Lupus anyone?
Good Morning! I wonder what today as in store for me and I sit at my desk this morning. I hope everyone had a great Halloween. I didn’t do anything for Halloween; not even pass out candy. I went home and went to sleep and woke up the next day. I am looking forward to the weekend. I am finally getting a chance to go see my grandmother in Memphis. She is not doing so well though. She has cancer and it’s spread all throughout her body. She won’t go to the doctors to get treated, so it’s just a matter of time before I get a call from my dad saying she has passed away. I know this will hurt my dad and I don’t want to see him hurting but I am going to be there for him no matter what the case may be. I don’t know what to expect when I see her. I heard she has lost SO much weight. I believe she weighs less than 90lbs. Amongst all the other things that are wrong with her she also has Lupus Disease. I don’t know if it is hereditary or not. In fact, I am reading on it now. Here are some FAQ:
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune (‘auto’ meaning ’self’) disease in which the body’s immune system becomes ‘hyperactive’ and attacks the body’s normal tissues. It is much like the body being allergic to itself. Lupus is not contagious.
While there is not scientific proof that lupus is hereditary, it is suspected that some people may be more susceptible to lupus through genetics. 10% of people with lupus have a close relative with lupus or relative(s) who may develop lupus. Much research in this area is currently taking place.
People of all races can get lupus. However, lupus is 2 to 3 times more common among African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans than other races. Among African-American women, as many as 1 in 250 young women will develop lupus.
Certain factors may act as a trigger such as Ultra-Violet light, hormones, infection and possibly stress. While stress has not been proven to be a trigger factor in lupus, most people living with lupus will confirm stress is a major factor in the illness.
While there is still no cure for lupus, it can generally be controlled with medications. Research for a cure is ongoing and promising.
I am going to look into it a little more and see if I really need to be tested or not. Because I would like to know and that way if I were to have that then I would atleast start taking medications to control it.
Carla said,
November 2, 2007 at 5:52 am
hi!
I’ve had lupus since 1992. it’s very unlikely that you have it, just because your grandmother was diagnosed. you cna get an ANA blood test run probably by just your regular doctor, if it will calm your nerves.
the medications for lupus are pretty nasty, so you’re better off not taking them until and unless you need them. Generally they will treat you with prednisone, which has a lot of very bad long term side effects, and some very unpleasant short term ones as well: weight gain, mood swings, hair loss, anxiety.
if you want more folks to chat with, check out this chat room that i sometimes go to:
wehavelupus.com
i have found the folks there very helpful.
I’m sorry to hear about your grandmother. she could proabbyl get relief from her pain if she would jsut get some prednisone, which is very cheap to come by (just be warned, if you start taking prednisone, you can’t suddenly stop or you will get very sick and maybe die because it regulates your vital organs).
Ok, that’s my thoughts for now. kind wishes~
carla