Prognosis and Life Expectancy
Lupus is a chronic (long-term) disease, and right now there’s no cure. If you’re living with lupus, that means treatment to manage your symptoms will probably be an important part of your life moving forward.
The good news? By following the treatment plan recommended by their health care providers, most people can live healthy and fulfilling lives with lupus. How can lupus affect my health in the long term?
Lupus can cause your immune system to mistakenly attack different parts of your body and cause a range of symptoms, including ongoing inflammation. Over time, lupus can cause problems like:
- High blood pressure
- Osteoporosis, which makes bones weak and easier to break
- Organ failure
- Vision loss
Lupus can be a life-threatening disease, but with the right care and treatments, individuals are able to live long, happy and healthy lives. Most often, serious issues come from heart disease, kidney failure, or infections. Ask your doctor about how to lower your risk of serious health problems caused by lupus, especially if lupus is already affecting your heart or kidneys.
What can I do to regularly take care of my health?
For many people with lupus, treatment options and self-management skills can make it possible for you to live well. If you have lupus, always make sure to:
- Check in with your doctor regularly, even if you have a mild case of lupus — you can ask your doctor how often you need to come in for an appointment
- Follow directions from your doctor for any prescribed medicines
- Share any new symptoms or side effects from medicines with your doctor
- Eat a healthy diet
- Engage in regular physical activity
Planning on getting pregnant?
Many people with lupus can safely get pregnant and have children, but it might take a little extra planning. Talk with your doctor about planning for pregnancy at least 3 to 6 months before you want to become pregnant.
If you’re feeling worried or anxious about what your life may look like in the future, it can help to talk to other people living with lupus who may be having similar experiences.
Will my treatment plan stay the same throughout my life?
Not necessarily. Lupus can cause many kinds of symptoms, and they can change over time. That means your doctor may recommend different treatment options at different times to help manage your symptoms. Your doctor can help you decide which treatments are best for you, depending on where lupus attacks your body and how serious it is.
Researchers are working every day to find new treatments for lupus — so that means there are even better options for your treatment plan in the future!