(2)Those diagnosed with lupus often find themselves confused and angry because they seem fine but internally their body is failing them.

What causes lupus?

        The cause of lupus is unknown. Doctors believe that genetic predisposition and environmental factors play a role in those being diagnosed with the illness. To be diagnosed with systemic lupus, 4 of  11 criteria have to be met ranging from a butterfly rash on the cheeks, sensitivity to sunlight, arthritis to anemia. 
        A complete list of the "11 criteria can be seen at, http://www.lupusresearchinstitute.org/lupus-facts/lupus-diagnosis. The Lupus Research Institute was developed to find a cure for the illness. The Institute is dedicated to supporting those with lupus as well as preventing, treating and seeking ways to cure the illness.

• Environmental factors: Persons who have a low tolerance for sunlight, certain medications and infections can be more susceptible to being diagnosed with lupus.

• Genetic predisposition: Researchers believe that patients develop antibodies against their own tissues. Also they suspect that some people have lupus genes, in which certain drugs, viruses, chemicals in the environment as well as stress can trigger and activate the gene.

What is lupus?

       
            Systemic lupus, which will be referred to as lupus, is a chronic illness where the healthy antibodies and cells work against itself. While the immune system is supposed to keep us healthy, in lupus, the immune system becomes confused and the antibodies attack healthy tissues and organs.  In essence, the body attacks itself.
            Lupus can be a mild condition, but because the illness can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, blood, heart, lungs, and other internal organs, lupus can appear in different forms and with different intensities at different times in the same person. A large number of people can live a normal life and have few symptoms. But without proper care and medication, the mildest form of lupus has the potential to be life threatening.
        The American College of Rheumatology provides a succinct definition of lupus at http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical
/patients/diseases_and_conditions/lupus.as.  The Foundation's mission is to be an advocate for patient awareness and through research improve the lives of those with rheumatoid diseases.  

Who does lupus affect?

        According to the Lupus Foundation of America, more than 1.5 million people have been diagnosed with lupus. The Foundation estimates that 10,000 to 15,000 or more new cases of lupus are diagnosed each year.

• More women  are diagnosed with lupus than men.

• African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Native-Americans  and Latinos have the highest incidence of Lupus.
  
• Men can be diagnosed with the illness.
  
• Lupus occurs more frequently than leukemia, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and several other well-known diseases.
  

Can I die from lupus?

"When I went to the doctor's office, I was so stiff that I could barely move. I knew something was wrong. He gave me some medication, took my blood work, and a couple weeks later, I was back in his office to know my results. Lupus? I looked at my doctor and said, "Am I going to die? I was so afraid that I was going to die."
*Martina, who was diagnosed with lupus at 23. 

(3)Fear and uncertainty permeates the lives of those diagnosed with lupus. For some, they question "why did this happen to me?" Others feel hurt, confused, upset and vulnerable.

       

        Lupus is easily treatable with medication if detected early and depending on what body part the illness affects. One problem in diagnosis is that there are no single set of symptoms or patterns to look for in the disease. Also, lupus can mimic the symptoms of many other diseases, such as cancer, infections, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and many other diseases.
        In 1948, Dr. Malcolm Hargraves of the Mayo Clinic described the lupus cell, which is a cell found in most patients with lupus. His discovery enabled physicians to diagnose lupus with a simple blood test.
       

*Name changed to protect privacy