THE DIAGNOSIS OF LUPUS
LUPUS is an auto-immune disease, a type of self-allergy, whereby the patient's immune system createsantibodies which instead of protecting the body from bacteria, viruses and other foreign matter attack the person's own body tissues. The causes symptoms of extreme fatigue, joint pain, muscles aches, anaemia, general malaise, and can result in the destruction of vital organs. It is a disease with many manifestations, and each person's profile or list of symptoms may be different. LUPUS can mimic other diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis, making it difficukt to diagnose by GPs as they see few cases of LUPUS and thus are not alert to its possibility.
Physicians are often cautious with their diagnosis as they do not want to label anyone until they are certain of LUPUS. Morerover, a careful review of the patients entire medical history is necessary, coupled with analysis of results obtained from tests relating to their immune status to provide accurate diagnosis. Currently there is no single test that can definitely say whether a person has LUPUS or not. Only be comprehensive examinationand consideration of symptoms and their history can a diagnosis be achieved.
LUPUS is a complex disease in which almost every system in the body can be affected , and the diagnosis is based on a combination of symtoms, signs and test results. Once a diagnosis of LUPUS is made, the patients symptoms should be treated as necessary . The goal of the treatment is to control the symptoms and the disease so that the patient can lead as normal life as possible.
Dr Graham R V Hughes MD FRCP
Consultant Rheumatologist.
St Thomas Hospital
London.+
Shes So ABFAB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Amazing 11 year old Abby Louise Tombs fought for survival from the day she was born - and now she has been hailed as "inspiration" and been nominated for Bighearted Scotland Award for her incredible charity work.
The brave youngster, fron Govanhill Glasgow, suffers from Lupus a auto-immune disease which attacks her kidneys and makes her weak and tired. But she is determined to help others and devote at least three days a month to helping Kidney Research UK, raising an estimated £10,000 so far.
"Abby's enthusiasm and passion to help others is overwhelming. She pushes herself because she awants to help others. What a selfless little girl, a true inspiration," said Liz Mcguinness, the charity's Scottish events organiser.
Abby's proud parents Margaret, 32, and David, 33, nominated her for the Bighearted Scotland Child of the Year award.
Award winners will be announced at a star studded celebration hosted by BBC Sportscene presenter Dougie Vipond in Glasgow's Marriot Hotel on September 4th with gongs presented by First Minister Alex Salmond. If you know someone special with a heart of gold, nominate them at bigheartedscotland.org. Categories are Bighearted Scot of the Year, Child of the Year, Carer, Fundraiser, Sports Person, Business Person and Entertainer.
Abby was born 12 weks prematurely and was so poorly she was given her last rites. She was kept in hospital until she was 2 months old. but made a remarkable recovery.
Then three years ago she was diagnosed with Lupus. She endured seven months of chemotherapy to kill cells attacking her kidneys, and will have to take steriods for the rest of her life.
But despite her problems, Abby has become an unoffical ambassador for Kidney Reaesarch UK, organising a race night, urging others to do fundraising challenges, and in 2007 - just weeks after finishing her chemotherapy - leading a charity walk accross the Forth Road Bridge.
Liz Mcguinness said "Abby dedicates at least three days a month to helping me raise lifesaving funds.
"This is a huge commitment if you consider that it can be very hard for her to even do everyday activities because of her illness.
Kathleen Nutt News of the World