Living with Lupus what to expect

A chronic illness, lupus is different for each individual, but it often appears in cycles, which can consist of:

- a 'flare', with severe acute symptoms needing medical attention;

- a 'chronic' phase, when symptoms may continue but are less severe;

- a 'remission', when symptoms may disappear completely for long periods, but can return.

In the chronic phase, and especially in the remission phase (when it is easy to forget to take care), a person with lupus needs to avoid situations that can bring on a flare. These include getting too tired, intense stress, poor diet or other factors noticed by patient or doctor.

Lupus is a serious condition, but diagnosis and treatment are improving. Today it can be treated and controlled. More and more people with lupus are finding that they can be active and productive.