Discoid Lupus. I want to hear from anyone that is treating their discoid lupus with diet and exercise. Thanks?
914953
diet and exercise alone should be enough for a very mild version of disease, I would recommend you to consider systemic immuno suppresive therapy if symptoms are persisting or getting worse, good luck
801569
My wife is the bravest person I know.  She was diagnosed with Lupus at the age of 15.  The doctors told her that her life expectancy would be ten years.  Imagine being told that at fifteen.  Last year she turned 28 and finished dental school.  She is doing great.  We are planning on having our first child next year and have been given the help and support we need by loving and caring doctors.  Our life is wonderful, inspite of this terrible disease.  She has her good days and her bad ones.  Sometimes she can't walk up a flight of stairs or carry in the groceries but we look at eachother and laugh realizing that our kids will probably have to push us around in wheelchairs when we get older.  I love her more than anything and she feels the same about me.  I go to the doctors with her and share in her care.  There is hope out there and you have to find someone who will be willing to take the journey with you.  I'm not saying it's always easy, I have my down days too, but I wouldn't change a thing.  She has made me a stronger man and I have been able to have the life that I only dreamed of.  I wish you the best of luck.  Don't give up hope you'll find someone out there who's willing to share life with you.
445263
I suffer from the effects of lupus also. Your energy level is a hard thing to deal with, believe me I know. I personally do what I can when I am able. Have you talked with your doctor about it? My doctor gave me this same advice. "Do what you can when your level is up and rest when you need to". You have to allow your body to catch up. Sometimes when I over do it I end up in bed for days. Each person is different. I hope you have a good relationship with your doctor or doctors like in my case. So, when things change with your body's' health you can get the best advice for you. I would love to talk sometime, since we have the same disease. I know from my own experience that talking helps.
918726
It could very well be lupus because your symptoms fit the typical symptoms of that disease. Lupus is an autoimmune disease affecting mostly women and causing various effects throughout different parts of the body. Its severity can range from very mild to extremely serious depending on which body organs are afflicted. \n\nLupus is difficult to diagnose and often misdiagnosed unless there is a characteristic symptom such as the butterfly-shaped rash over the cheeks. There is no single definitive blood test for lupus and doctors have to make the diagnosis based on a variety of symptoms and diagnostic tests. Lupus is one of a group of conditions with vague symptoms such as fatigue or malaise, and may need to be distinguished from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, Type 2 diabetes, depression, Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, or various other conditions. If the main symptoms are joint symptoms, then various other causes of arthritis need to be considered. (Source: WD Writers) \n\nLupus (also called systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE) is a disorder of the immune system which normally functions to protect the body against invading infections and cancers. In lupus, the immune system is over-active and produces increased amounts of abnormal antibodies that attack the patient's own tissues. Lupus can affect many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, lungs, heart, nervous system, and blood vessels. The signs and symptoms of lupus differ from person to person, and the disease can range from mild to life-threatening. (Source: excerpt from NINDS Neurological Sequelae Of Lupus Information Page: NINDS) \nObviously you need to get a professional diagnosis. Go back to the doctor and this time inquire about lupus.
1023645
I work a lot with arthritis patients in the water.  Aquatics can relieve a lot of the pain as well as strengthen muscles to take the burden off the joints.  \n\nWhen  celebrex and vioxx was being taken off the market my students were worried.  One of the men brought in articles from the University of Michigan concerning their work with tart cherry juice and how it helps with gout and arthritis.  He had been drinking the juice and having good results.  Problem is that people get sick of the juice and it is high in natural sugar.  One of the ladies went on line and did some research and found CHERRYFLEX which is a capsule with cherry pulp in it.  Only 2 carbs a capsule I think.  You can check them out at CHERRYFLEX. com.  They will also gladly speak with you on the phone.  When my students were having good success with the product I decided to stop my Bextra and try it.  Because it is natural it takes at least a month to kick in.  I reduced my Bextra by half and took 1 capsule daily for 2 weeks and then stopped the Bextra completely.  I also take glucosamine, chondroitin & MSM combo.  All I can tell you is my knees are not perfect, but are better than they were on the drugs.  I do work out daily in the water and take the Cherryflex and above combo faithfully.  I can squat and do stairs better than I did 5 years ago.  Keep in mind that not everything works for everyone.  One of my ladies takes 3 Cherryflex a day, but that is what it takes to help her.  As with anything - check with your doctor before taking anything.  And if not in an exercise program - try water - it will make a HUGE difference in your life.   Good luck and feel better.
