What is lupus?!
Question:
What is lupus?
My friend has been diagnosed with it and want to know how to be able to support her best.
Answers:
It's a weakness of the immune system - whereby your immune system attacks your own body cells - usually cells in major organs such as the heart, lung, skin (causing a characteristic red butterfly rash), or even brain.
It can be life threatening, but is often managed well for years with medication - sufferers usually take steroids to reduce the inflammatory response.
have a look at
www.uklupus.co.uk or
www.lupusuk.com
for more information.
You can support your friend by being understanding when she is down and fatigued, as this is one common symptom, and keeping her morale up.