Living with Lupus: Personal Insights on Hardest Symptoms

Greetings, I am sharing my personal journey with lupus, focusing on the symptoms that are most challenging to manage. Lupus is a complex autoimmune disorder that affects different individuals differently, targeting various organs and systems in the body.

Common Lupus Symptoms

Lupus symptoms can be debilitating and vary widely from one person to another. Some of the most common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, and exhaustion. Exhaustion can be particularly challenging, as it differs from the usual tiredness we all experience. It can be a constant and overwhelming feeling that can limit daily activities and overall quality of life.

Joint Pain and Muscle Aches

Joint pain and muscle aches are also prevalent among lupus patients. For me, these symptoms have been a long-lasting issue. Joint pain can be debilitating, especially when it affects daily life activities like moving around or performing daily tasks. Muscle aches, on the other hand, can be a nagging discomfort that lingers, making it difficult to find relief.

Treating Lupus Symptoms

Medications like Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) play a significant role in managing lupus symptoms. For me, it has been a life-saver as it improves my overall energy levels. Other treatments, such as getting in a pool, can also provide relief. The buoyancy of water helps reduce joint pain and can be a soothing experience post-move or during particularly challenging days.

Types of Lupus

There are several types of lupus, with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) being the most common and severe. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, SLE affects multiple organs and body systems, making it a more complex and challenging condition to manage. However, the symptoms can overlap, and it's easy to confuse the two.

Social Security and Lupus Qualifications

For individuals seeking disability benefits, achieving a specific level of impairment is necessary. According to Social Security guidelines, lupus qualifies as a disability when it involves two or more organs or body systems, along with at least two major signs or symptoms such as severe fatigue, fever, malaise, and involuntary weight loss.

Comparing Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Although both lupus and rheumatoid arthritis share common symptoms like pain and fatigue, they are distinct conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints. My personal experience is that lupus is a more severe condition, causing a range of symptoms that can significantly impact daily life, especially when it comes to physical exertion and recovery from tasks like moving house.

Personal Story of Moving and Lupus

For me, one of the hardest days was the day we moved house. Despite the help of a removals firm, the entire process was exhausting. The physical exertion from packing and moving heavy boxes, as well as assembling a new bed in the middle of the night, left me in terrible pain and completely exhausted. The disrupted sleep only amplified the pain, and the process taught me the importance of mental and physical well-being.

Living with lupus requires constant attention and adaptation, but sharing these experiences can help others understand the challenges involved and encourage more research and support for those affected.

For more information on lupus, please visit [Lupus Foundation of America website].