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Dealing With Symptoms

© Karyn Moran Holton

Dealing with the day-to-day symptoms of lupus seems like a simple thing, especially when you compare it to the larger picture of trying to keep the disease process down to a minimum and avoid organ and system failure. However, even the largest, sturdiest rock can be worn down in time with the constant drip of the tiniest amount of water. In this same way, the constant drain of our resources by the "minor" symptoms of lupus can wear us down and keep us from enjoying life, even if we don't have a "serious" case.

Joint Pain

Joint pain is one of the most pervasive and debilitating symptoms of lupus and other autoimmune diseases. It limits (and in some cases, prevents) mobility, adds stress to our daily lives, forces us to alter our lifestyles, and takes away our ability to enjoy the simple pleasures of pain-free movement.

A few of the most common joints affected by lupus include those in the hands, wrists and fingers, the knees and hips. The most common symptoms are severe pain with "burning," "scratchy," "hot" and "aching" sensations. This pain limits the ability to move the joints, which can lead to stiffness and the atrophy of the muscles of the affected joint. In severe cases, deformity can result from the inflammation, the muscle atrophy and the stiffening of the joint.

Many of the medications that we take are specifically to reduce the inflammation that we suffer in our joints. Many lupies are finding relief with the newer arthritis medications that are available by prescription, as RA and joint involvement in lupus are very similar ailments. Physical therapy and regular, gentle exercises also help promote mobility and keep our range of motion as wide as possible. (Always talk to your doctor before starting on a new exercise regimen.) Many of us also find relief using heat packs, ice packs or topical analgesics like BenGay or IcyHot.

Hair Loss

Hair Loss: It's not just for your Uncle Bertie anymore! Hair loss (alopecia) is one of those symptoms that doesn't bother doctors very much, but can cause sleepless nights and hectic mornings for lupies. Sometimes the hair loss is generalized and we suffer from thinning, easily breakable hair. Other times, we lose hair as a result of the discoid rashes, leaving patchy, red, scaly bald spots anywhere on our scalps. Either way, it can be traumatic and extremely bad for our self-images!

Joint Pain	Hair Loss	Mouth Ulcers	Rashes
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