Be WELL
Black Women's Experiences Living with Lupus
Resources
The most important thing to know about lupus is that, if you have the disease, you are not alone. Thousands of people in Georgia suffer from lupus, which is a chronic autoimmune disease that may cause disabling and life threatening challenges to the individual with the disease. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system turns against parts of the body instead of protecting it. Currently, there is no cure for lupus, but it can be effectively treated with medications and managed with the support of health care providers, social services, relationships with friends and family, among others. The good news is that most people with lupus can live healthy and active lives. On this page are some resources to give you more information about lupus and where you can find support.
Signs and Symptoms of Lupus
Since it is important for you to know the warning signs and symptoms of lupus, the Lupus Foundation of America developed a checklist of lupus signs and symptoms – “Could You Have Lupus” Checklist, which you can access by clicking here. You can complete this simple checklist online to help you recognize the symptoms and risk factors for lupus. Answer each question in terms of your current and past health status. If you have had symptoms like these, especially if you have had several, talk to your doctor about lupus. After completing the symptom checklist you will have the option to print out a report with your answers to take with you to your doctor. The checklist is only meant to help you recognize the signs and symptoms of lupus, and as a guide to discuss with your doctor your possible risk for developing lupus.
Grady Lupus Support Group
Do you have lupus? Are you looking to connect with other people living with lupus who you can fellowship with and get support from on a regular basis? If so, consider joining the Grady Lupus Support Group.
The Grady Lupus Support Group meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Its purpose is to educate and inform lupus patients and their families about managing and controlling their disease, as well as to provide relational support to lupus patients. The support group is open to the public.
For more information on the support group, contact Janis Upshaw at (404) 246-4141.
National and Local Events
The Lupus Foundation of America Georgia Chapter
2015 Atlanta Walk to End Lupus Now
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2015
Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
For additional details and to register click here.
More Information About Lupus
You can get more information about what lupus is and the things that you can do if you have lupus from the Georgia Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America website. You can access it by clicking here.