How to Overcome Lupus

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a serious, chronic disease for which there is no cure. There is also no definitive test to indicate the disease. The Mayo Clinic lists 16 symptoms that can be lupus induced. If a patient has a significant number of these symptoms, the rheumatologist can make the diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. While there is no cure for lupus, it is possible for the patient to go into remission and be free from lupus flares. When a person has been free of flares for a significant period of time, she is said to be in remission and has overcome the disease.

Instructions

Steps in Overcoming Lupus

• 1

  Follow your doctor's instructions.

  Begin to combat lupus as soon as you are diagnosed with it. A diagnosis is a wonderful thing because it enables you to begin your fight to overcome it.

• 2

  Take the medications your doctor prescribes.

  Take the medications your rheumatologist prescribes. The standard treatment for lupus is nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs like Motrin, Prednisone, Plaquenil and Belimumab. Cytotoxic, immunosuppressive drugs such as methotrexate are also used. Unfortunately, Prednisone can cause weight gain, according to the Lupus Foundation of America.

• 3

  Stay out of the sun.

  Avoid sunlight. Ultraviolet light causes lupus symptoms. Always apply sunblock every time you are exposed to the sun, fluorescent fixtures, black lights or a copy machine. This is one thing that will help you more than anything else to overcome lupus and put you in remission.

• 4

  Sun-proof your clothing.

  Cover up when you go outside in the sun. Ordinary clothes have an SPF of only about 7. Buy a product such as Sun Guard and wash your clothes in it. It will help block out more than 96 percent of the sun's rays and will last through several washes.

• 5

  Limit your time outdoors to when the sun's rays are the weakest.

  Limit your time outdoors to the hours before 10 a.m and after 4 p.m. when the sun's rays are weaker. Ultraviolet rays can harm you even on a cloudy day.

• 6

  Get plenty of restful sleep.

  Get plenty of rest and sleep.

• 7

  Use the power of prayer to overcome lupus.

  Join a prayer group and get people to pray for you.

• 8

  Keep your bedroom free of allergens.

  Make your bedroom an allergy-free sanctuary by eliminating all known allergens.

• 9

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