Please share an interesting fact about living with lupus.

Ignore: Most lupus patients will lead normal life with the newer treatments available! don't fret!

Ignore: From the meds to the symptoms, lupus can cause quite an emotional strain, leading to depression.

Ignore: Be certain your rheumatologist uses the ifa test for ana. The other types of ANA will miss lupus.

Systemic: Systemic lupus in children is a generally more severe disease that requires more intensive treatment.

Ignore: Use at least SPF 15 sunscreen from the start of spring to fall. UV light can affect SLE.

Ignore: Enjoy the outdoors but remember to use sunscreen between 10AM - 3PM to help minimize sun induced rashes!

Ignore: Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is an essential med in controlling the disease and preventing future complications.

People: People with Lupus are at very high risk for coronary artery disease and heart attack.

Ignore: Join a lupus support group. Social support can help you cope with lupus and its symptoms.

Different: You will encounter other living with lupus erythematosus but no one has exactly the same set of symptoms.

Ignore: SLE is 10 times more common in women than men, affects young patients in 20-30s.

Ignore: Family support and emotional support is important.

Ignore: Stay healthy and rest, avoid exposure to direct sunlight but check your vitamin D levels.

Ignore: Lupus patients should avoid sulfa-containing antibiotics because of a high incidence of flares.

Always: Always get a urine test and kidney function test done. If abnormal then see a kidney doctor asap.

Ignore: For lupus, have your heart checked at least yearly. Make sure lipids and bp normal, and exercise!

Ignore: Women w/ lupus who need birth control, who have antiphospholipid antibodies should NOT use estrogen!

Ignore: Avoid sun as that will make you more fatigued and the rash will worsen.

Ignore: Fibromyalgia co-exist with SLE in up to 10-30% . Regular exercise and healthy lifestyle helps pain.