Fundamentals of the Invisible Disease: Lupus

What it is

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), often just called lupus, is:

• An autoimmune disease. This means the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its healthy cells and tissues, leading to inflammation and damage in organs or systems.
• A long-term (chronic) disease that affects many different parts of the body.

There are many signs and symptoms of lupus.

• This can make it hard for doctors to diagnose.
• Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening.

There is no cure for lupus, but it can be treated.

• The earlier you can diagnose lupus, the better you can treat and manage it.

Types of Lupus

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common form of lupus. It can affect a person's joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels. This form of lupus is more likely to occur in people from racial and ethnic minority groups than in non-Hispanic White people.
• Cutaneous lupus is a skin disease that affects people with or without SLE in the form of a rash or lesions. There are two major forms – discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus.
• Neonatal lupus occurs when a developing baby is exposed to lupus in the womb during pregnancy. It can cause skin, liver, or blood problems, which can be treated at or before birth.

Fact‎

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common type of lupus.

Causes

The causes of lupus are not known. However, they may be linked to a person's environment, family history (genetics), or hormonal factors.

Family History

If you have a close family member with lupus, your risk of getting it may be slightly higher than others.

• Some people with lupus have relatives with lupus. However, most people with lupus do not have family members who also have the disease.

How is lupus diagnosed?

Diagnosing lupus can be challenging because symptoms can vary from person to person and come and go. However, it is crucial to remember that early diagnosis is within your control. By recognizing the symptoms and seeking a diagnosis as soon as possible, you can take the first step towards managing your symptoms and preventing potential long-term damage to your health. Typically, healthcare professionals must assess medical history, family history, symptoms, and laboratory tests to make a diagnosis.

How to manage symptoms

Since lupus symptoms vary widely from person to person, effective management depends on the individual's symptoms and needs. It is crucial to take an active role in managing your symptoms. This includes regular doctor visits, adherence to prescribed medications, and following your treatment plan.

To best manage your symptoms, it is important to:

• See a doctor regularly.
• Take medicines as prescribed.
• Follow your treatment plan.

Healthy

Making healthy choices and learning to manage your care can help you have a better quality of life despite living with lupus. By being physically active, eating nutritious foods, getting plenty of rest, avoiding smoking, and using sunscreen, you can take control of your health and improve your quality of life.

Making healthy choices

For example, people with lupus should:

• Be physically active.
• Eat healthy foods.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Avoid smoking cigarettes.
• Use sunscreen and avoid too much sun.

Learning self-care skills

Self-management education can help people with lupus learn the skills needed to:

• Manage daily life activities.
• Take medications as prescribed.
• Better communication with doctors.
• Take steps to improve energy.
• Better manage pain.

Treatment and recovery

The goals of treatment are to:

• Manage the symptoms you have.
• Prevent future increases in symptoms (flares).
• Stop or delay damage to joints and organs.
• Reduce inflammation.

A team approach

Given the diverse symptoms of lupus and its potential coexistence with other autoimmune conditions, a team of specialists may collaborate on your treatment. This approach ensures comprehensive care and better disease management.

• Lupus has many different symptoms.
• People with lupus may have other autoimmune conditions as well.

The team of specialists may include:

• Primary care providers.
• Rheumatologists.
• Pain management specialists.
• Physical therapists.

Medications to treat lupus

The main treatment for lupus involves using medications that suppress the immune system. These may include:

• Hydroxychloroquine is a medicine also used to treat malaria.
• Corticosteroids (medications that reduce inflammation and affect the body's immune system), like prednisone.
• Biologics (drugs made from living organisms), like belimumab and rituximab.

Things that worsen the effects of lupus

Certain things can worsen lupus, increasing flares and possibly a person's risk of death.

These things include:

• Not having access to health care.
• Getting diagnosed with lupus long after having it.
• Not following a treatment plan.

Finding Strength in Christ

Living with lupus can sometimes leave women feeling overwhelmed, weak, and discouraged. The physical and emotional toll of a chronic illness like lupus can challenge a person’s endurance. However, the Bible offers profound encouragement for those facing such trials, reminding us that our true strength comes not from our abilities but from our faith in Christ, providing unwavering support and encouragement.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, the Apostle Paul shares a personal revelation he received from the Lord regarding his struggles. Paul wrote, "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will most gladly glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions, distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."

Paul’s words are a source of hope for anyone experiencing physical suffering or weakness, including women with lupus. His message reveals that God’s grace sustains us when we feel most vulnerable. The paradox is clear: in our moments of weakness, we are strong because the power of Christ works through us. This does not mean we will always feel physically strong, but it means that God’s strength will carry us through the most difficult times.

Leaning on Christ in Weakness

As women of faith, we can draw comfort from knowing that we don’t have to rely on our own strength to endure the challenges of lupus. Whether it’s the physical pain, the fatigue, or the emotional strain that lupus brings, we can lean on Christ to provide the strength we need each day. Isaiah 40:29 reminds us of God’s promise: "He giveth power to the faint, and they that have no might he increaseth strength." When women feel they have reached their limit, God will lift them and empower them to keep moving forward.

Rather than focusing on our limitations, we can focus on God’s unlimited power. In moments of prayer and reflection, we can ask for God’s strength to fill us, knowing His grace is sufficient for whatever we face. Philippians 4:13 encourages us: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." This verse does not imply that our challenges will disappear, but it does affirm that through Christ, we have the strength to persevere.

Surrendering Control to Christ

One of the hardest aspects of living with lupus or any chronic illness is the feeling of loss of control. Daily life becomes unpredictable, and plans often have to change because of flare-ups or symptoms. However, surrendering our need for control and trusting in God’s sovereignty is key to finding peace and strength in Christ.

When we surrender our struggles to Him, we invite God’s strength into our lives. Matthew 11:28-30 offers a beautiful invitation from Jesus: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." This promise of rest is especially comforting for women with lupus, as Jesus invites us to exchange the heaviness of our burdens for His lightness and peace.

Surrendering to Christ does not mean giving up; it means acknowledging that our strength comes from Him. It’s about trusting He knows what is best for us and will equip us to handle whatever comes our way. When we trust Him, we can confidently move forward, knowing we are never alone in our struggles.

God’s Strength for Each Day

Living with lupus often means taking things one day at a time. Some days may feel overwhelming, but God’s strength is available daily. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us of God’s faithfulness: "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Each day, God provides new mercies, new strength, and the grace to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

As we navigate the ups and downs of living with lupus, we can rest in the assurance that God’s strength will be there for us every step of the way. While we may have limitations, God’s power is limitless. Through Him, we can find the endurance to keep going, the courage to face difficult days, and the hope to trust in His plans for our lives.

Resources

• National Resource Center on Lupus
• The Lupus Initiative
• Lupus Foundation of America
• Be Fierce. Take Control., a health campaign by ACR and LFA