My personal experience with Lupus;
I have suffered with Lupus since "1995". Unfortunantely, autoimmune diseases run in my family. My mom, sister, aunts and cousins all suffer from various autoimmune diseases. I was diagnosed with discoid lupus(skin lupus) in "1995" and with systemic lupus in "2005". My skin lupus produces rashes on different parts of my body. The rashes usually occur once or twice a year or not at all. The last rash I had occurred in "2006". My rashes do not really itch, but they can cause scarring. I usually treat the rash with a cortizone cream. The systemic lupus I suffer with can cause pain, swelling and tiredness. Everyday is a different day for me. I never know how I'm going to feel from day to day. Most people that I know and sometimes people I don't know tell me I look GOOD to be suffering with an autoimmune disease. Well, looks can be deceiving. No one ever told me that auto immune diseases have a "look". I may look good on the outside, but my body is fighting itself inside. This results in pain, swelling and tiredness most of my days. Not to mention the side effects from the medications that my body has to deal with.

Before I was diagnosed with Lupus, my mom would complain about her auto immune disease on a daily basis. She would complain about pain, stiffness and tiredness and also side effects from her medication. I used to say to myself it can't be that bad. I will admit, I thought she was complaining unnecessarly. Now that I have an auto immune disease, I know that was not the case. She was complaining because this disease is no joke. I would not wish this disease on my worst enemy. Everyday, I am in some level of pain. Some days are much worse than others, but I continue on my journey to live my life the best way that I can.

What's my next step with this disease? My goal is to try natural remedies to treat this disease. My mom is currently getting chiropractic care for her auto immune disease and she is starting to see positive results in reducing her pain and swelling only after one month. I also want to eat all organic foods. I must avoid pesticides that are sprayed on foods. I'm allergic. Massage therapy at least twice a month would be nice and getting more into natural herbs.

Info provided by Lupus Foundation of America, Inc.

Introduction to Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, blood, kidneys and brain. Normally the body's immune system makes proteins called antibodies, to protect the body against viruses, bacteria, and other foreign materials. These foreign materials are called antigens.

In an autoimmune disorder like lupus, the immune system cannot tell the difference between foreign substances and its own cells and tissues. The immune system then makes antibodies directed against itself. These antibodies -- called "auto-antibodies" (auto means 'self') -- cause inflammation, pain and damage in various parts of the body.

Inflammation is considered the primary feature of lupus. Inflammation, which in Latin means "set on fire," is characterized by pain, heat, redness, swelling and loss of function, either on the inside or on the outside of the body (or both).

For most people, lupus is a mild disease affecting only a few organs. For others, it may cause serious and even life-threatening problems. Although epidemiological data on lupus is limited, studies suggest that more than 16,000 Americans develop lupus each year.

The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) estimates between 1.5 - 2 million Americans have a form of lupus, but the actual number may be higher. More than 90 percent of people with lupus are women. Symptoms and diagnosis occur most often when women are in their child-bearing years, between the ages of 15 and 45.

In the United States, lupus is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Asians, and Native Americans than in Caucasians.

Related Links ;

Lupus Foundation of America
Softpedia

Walk for Lupus ;

Disability Digest Resource Page - http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/ M embers.htm