What you need to know

What you need to know is that Lupus is not a fun disease. Many don't even know what it is. So I am here to tell you what you need to know.

I come across people daily that think that Lupus is some "thing" or not a big deal or they won't have any idea what it is. Well I am here to tell you all what you really need to know. Since lupus is not easily diagnosed and not as well known like other diseases such as cancer or HIV, it often goes unnoticed and unknown. Let me give you some awareness, that I hope you will share with everyone you know. Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body). Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six weeks and often for many years. In lupus, something goes wrong with your immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs ("foreign invaders," like the flu). Normally our immune system produces proteins called antibodies that protect the body from these invaders. Autoimmune means your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body’s healthy tissues ("auto" means "self") and creates autoantibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue. These autoantibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body.

• Lupus is also a disease of flares (the symptoms worsen and you feel ill) and remissions (the symptoms improve and you feel better). Lupus can range from mild to life-threatening and should always be treated by a doctor. With good medical care, most people with lupus can lead a full life.
• Lupus is not contagious, not even through sexual contact. You cannot "catch" lupus from someone or "give" lupus to someone.
• Lupus is not like or related to cancer. Cancer is a condition of malignant, abnormal tissues that grow rapidly and spread into surrounding tissues. Lupus is an autoimmune disease, as described above.
• Lupus is not like or related to HIV (Human Immune Deficiency Virus) or AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). In HIV or AIDS the immune system is underactive; in lupus, the immune system is overactive.
• Research estimates that at least 1.5 million Americans have lupus. The actual number may be higher; however, there have been no large-scale studies to show the actual number of people in the U.S. living with lupus.
• It is believed that 5 million people throughout the world have a form of lupus.
• Lupus strikes mostly women of childbearing age (15-44). However, men, children, and teenagers develop lupus, too.
• Women of color are 2-3 times more likely to develop lupus.
• People of all races and ethnic groups can develop lupus.
• More than 16,000 new cases of lupus are reported annually across the country.

I am here to tell you what you need to know. If you are a friend or family member of a person that has lupus your support is very much needed. Lupus is a very serious disease that can be fatal. It is not an easy disease to deal with. One day you can be feeling well the next day you can be unable to walk. Your body can literally turn on itself to the point where your vital organs cannot function properly. It is treated with drugs, but realize there has not been a specific lupus drug in over 50 years.

What you need to know is lupus can destroy a person's body, mind and soul. I beg that you make sure that you are not minimizing a person's pain because you are not well educated about this disease. If one does not have the support of family and friends it can really make it that more difficult for the lupus survivor to handle the disease. It is not a joke, there are people dying daily of this horrendous disease and those who are survivors are truly blessed to be able to tell their story and help another.

What you need to know is that a lupus survivor does not want to be treated differently, we don't want to be felt sorry for, we just want to be understood. When we can't get out of bed or when we can't walk as fast as we used to, when we don't sound or act like the person you once knew, when we sound tired, aggravated or upset, know that it is not you. It is the disease and if you could only understand that, life would be that much easier.

What you need to know is lupus is serious, as serious as any other disease you have heard of. There is no cure, you can't just change your eating habits and be ok or just take a supplement and be the epitome of health or just stop working and find tomorrow you are disease free. It is a life change that can be managed but is a struggle from day to day for every lupus survivor.

Today I ask that you take the time to really understand the disease and educate another.


Someone you know has lupus, it is me. Help me today by understanding & respecting me by educating your self and others about this disease.

Spread Lupus Awareness your way, Just Spread it TODAY!

If you have lupus, contact me today, let's keep our support uplifting and inspiring for one another.
Racquel
Be Blessed, Be Encouraged & Be a Blessing
"I have lupus, lupus does NOT have me!"
http://www.lupusincolor.com