My first lupus symptom was extreme fatigue. I noticed that even after sleeping for a full eight-hour night, I still felt exhausted, as though I hadn’t even slept. It was difficult to get motivated to do everyday tasks like cleaning the house or going to work, as I was too worn out to even keep my eyes open.
I also experienced extreme joint pain, especially in my knees and hands, which caused difficulty with ordinary activities like walking or even holding silverware. I also had regular breakouts of a red, rash-like condition on my face, chest, and other parts of my body that didn’t go away with any type of conventional creams or medications.
I was constantly feeling chilled, even in the heat of summer. All of these combined led to me finally being diagnosed with lupus.
What were your early symptoms of lupus?
My early symptoms of lupus began with an intense feeling of fatigue. This was a fatigue that left me feeling exhausted after even simple tasks like taking a shower or folding a basket of laundry. I also began to experience several other symptoms such as joint pain, difficulty sleeping, headaches, skin rashes and sensitivity to light.
I also started to notice some of the more serious symptoms of lupus such as chest pain, shortness of breath and difficulty in swallowing. Eventually my doctor performed several blood tests and was able to confirm my diagnosis of lupus.
I was lucky that I had caught my symptoms early as lupus can be incredibly serious if not treated properly and in a timely manner.
What does the first lupus flare feel like?
The first lupus flare can vary from person to person, but in general may include fatigue, pain, rashes, fever, joint swelling and stiffness, chest pain, headaches, and anemia. A Lupus flare can be unpredictable and can come and go, that may last for days or weeks at a time.
During the first flare, it is common to experience a wide array of symptoms and some that may not have been seen before with other flares.
For some people, the most common symptom of a Lupus flare is a malar rash. This rash appears on the face as a butterfly shape, and is one of the best ways to diagnose Lupus. Other symptoms include headaches, fever, hair loss, and alopecia.
Depending on the severity of the flare, people may experience more fatigue, joint pain, confusion, cognitive fog, swelling, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. There may also be episodes of Raynaud’s phenomenon, where the fingers and toes turn white and blue from lack of circulation.
While each person’s symptoms may vary depending on their individual situation, the most common symptom to expect with a Lupus flare is fatigue. This can range from mild to severe and can be debilitating and interfere with day-to-day activities.
It is important to seek medical attention right away if a person experiences an increase in symptoms, as early diagnosis is one of the best steps for successful management of Lupus flares.
What are daily struggles with lupus?
Living with lupus can be an incredibly challenging experience and requires a great deal of patience, understanding, and self-care to manage the condition. Common daily struggles with lupus can include fatigue, pain and discomfort, muscle and joint pain, flares of symptom intensity, mobility issues, difficulty concentrating and difficulty sleeping.
All of these symptoms can make daily tasks, from working, to household errands and taking care of your family, challenging and demanding. Other struggles with lupus may include feeling isolated, managing relationships, employment difficulties, and difficulty accessing the care one needs.
It is important to know that lupus affects each person differently and the daily struggles vary from person to person. It is important to take time to form a well-rounded care plan that works best for you, alongside your healthcare professionals, in order to effectively manage lupus and its associated symptoms.
How does lupus usually start?
Lupus usually begins with a range of symptoms that vary from person to person, including fatigue, joint pain, fever, and a “butterfly” shaped rash across the face. Other common early signs of lupus include dark patches of skin on the face or other parts of the body, chest pain when taking a deep breath, hair loss, and sensitivity to light.
In addition, many people with lupus experience changes in mood or cognitive function such as trouble with memory or concentration.
It can be difficult to diagnose lupus since the symptoms tend to wax and wane and they are similar to those of other conditions. For instance, fatigue can occur with a number of illnesses and the rash associated with lupus can mimic other rashes.
As a result, many medical tests are needed in order to confirm a diagnosis. These tests can include a full blood count, antibody testing, urinalysis, imaging tests, and a tissue biopsy.
It is important to note that lupus can be unpredictable and flare-ups can occur without warning. Therefore, it is important to speak with a doctor if you have any of the symptoms associated with lupus in order to determine the correct diagnosis and treatment.
What are the 11 indicators of lupus?
The 11 indicators of lupus are often referred to as the “11 common signs and symptoms of lupus” and include:
1. Extreme fatigue
2. Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness
3. Skin rashes, typically on the face and across the cheeks
4. Sensitivity to the sun
5. Unexplained fever
6. Swelling in the ankles, feet, and/or hands
7. Pain in the chest upon deep breathing
8. White patches on the skin or inside the mouth
9. Hair loss
10. Abnormal blood clotting
11. Butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose
The symptoms of lupus may vary for each person, making it difficult to self-diagnose. It is important to talk to your doctor if you think you may have lupus and to be mindful of any changes in your condition.
Early and appropriate treatment can help prevent the condition from getting worse.
When should you suspect lupus?
It can be difficult to diagnose lupus since it shares symptom with many other conditions, and it may be absent or mild even in people who have the condition. Some of the primary signs of lupus that people should be aware of include fatigue, joint pain and swelling, skin rashes, fever, chest pain, sun sensitivity, hair loss, anemia, swollen glands, and other issues.
