BMJ  2006;332:1374-1376 (10 June), doi:10.1136/bmj.332.7554.1374

Practice

The patient's journey: systemic lupus erythematosus

Jane Robinson, patient

38 Percival Street, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE3 6AU cambslupus@ntlworld.com

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

It is fitting that the Latin word for wolf should be "lupus," because the wolf in my life is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). My symptoms include rashes, ulcers, fatigue, anaemia, depression, photosensitivity, hair loss, joint and muscle pain, flu-like signs, kidney problems, headaches and migraines, and weight gain and loss. The condition carries increased risks of miscarriage and heart disease. No two people with lupus are alike; their journeys may differ greatly.

I am 37, I was diagnosed with lupus 12 years ago, and I have no idea how my lupus will continue to affect me or what complications I might have.

From the age of 10, I went to my general practitioner with various symptoms—rashes, joint pain, and mouth ulcers. They were put down to my age, too much sport, not enough sport, and even not being able to sweat properly. The symptoms never presented together nor were they . . . [Full text of this article]


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Rapid Responses:

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Systemic lupus erythematosus - An example of unetiological medicine
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