Lupus Foundation of America, Inc.

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Survey Shows Lupus Is Difficult to Diagnose

- The Lupus Foundation of America  

A survey conducted by the Lupus Foundation of America suggests that more

than half of the people afflicted with lupus suffer at least four years, and

see three or more doctors before obtaining a correct diagnosis, reinforcing

the need for greater awareness of lupus symptoms among patients and doctors

alike.

  The survey of more than 1,000 LFA members also revealed that two of three

lupus patients experience complete or partial loss of their income because

they are unable to work, and that one in three are permanently or

temporarily disabled by the disease. One of three patients responding to the

LFA survey reported they had another autoimmune disease in addition to

lupus, and almost half had another family member afflicted with an

autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases like lupus often run in families.

  Nearly half of the survey participants (49%) received their diagnosis of

lupus after being examined by a rheumatologist, a medical specialist who

treats diseases of the connective tissue. Four of ten lupus patients are

being treated by three or more doctors, and take six or more medications to

treat symptoms of the disease. Most reported they are coping well with lupus

(78%), and that other family members are understanding and supportive (72%).

People with lupus named other family members (84%) and friends (72%) as

their primary support network. The survey participants cited pain (65%),

lifestyle changes (61%), and emotional problems associated with lupus (50%)

as the most difficult factors for coping with lupus.

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