Hi all,

I was just wondering, is Lupus fatal. Do people w/ Lupus live a long life or is there life span shortened?
thx in advance :)

The information I was given by my doctor says "For most people, lupus can be managed well, others my face serious, sometimes life threatening problems"

From what I understand from my dr.'s - most people can now a full life span with lupus - this is because of the advances in treating the problems it causes. As with any disease, a minority of people do not respond to treatment.

I hope this helps you.

Thx for the quick rsponse....
Maybe you can help me w/ a few questions.

I have been feeling ill for some time now,

Loss of weight (but great appetite)
brain fogginess,
paplpitations
losing hair (but not in patches, YET)
cold
tired
VERY itchy skin, No rashes except for the damage i do from scratching.
Insomnia
very light menstrual periods
Anxiety/depression
Sensitivity to light
Just recently joint pain (2 days, in ankles, legs, kness, arms, fingers)

my dr says i have antibodies for thyroid inflamation (TPO&TG) but cant diagnose me because TSH and rest is normal.

I asked can it be lupus and she looked like, ahh, not really sure. (Surprised me).

I know she did Bloodwork, a 24 hour urine check, and I saw from a bloodwork sheet in 2004 (not that this means much, was 2 years ago, a anti nuclear was negative)...dont even know why it was run.


do you think something wouldve showed with the normal bloodwork and urine testings?

What were your syptoms and how were u diagnosed........
THX So much!

Lupus is different for many people. It can attack any body tissue. My doctor explained people die as a result if the attack is bad enough over time to destroy and is a result of destrucion such as if you have it attack your kidneys, it may cause your kidneys to be replaced and be on dialysis in the meantime. I mixed connective tissue disease ( a mixture of lupus, schleroderma etc) my biggest problems are being tired, brain fog, and pain all over my body. I feel as though if I had a generator to do things it would be great. I used to be able to do so much, now I make myself do things but don't feel any energy. I just want to have my energy back.

My girlfriend died of Lupus after a 10 year battle with the disease. I understand that they are taking volunteers for stem cell research that has been very successful in treating Lupus. In some cases the Lupus has been gone for two years now.