my fiancee has sle lupus and I don't believe that I understand it enough can anyone assist with the symptoms and feelings that you have?

Hi Rob. I think the fact that you have asked the question show you care for her. Lupus affects families, not just the person diagnosed. I have mixed connective tissue disease, which includes Lupus and from talking to people I have come to the conclusion that people are affected in slightly differing ways. The joint problem is a major one, exhaustion, heat flashes, that is without the internal problems. It is vitally important that your fiancee accepts her limitations and listens to her body. When she has had enough...it is time to rest. I also have brought two sons up, full time job and house single handed so I understand the impact it has. I have weight loss and sometimes the feeling of frustration is overwhelming. I currently have a cold..not like everybody else where is lasts a week....I am in my third week!! Sometimes the problems is not being able to see that somebody is unwell, but being there for her is really important. I think she is luckly to have you. I don't think I would be functioning were it not for my partner who is a very caring and understanding man. Good luck and I hope you look after one another!

Hi.i am 38. I have had sle lupus since 2007. I am glad that you have interest in supporting your partner. Many partners.. Mine included doesn't understand how crippling it can be. I have other health issues as well . So Having lupus just makes everything else worse. There are many symptoms of lupus.. For example.. I constantly feel like I have the worst flu ever. My whole body aches , constant joint pain, headaches, and sun reactive. If I go out in the sun just for a short time ,I get really sick.. The red rash that you get on your face can appear in other places such as your arms and feet so cover up and use really good sun cream . I think that fatigue is the worst. It seems that the worse the lupus gets the more tired i am. I basically have to peal myself of the couch just to do the dishes. My kids are now 15 and 10 so they understand that I need some help. Simple things like hanging the washing , can really help. Exercise would help in the early stages. Keep moving slowly, it will help in the long run. ... Remember have the flu shot.. If you get a simple cold it will feel like the flu. Lupus basically kills your immune system. You get sick really quick and it is really hard to get rid of it. I hope that this helps. If you have any questions don't be afraid to ask.

Hi there.. I hadn't heard back so I was concerned as to how u are coping? Are things better now?