Can anyone tell me some more signs of Lupus?

Hi, this was posted on our home page to help some of our patients that need support:

Basic Lupus Facts

"Typical" clinical features include:

- Fever, fatigue, and weight loss
- Arthritis involving multiple joints for several weeks
- Butterfly-shaped rash over the cheeks or other rashes
- Skin rash appearing in areas exposed to the sun
- Sores in the mouth or nose for more than a month
- Loss of hair, sometimes in spots or around the hairline
- Seizures, strokes and mental disorders
- Blood clots in different locations
- Miscarriages in some patients
- Blood or protein in the urine or tests that suggest poor kidney
function
- Low blood counts (anemia, low white blood cells or low platelets)

- Other symptoms include chest pain when the patient breathes deeply,
heartburn, abdominal pain and poor circulation to the fingers and
toes.

- All of these symptoms can develop gradually, making lupus hard to
diagnose.
漏 2008 American College of Rheumatology

Lupus affects Asians, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, African
Americans, Hispanics, Latinos, and Native Americans
disproportionately.

Although it affects women nine times more than men in their child
bearing years, men are affected. Children are affected.

It is redundant of the previous poster, I know.

Another thing that you should know is to NEVER eat alfalfa.

A great book to read is called the "Lupus Book" by Dr. Daniel J. Wallace - It's a great reference and easy read.

The blood TESTS (more than one) is the most indicative and important thing you should follow (sign) with regard to lupus. Always follow up with your Rheumatologist, keep up withyour meds and stay out of the sun. Even if your skin "seems" alright and you "seem" to be in remission, you need to always take care of yourself.

Hope this helps.

Good luck.

Common Symptoms of Lupus

Painful or swollen joints and muscle pain
Unexplained fever
Red rashes, most commonly on the face
Chest pain upon deep breathing
Unusual loss of hair
Pale or purple fingers or toes from cold or stress (Raynaud's phenomenon)
Sensitivity to the sun
Swelling (edema) in legs or around eyes
Mouth ulcers
Swollen glands
Extreme fatigue