In more severe cases, lupus may also cause kidney problems, seizures, headaches, cognitive issues, and vision or hearing problems. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect lupus, and keep track of symptoms over time to determine whether or not a diagnosis of lupus or another condition may be necessary.
So be sure to discuss all of your symptoms with your doctor in order to determine the best course of action.
Can you just develop lupus?
No, lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease which means it is not something that one can just develop. Lupus is caused when something goes wrong with the immune system, causing it to attack healthy tissue.
The exact cause of lupus remains unknown, but it is thought to have a genetic component, which means it can run in families. Environmental triggers, such as sun exposure and certain medications, may also cause lupus to flare up.
Symptoms of lupus vary but often include fatigue, joint pain, a butterfly-shaped rash on the face, and issues with the kidneys. Diagnosis of lupus is based on a person’s medical history and a physical exam, as well as testing for certain antibodies in the blood.
Treatment of lupus may involve medications, lifestyle modifications, and coping strategies, such as stress management and emotional support.
How long can you have lupus without knowing?
It is possible to have lupus without knowing for an extended period of time, depending on the severity of one’s condition. Early signs and symptoms of lupus may appear gradually, making it difficult to detect in the early stages.
Some people may experience mild symptoms for weeks, months, or even years before receiving a diagnosis. In many cases, the disease remains undetected until a serious health problem arises. The most common symptoms of lupus include fatigue, joint pain, fever, butterfly rash on the face, and photosensitivity, such as an intolerance to sunlight.
People affected by lupus may also experience changes in blood, inflammation, and pain throughout the body, as well as nerve damage, organ failure, and skin problems. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, the chances of developing serious, long-term complications from lupus can be significantly reduced.
Furthermore, it is important to be aware of the potential signs and symptoms of lupus to ensure early treatment and management of the condition.
What are the early signs of lupus in females?
Females are at an increased risk of developing Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disorder that can affect multiple areas of the body, such as the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart, and lungs. The early signs and symptoms of Lupus can be very different in each person, making diagnosis difficult.
Common early signs of Lupus in females include extreme fatigue, joint pain and/or swelling, unusual rashes, and sensitivity to sunlight.
Other signs and symptoms may include dry eyes, shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, confusion, and memory loss. In some cases, Lupus may affect the central nervous system, causing seizures, visual disturbances, and even depression.
In addition to the more commonly experienced symptoms, some women may also experience blood clots, weight loss, and round marks on the skin known as “butterfly rashes”. Any of these signs and symptoms should be taken seriously as they may indicate the presence of Lupus.
If you experience any of these early signs of Lupus, it is important to visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
How do you know if a lupus flare is coming?
It can be difficult to know if a lupus flare is coming since the signs and symptoms vary from person to person. However, there are some potential warning signs that can indicate an oncoming flare. These can include fatigue, joint pain or swelling, a butterfly-shaped rash on the face, fever, increased sensitivity to sunlight, abdominal pain, chest pain, and changes in blood test results.
If you are living with lupus and have experienced flares in the past, it is important to be aware of any changes in how you are feeling – even if they seem minor – that could potentially be signs of an upcoming flare.
Additionally, regular check-ups with your doctor can help them monitor your health and pick up on any potential flares early.
What should you not do if you have lupus?
You should be very careful if you have lupus. It is important to avoid any activities that can be too strenuous or cause overexertion. It is also important to stay out of the sun, since lupus is a sensitive autoimmune condition and exposure to the sun can trigger flare-ups.
It is also important to get plenty of rest and to avoid stress. Additionally, you should avoid certain drugs and supplements that are known to interact with lupus and make your symptoms worse. These include antimalarials, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, ACE inhibitors, interferons, and certain antibiotics.
Additionally, it is important to avoid smoking, as this can result in a variety of health issues for people with lupus. Finally, it is best to avoid alcohol or limit your intake, as this can worsen your lupus symptoms.
How do you cope living with lupus?
Living with Lupus can be incredibly challenging, and it is important to have adequate emotional and physical support in order to cope. It is important to find the right balance between rest and activity to avoid over-exertion and energy depletion.
Make sure to ask for help from family and friends, as well as from your doctor or care team whenever necessary.
Creating a healthy daily routine can also be beneficial in coping with Lupus. This includes eating healthy, regulating sleep patterns, exercising properly, and attempting to reduce stress levels. Also be sure to take prescribed medications as they are intended and report any side effects to your doctor.
Living with lupus can also have an effect on your mental health. Be sure to speak with a qualified mental health professional about any despair or anxiety about living with Lupus, or just to get guidance on how to manage your emotions and find acceptance.
Regularly scheduled counseling sessions, support groups, and online forums can also be beneficial.
Overall, it is important to understand that coping with Lupus is not easy, but it is possible. By taking care of yourself, connecting to your support system, and finding medical advice when needed, you can make sure you are managing your symptoms and living with Lupus to the best of your ability.
