HI
My mother has been sick for about 3 years now, she hasnt worked for the past 2 years. She just told me last week she has lupus. She's not really talking about it and would like to understand more about lupus. Some day's she's ok and other's she can hardly get out of bed and cant even open the carton of milk. Of what I understand is it like arthritis? I would really like to be there for her.
Thanks

Hello & welcome to you! First, I hope your mother is under the care of a good rheumatologist, and is receiving the lupus medication(s) she requires. And that she's under the care of any *other* specialists that she *may* need (like cardiologist, neurologist, nephrologist, etc.). Also that she has regular check-ups with any/all of the above.

Lupus is an "autoimmune" disease, meaning it's driven by malfunctions within a person's own immune system---NOT by outside agents like viruses, bacteria, etc. The patient's immune system is mistakenly producing antibodies that attack and damage the patient's own cells. The goal of the various medications used in lupus is to slow down the immune system, so it does less harm to one's body.

There are groups within lupus, but the type we think of when we hear the word is "systemic lupus" = SLE. It can range from mild to severe. In severe SLE, the major organs come under attack. But even in mild SLE, fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, etc. are common.

To read more: (1) Look at the "sticky posts" at the top of the Board; (2) click the "Resources" tab near the top of the screen, choose a resource, then look for "lupus"; and (3) in libraries & bookstores, look for a comprehensive book to borrow or buy. Two authors come to mind: Dr. Daniel Wallace, and Dr. Robert Lahita.

Just give a yell if the above doesn't give you a good start on a better understanding of your mom's illness, OK? I hope you continue to post here, and that your mom will join, too, if she can. The people here have such varied experiences & are unfailingly kind, I've found. Meanwhile, best wishes to you both, from Vee