What is Lupus?

When I was diagnosed with Lupus in 2007 I was completely devistated. I was only 23 years old, the prime of my life, just gotten married. The hardest for me was that I would not be able to be active as I was, and being on really strong meds for the rest of my life.

When I told friends and family they had no idea what Lupus is and there is actually not much knowledge about Lupus - so before I start my diary I would like people to know be more aware of Lupus.

The Lupus that I have diagnosed with is: SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) is a chronic autoimmune connective tissue disease that can affect any part of the body. As occurs in other autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks the body’s cells and tissue, resulting in inflammation and tissue damage.

SLE most often harms the heart, joints, skin, lungs, blood vessels, liver, kidneys, and nervous system. The course of the disease is unpredictable, with periods of illness (called flares) alternating with remissions.

My lupus affects my joints. And since I have been diagnosed I have not had the privelledge of getting it into remission. There are days that I feel over the moon and almost like my old self. Then there are those dark and gloomy days where I am in so much pain, don't have any energy and feel that the world can just swallow me up.

Signs and Symptoms

SLE is one of several diseases known as "the great imitators" because it often mimics or is mistaken for other illnesses. This was so true in my case. I first started getting pains in my hands. Originally I thought it is because I was doing a lot of typing work, started progressing to my ankles and knees. Finally someone at work said that I should go and see a doctor. I went to my GP and after some blood test he diagnosed me with Rheumatoid arthritis. He had put on a course of medication - however I was not getting any better. Long story short - I went to see a Rheumatologist and that is when he had diagnosed me with SLE.