An Explanation of Lupus, Please

I think it would great if someone could explain what Lupus is, how and who is affects, and the complications for those who are WLSers. Grace

Hi Grace, lupus is an autoimmune disease where the anti-bodies that we have to help fight infection and disease goes awry and begin to attack healthy tissues and organs. The antibodies get confused and just go crazy and multiply because of what it is attacking. The main complications, some life threatening are when major organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys (most common) and brain are attacked. there are many symptoms that can lead to lupus such as a butterfly shaped rash, fatigue, joint pain, abnormal blood tests, etc. Lupus is found to be hereditary and is more common in hispanics and african americans. Women tend to have lupus more so than men but it usually affects men a lot worse. Anyway I have a lupus group online if you would like to learn much more about this unique disease. http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/sistahswithlupus Thank you for your questions. Madame Yess

I think you asked this question on the main board and I responded... if it wasn't you or you still have questions please feel free to ask here and I will try my best B

www.lupus.org www.nih.gov www.webmd.com you will find some useful info about lupus on these websites