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Common Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Alopecia (hair loss)
- Flu-like feeling (headache, fever)
- Malar rash (“Butterfly rash over cheeks and nose)
- Discoid rash (scaly patches of skin)
- Mouth and nose ulcers
- Bruise easily; tendency to clot
- Chest pain
- Muscle aches or tenderness
- Joint pain or swelling; arthritis
- Cold extremities (hands, feet)
- Gums bleed
- Serositis (lining covering abdomen and internal organs are inflamed)
- Renal disorders (kidneys)
- Neurological disorders (seizures; psychosis)
- Haematological disorders (low red, white blood cell and platelet counts)
- Photosensitivity (rash following exposure to sunlight)
- Recurrent miscarriages in women
- Weight loss/gain
- Frequent urination
- Nausea/vomiting
- Confusion/memory problems
- Dry eyes or mouth
Emotional Rollercoaster
Anger
Taking medication or going through intensive drug therapy can be upsetting. The disease prevents you from participating in certain activities and causes noticeable changes in your appearance which may embarrass you. It is frustrating to constantly be reminded that you have an illness. The feeling that you did something wrong can lead to negative thoughts and anger as well.
Depression
It is natural for anyone who discovers that they have a disease to be upset. Depression is often an emotion such individuals experience. Try to focus on staying positive and taking care of yourself. This can greatly decrease the amount of medication you will have to take, and therefore reduce the side effects. It’s common for lupus patients to secretly stop taking their medication, but it’s vital that you realize how serious such a decision can be. Lupus can be life-threatening if you don’t receive the proper care.
Hatred
Nobody likes to be sick. Constantly taking medicine, visiting different doctors, having blood tests, and receiving parental advice and reminders can be frustrating. It’s a continual reminder that you have a disease. Keep in mind that if you work really hard, your illness can go into remission. You can go longer amounts of time without symptoms. It’s a challenge; stay positive and take care of yourself; you can control lupus instead of letting it affect how you think.
What can you do? TALK IT OUT. You must understand the consequences of NOT doing exactly what the doctors say. If you don’t snap out of the depression and always feel angry, seek help! Talking to a therapist or sitting in on support group discussions can be very useful.
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