One of the most important aspects of lupus is the individual's ability
to help control their disease. Sun exposure, excessive fatigue,
uncontrolled stress, poor diet and bad lifestyle habits are factors
which may trigger a flare and should be avoided. A good working
relationship with your physician and the willingness to take medications
as prescribed are imperative. The strong support of family and friends
positively affect your health. Membership in lupus organizations will
allow you to give voice to your concerns and to share your ideas and
daily strategies with others.
Lupus flares often follow the
same pattern with the same combinations of symptoms reappearing. With
your doctor's help, you may be able to identify the early warning signs
of a flare and then alert the physician. While false alarms are
frequent, this early identification can be important as most flares are
easier to treat when they first appear rather than after they have
gained momentum.
The individual's education
should also include knowledge of the other possible signs of lupus.
Throughout the person's history, new symptoms may develop and those who
know the warning signs will be able to bring the presence of these new
symptoms to their physician's attention.
Living with SLE is a challenge.
People who have lupus can learn how to meet this challenge and live a
full and meaningful life. It helps to know that, with close medical
supervision, most people can live a relatively normal life; remissions
or quiet intervals may occur; and that lupus organizations do exist to
provide information and coping skills.
What about the future?
The scientific investigation
into determining the cause and locating a cure for SLE is proceeding
quickly because of the commitment of physicians and researchers located
at medical centres around the world, including Canada. This research has
led to the improvement of tests designed for diagnosing lupus and the
greater ability to predict when lupus flares will occur. Physicians have
developed more expertise in evaluating the symptoms and signs of SLE.
With earlier detection and a definitive diagnosis, treatment can be
started sooner.
In various treatment centres,
information from patient records is being collected and stored in
computer programmes. Analysis of this large body of information is
providing the tools to make treatment choices for individual symptoms.
Utilizing the advanced technology available today, laboratory research
is making great progress in the development of effective medications and
the continued search for a cure.
Greater physician awareness,
better diagnostic techniques, improved treatment regimes and the promise
of effective medications and an eventual cure bring hope to all whose
lives are affected by lupus.