My mother was diagnosed with lupus in the mid 70's and at that time the doctors thought that there was literally no chance that I or my offspring would "inherit" lupus. Unfortunately, that is what happened. I developed lupus 12 years ago at age 32 and my daughter was diagnosed 5 years ago, at age 17. This can run in families. I developed phlebitis and arthritic pain on the left side of my body. After endless blood tests and several months I was found to have the Anticardiolipin Antibody. I was subsequently diagnosed with the "Lupus Anticoagulant Syndrome", which is not the same as a diagnosis of "Lupus". You can have one without the other, though they usually do go together. Even though my mother had lupus, it took several years for me to get a diagnoses of lupus mainly because I have a negative ANA. (Antineuclear Antibodies) I've gone through the usual laundry list of symptoms: extreme sun sensitivity, arthritic pain, hives, various rashes, extreme weakness and fatique, brain fog, migraines, hair loss, and even a liver scare which corrected itself. I went through a 4-year flare so severe that by the time it was over I couldn't climb a flight of stairs. During this period I started taking numerous drugs, including Prednisone. While I do believe that Prednisone is a wonder drug, it is not without it's side effects. One of the least side effects is weight gain. I gained 80 lbs. the first few months I was on the drug; The worst side effect I developed was bone loss. After taking steroids at various dosages over a period of time, I developed osteoporosis. This brings me to the reason for writing this story: WHILE ON PREDNISONE, MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE AN ADEQUATE INTAKE OF CALCIUM. ASK YOUR DOCTOR HOW MANY MGS. OF CALCIUM YOU SHOULD TAKE PER DAY. IF HE/SHE DOESN'T KNOW, CHECK WITH THE OSTEOPOROSIS FOUNDATION FOR THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS.
Even though my mother had lupus, it took several years for me to get a diagnoses of lupus mainly because I have a negative ANA. (Antineuclear Antibodies) I've gone through the usual laundry list of symptoms: extreme sun sensitivity, arthritic pain, hives, various rashes, extreme weakness and fatique, brain fog, migraines, hair loss, and even a liver scare which corrected itself. I went through a 4-year flare so severe that by the time it was over I couldn't climb a flight of stairs. During this period I started taking numerous drugs, including Prednisone.
While I do believe that Prednisone is a wonder drug, it is not without it's side effects. One of the least side effects is weight gain. I gained 80 lbs. the first few months I was on the drug; The worst side effect I developed was bone loss. After taking steroids at various dosages over a period of time, I developed osteoporosis. This brings me to the reason for writing this story:
WHILE ON PREDNISONE, MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE AN ADEQUATE INTAKE OF CALCIUM. ASK YOUR DOCTOR HOW MANY MGS. OF CALCIUM YOU SHOULD TAKE PER DAY. IF HE/SHE DOESN'T KNOW, CHECK WITH THE OSTEOPOROSIS FOUNDATION FOR THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS.
Also, make sure your physician periodically screens you for osteoporosis. The State of New Jersey states in their guidelines that after 3 months on prednisone that you should have a bone density test. I didn't know that I had osteoporosis until I broke a rib while bending over the sink brushing my teeth.
WITH PROPER CARE, YOU CAN PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING TO YOU.
On a more positive note, after being in a four year flare with no end in sight, I am happy to report that you can get better and can even lead a normal life again so don't give up... There is hope! I don't want to scare anyone but my life's mission is to stop people from getting osteoporosis. Many physicians are not doing their job in this area. If you already have lupus you sure don't need another desease. Broken bones are not fun and can be crippling.
I don't want to scare anyone but my life's mission is to stop people from getting osteoporosis. Many physicians are not doing their job in this area. If you already have lupus you sure don't need another desease. Broken bones are not fun and can be crippling.
(As patients with an incurable disease, we cannot afford to lay all responsibility for our well-being upon any health-care provider, be it physician or nurse. As adults, we must assume the responsibility of participating in our own health-care needs; such as, asking about supplimental vitamins & minerals, exercise, physical therapy, laboratory tests, and explanations of lab results.)
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