sunscreen whenever out-of-doors, a hat, a long-sleeved shirt and pants.
If you are subjected to stress, consider yoga or tai chi, take time out to read, listen to good music, and do what feels right. Explain to your friends and family what you are going through so they can better understand the frustration you must feel at times. Join a support group and share your experiences. Simply put, do what feels good and right for you but begin with taking good care of your most prized possession — your body.
