Living With Lupus

Despite the symptoms of lupus and the potential side effects of treatment, people with lupus can maintain a high quality of life overall.

           Keys to manage lupus:

  • Understand the disease and its impact
  • Learn to recognize the warning signs of a flare to ward it off or reduce its intensity
  • Receive regular health care, instead of seeking help only when symptoms worsen
  • Maintain good communication with your doctor

Important Lifestyle Information

Photosensitvity

Abnormal light sensitivity, or "photosensitivity," is a major feature of both systemic lupus erythematosus and cutaneous lupus.  Two thirds of the people wth lupus have problems with ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) radiation from the sun.  If you are going to be outside for more than 5 minutes, use an appropriate sunscreen for protection.  It is best to do your outdoor activites earlier in the morning due to UVB sun exposure being its greatest midday.

Diet

People with lupus should eat a nutritious, well balanced diet.  There are soem suggestions that fish, or specifically eicopentanioc acid in fish oil, might have modest anti-inflammatory properties.  Studies show that eating the equivalent of two fish meals a week clearly helps rheumatoid arthriits pain.  An amino acid, l-canavanine, is found in alfalfa sprouts and shows it can activate the immune system increase inflammation in lupus patients.  Alfalfa sprouts should, therefore, be avoided.  Lupus patients taking corticosteroids should limit their sugar and salt intake.

Depression

Depression and Lupus

Depressive illness often goes unrecognized in those who have other medical illnesses because it presents symptoms so similar to those of the underlying medical condition.  It is important to work closely with your doctor when diagnosing depression.
For patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), symptoms of depressive illness that quite naturally can be attributed to the lupus condition include:

  • inactivity
  • loss of energy and interest
  • insomnia
  • pain intensification
  • diminished sexual interest and/or performance