Living with lupus

Lupus is a chronic progressive systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease which causes the major organs and systems to fail. There is no cure for the disease and the prognosis is very poor because the body doesn't recognize its own cells.

Below are some helpful tips to live with lupus.

1. Keep the skin moist by proper lubrication to avoid dry skin. Assess the skin daily looking for dry scaly rashes.

2. Good oral hygiene is highly recommended to avoid any infections because the immune system is poor.

3. Do not use harsh soaps or strong perfumes on skin. Clean skin with mild non-irritating soaps.

4. Apply the creams and ointments prescribed for rash without fail. Get help from family members for applying on areas where you cannot reach.

5. Identify the factors that causes tiredness and avoid them. Do involve in activities that are not tiring with intermittent periods of rest.

6. Anemia is one reason for tiredness and is common among lupus. Take iron, folic acid and vitamin supplements as prescribed.

7. Take protein rich diet if there is no evidence of kidney disease.

8. Conserve energy for normal activities. Do not strain yourself.

9. Corticosteroids, salicylates and anti-inflammatory drugs are the drugs of choice to keep going.

10.Hydroxychloroquine sulphate is prescribed to decrease inflammatory response.

11.Avoid exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet rays.

12.Have regular check-ups and keep an eye on proteinuria and red cell cast in urine.

13.Watch for any bruising, bleeding and injury.

14.Plasmapherisis is prescribed to remove auto-antibodies and immune complexes from blood before organ failure occurs.

15.Learn to monitor the signs of pleuritis, nephritis, neuritis, anaemia, hypertension, CAD and peritonitis. Nephritis sets in at an early stage.

16.Ventilate your feelings with someone close to you.

17.Get to know about the support groups nearby and learn from them about their coping mechanism.

18.Make the best use of community resources.

Check out whether your health care has included

1.Physical therapists,
2.Occupational therapists,
3.Psychologists,
4.Social workers and
5.Relaxation specialists.

And your holistic treatment includes

1.Physical therapy
2.Occupational therapy
3.Individualized home strengthening and stretching programs to improve range of motion, function and independence while protecting joints and reducing flare-ups
4.Integrative medicine (e.g., acupressure and acupuncture)
5.Manual therapy (e.g., massage and stretching)
6.Nutrition counseling
7.Sleep counseling
8.Patient education
9.Vocational counseling

Since Lupus is a chronic disease, preventing flares is a major challenge faced. Avoiding sunlight, switching to low fat diet are advised. To overcome pain analgesics can be taken. Learn to live happily with the disease, hoping for the condition to improve.