434594
How long did it take for you to get diagnosed after experiencing symptoms?\n\nHow has this diagnosis changed your life?\n\nAre you modifying your behaivior (diet/physical activity) to help keep it under control?
993085
(m)\n\nTreating Lupus \n\nDiagnosing and treating lupus are often a team effort between the patient and several types of health care professionals. A person with lupus can go to his or her family doctor or internist, or can visit a rheumatologist. A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in rheumatic diseases (arthritis and other inflammatory disorders, often involving the immune system). Clinical immunologists (doctors specializing in immune system disorders) may also treat people with lupus. As treatment progresses, other professionals often help. These may include nurses, psychologists, social workers, nephrologists (doctors who treat kidney disease), hematologists (doctors specializing in blood disorders), dermatologists (doctors who treat skin disease), and neurologists (doctors specializing in disorders of the nervous system).\n\nThe range and effectiveness of treatments for lupus have increased dramatically, giving doctors more choices in how to manage the disease. It is important for the patient to work closely with the doctor and take an active role in managing the disease. Once lupus has been diagnosed, the doctor will develop a treatment plan based on the patient's age, sex, health, symptoms, and lifestyle. Treatment plans are tailored to the individual's needs and may change over time. In developing a treatment plan, the doctor has several goals: to prevent flares, to treat them when they do occur, and to minimize organ damage and complications. The doctor and patient should reevaluate the plan regularly to ensure it is as effective as possible.\n\nNSAIDs: For people with joint or chest pain or fever, drugs that decrease inflammation, called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are often used. While some NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are available over the counter, a doctor's prescription is necessary for others. NSAIDs may be used alone or in combination with other types of drugs to control pain, swelling, and fever. Even though some NSAIDs may be purchased without a prescription, it is important that they be taken under a doctor's direction. Common side effects of NSAIDs can include stomach upset, heartburn, diarrhea, and fluid retention. Some people with lupus also develop liver, kidney, or even neurological complications, making it especially important to stay in close contact with the doctor while taking these medications. \n\nAntimalarials: Antimalarials are another type of drug commonly used to treat lupus. These drugs were originally used to treat malaria, but doctors have found that they also are useful for lupus. A common antimalarial used to treat lupus is hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)*. It may be used alone or in combination with other drugs and generally is used to treat fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and inflammation of the lungs. Clinical studies have found that continuous treatment with antimalarials may prevent flares from recurring. Side effects of anti-malarials can include stomach upset and, extremely rarely, damage to the retina of the eye.\n\n* Brand names included in this publication are provided as examples only, and their inclusion does not mean that these products are endorsed by the National Institutes of Health or any other Government agency. Also, if a particular brand name is not mentioned, this does not mean or imply that the product is unsatisfactory.\n\nCorticosteroids: The mainstay of lupus treatment involves the use of corticosteroid hormones, such as prednisone (Deltasone), hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone (Medrol), and dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol). Corticosteroids are related to cortisol, which is a natural anti-inflammatory hormone. They work by rapidly suppressing inflammation. Corticosteroids can be given by mouth, in creams applied to the skin, or by injection. Because they are potent drugs, the doctor will seek the lowest dose with the greatest benefit. Short-term side effects of corticosteroids include swelling, increased
437492
Talk to your doctor. See if s/he can recommend a nutritionist and a physiotherapist who can help you with diet and low impact exercise.
