If someone has lupus, how long do they usually live for?!

If someone has lupus, how long do they usually live for?

I had three cousins with lupus. One of them died in her late 50's. The other two are in their 40s and are doing well. As I understand it, life expectancy with lupus depends upon many things, including the severity of the disease, what organs are involved, and how well the patient takes care of him- or herself. In some cases a normal lifespan is possible; in others the lifespan might be shortened. This makes lupus somewhat similar to diabetes. It CAN shorten your life but doesn't necessarily have to.

My cousins all have lived very full and interesting lives. They would have flareups during which they'd sometimes need to go into the hospital, but then they'd come right out again and go back to living. So for them it seems to be more of an inconvenience than anything.

My cousin who died had a severe case of lupus from the time she was around 16 until her death in her late 50's. The disease affected her kidneys and she underwent two kidney transplants, both of which failed. It then attacked the lining around her heart, leading to infections, which I think is what finally took her life. She was a very active and happy person and lived every minute to the fullest. I hope to do half of what she was able to accomplish.

I hope my answer helped!