Living with an autoimmune disorder can be maddening. On the outside, people may appear healthy. Yet they suffer from burning skin, aching joints, and crippling fatigue on the inside. Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that affects an estimated 1.5 million Americans. However, those newly diagnosed often do not know enough about this debilitating disease.
A lupus diagnosis is scary, but learning more can help patients ease into their new reality.
It is a chronic disease
Lupus can affect people young and old, but most sufferers are women between 15 and 44. There is no cure for this condition. Individuals can manage their symptoms through diet, exercise and medication.
Symptoms can come and go
Those with lupus can live a relatively normal life. But when the disease flares, it can be debilitating. Over time, it can lead to severe problems like hair loss, cognitive problems or kidney failure
Social security disability is available for lupus patients
Working when living with a chronic illness is difficult, if not impossible. Those living with these impairments are eligible for social security disability to help with wage loss when their disease state meets specific parameters. First, two body parts must show signs of the disease, such as the kidneys and skin. Second, patients must also experience two or more life interrupting symptoms, like frequent fevers or fatigue.
Suffering from lupus is a lifelong challenge. Patients can manage the disease through lifestyle changes, but sometimes that is not enough. Financial support is available for those suffering from chronic illness.
