Lupus is a devastating disease, but it doesn’t have to ruin your life. Lupus—a chronic condition that causes your body’s immune system to attack its own tissues and organs—has been the subject of much research. At present, there is no cure, but there are many simple things you can do to help control the pain and inconveniences Lupus inflicts on people who suffer from it.

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Learn to live with the disease, not for it. Information is power. The more you know about your disease, the better you are able to fight it and minimize the symptoms. Do your own research. Seek information from support groups. Read, and ask questions. Keep a list of questions to ask your health care providers, and discuss their suggestions for improving the quality of your life.
Speak to your relatives about your accommodation needs. The people in your life need to learn about the disease and understand how they can best help you. Make sure that your family and friends know how they can support you, and don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. Tell the leaders at your work or school about any accommodations you need, such as special furniture or a flexible work schedule; they’ll work with you to find solutions.
Comply with your doctor’s plan of treatment. Visit your health care providers on a regular basis. Take your prescriptions as instructed, and let your doctor or pharmacist know if you have a bad reaction to any of them. They can find you another medication with the same function that causes less discomfort, but they can’t help you if they don’t know what’s going on. Also, stay current on the vaccinations your doctor recommends in order to avoid other health problems.
Engage in regular, mild to moderate physical activity. Exercise is good for anyone, but it’s especially important for the Lupus patient who must maintain overall good health to fight any disease-related complications or other illnesses. A good walk, or other sensible exercise program several times a week, will help your body stay in the best shape so it can ward off Lupus-related symptoms.
Protect yourself from the sun. Certain types of light—sunlight, fluorescent light, and halogen light, for example—can trigger Lupus flares. The sun’s natural ultra-violet radiation, and other elements in the climate, can ignite your symptoms. If you must go outside, use appropriate cover, and/or adequate sunscreen.
Maintain good physical hygiene. It’s tempting when you don’t feel good to bathe or shower. But for Lupus sufferers, it’s crucial that you keep clean. Lack of cleanliness can invite infections, especially with Lupus, which comprises the body’s natural ability to fight infection. If you do have any of flesh wound, make sure you keep it clean and seek early medical attention and treatment if it doesn’t heal.
Stop smoking. Even if you don’t have Lupus—stop smoking! But whether you have Lupus or not, you should realize that smoking damages your heart, your cardiovascular system, and your breathing, among other things. It can also trigger a Lupus flare. Giving up tobacco will make you feel better, help you stay off Lupus complications, enhance your quality of life and prolong your years of life.
Take special care of your heart. Good circulation gets blood and oxygen to the rest of your body, which is essential for good tissue health. To help this life-giving organ do its job, you should eat a heart-healthy diet that is low in fat and calories, and keep your stress levels to a minimum. Try meditation, Tai Chi, yoga, or whatever relaxes you the most. You may also want to talk to your doctor about adding certain supplements to your diet, such as Vitamin D, for additional heart support.
Do research on health insurance to maximize your medical coverage. Health is your most important commodity, but as such, it’s not cheap. However, the cost can be manageable. Find the plan that best accommodate your Lupus-specific treatment needs, such as diagnostics, medications, office visits, and physical or occupational therapy. Review your policy every year, checking your co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket limits. See if you’re eligible for supplemental insurance plans that might absorb some of your medical expenses.
Consider complementary therapies to manage your Lupus symptoms. Make sure to always find therapies that help your condition, apply to your way of life, and don’t worsen your health status. For over more than 20 years, stem cell therapy has received much attention in Lupus treatment: Stem Cells for Lupus are obtained from the bone marrow of the patient and administrated intravenously. Stem cell travel through all your body regenerating damaged areas in tissues and organs. The Lupus Foundation of America calls stem cell therapy “one of the most promising frontiers in lupus research today” and new techniques are being continually developed.