335236
I also had CFS and poor concentration. I decided to take drastic measures and cut out all sugar and white flour from my diet. The first two weeks, felt worse, but then I started to lose tons of weight, had tons of energy. Then I started walking. A little at first (you will be sore) and then more. I lost 70 pounds in 6 months and started running (ME!) I never felt better in my life, and have never had any more symptoms, except when I am not careful in my diet. You have to stick to whatever you decide to do- tell yourself it's like a marriage- sometimes you don't want to, but you do what's right, anyway.  Email me Trijoy726@yahoo.com. I will be happy to help if you need encouragement or support!
716597
I've never heard of this but maybe someone on this lupus forum has:\n\nhttp://curezone.com/forums/f.asp?f=52\n\np.s.  lots of people on this forum have cured their Lupus!\n\nhttp://curezone.com/dis/1.asp?C0=216
627085
I also have SLE Lupus....I get the sores/hives on my scalp mostly. What meds are you taking? Are you a stay at home mom? Steroid creams do help and yes, stress makes it so much worse. Use a sensitive skin face wash and use a steroid cream prescribed by doc. Take good care of your self and get the book Healthy Healing...lots of good advice for Lupus symptoms. Try to go on a detox for a week...this makes skin clearer and helps muscle pain.\n\nHope this helps. Email me if you want to know more about the book. I can email back everything the book says to do.
563620
Yeah, my friend from HS had Lupus as did my suitemate in college.  Check out the following sites for more info.  Be strong!  =)
183082
I know nothing about dropping hair, lymphatic cancer, or ptimal epilipsy but I do have Lupus.\nLupus is basically an overactive immune system that attacks health parts of the body. It is a serious disease but not always a deadly disease.  People with Lupus can live a decent life that is not necessarily shortened due to the disease. Hope this helps :-)
693704
Im so sorry that your mum is suffering from this very cruel debilitating condition.\n\nAs I know you will be aware lupus affects so many internal organs so working out if this is lupus related is not easy, as the painful neck could be down to usual wear and tear etc. Musco skeletal injury, back pain, knee pain etc often presents itself as neck and head pain.\n\nHas she thought about a neuromuscular consultation?   to eliminate the chance that she may have accumulative strain through holding herself stiffly? The fact that the pain is worse when she slouches seems to point to it being a lower back problem?  (We are all really good at standing on one leg if the other one hurts therefore damaging the good leg etc)\n\nA neuromuscular therapist could show her how to relax, how to move in pattern, and how to recognise when her everyday movements are taking her into pain?\n\nGood luck to you both
829918
Sweetheart, yours is falling but mine is gone!  I have rheumatoid arthritis too and my hair is in bald patches and spots and I wear wigs now. I have Systemic Lupus and hair loss is a symptom of the illness. Have you been screened for the anti body? If not you should be. There is no cure for the disease and it is terminal but not deadly, necessarily. Discuss this with your rhuematologist as it is a strong possibility that it's what's going on with you. There is no baldness in my family either, not even the males.
290740
Do a Yahoo! search for "anti-inflammatory diet".  I'm on one and it's working quite well.  Your milage may vary.  ;-)\n\nGlucosamine didn't seem to work for me or my husband but he's responded well to tumeric and ginger.
578673
Dear ljmuller,\nYou've certainly brought your medical concerns to the right place! The Y!A community members are fully aware of and do appreciate the intimate conditions involving your prognosis.\nMost recognized doctors in the field of medicine would employ a holistic approach to your ailment. ljmuller, please begin your day with a well balanced breakfast to include an ample portion of fruits and grains. After your morning routines are finished, enjoy a brisk walk around the block. If you happen to meet any stray dogs along the way, it would be a good idea to antagonize the creatures in order to add some vigor to your workout.\nNow ljmuller, the remaining portions of your day should be filled with interesting activities and new studies to keep your mind active and in balance, complimentary to what you have done with the physical side of yourself.\nAfter loitering around at the public library all afternoon with a bunch of smelly hobos, you can appreciate a warm bath and time to be good to yourself. Begin to collect an archive of various music genres that you can resolve one day to enjoy after you get the rest of your chores done.\nljmuller, if after following my advice, simply take two aspirin and forget we ever had this little discussion.\nThank you, ljmuller. Have a great day!\n-Kobb