Systemic lupus erythematosus, or simply "lupus," is an autoimmune disorder and connective tissue disease that is characterized by the immune system attacking the body's cells and tissue, resulting in inflammation and tissue damage. The disease occurs nine times more often in women than in men, especially between the ages of 15 and 50, and is more common in those of non-European descent. In the United States alone, it is estimated that 1.5 million to 2 million people have lupus.

How Does Lupus Work?

For most patients, lupus tends to target specific organs or systems within the body, sometimes simultaneously. The most commonly affected organs and systems include the heart, joints, skin, lungs, blood vessels, liver, kidneys, and nervous system. The course of the disease is unpredictable, with periods of illness (called flares) alternating with remissions. Although lupus is treatable through addressing its symptoms, mainly with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, there is currently no cure. Lupus can be fatal, although with recent medical advances, fatalities are becoming increasingly rare. Survival for people with lupus in the United States, Canada, and Europe is approximately 95% at five years, 90% at 10 years, and 78% at 20 years.

What Is Lupus Like?

Lupus symptoms vary widely and come and go unpredictably. Diagnosis can thus be elusive, with some people suffering unexplained symptoms of untreated lupus for years. Common initial and chronic complaints are fever, malaise, joint pains, myalgias, fatigue, and temporary loss of cognitive abilities. Because they are so often seen with other diseases, these signs and symptoms are not part of the diagnostic criteria for lupus. The most commonly sought medical attention is for joint pain, but other common ailments include neurological symptoms, oral ulcers, low-grade fevers, rashes, anemia, pleuritis, kidney problems, and general fatigue.

Why a Hatelisting?

For those of us living with lupus, few things in our lives could be worse. It impacts our every movement and our general physical, emotional, social, and even economic well-being. This is a way for us to show our hatred of this menace and connect with each other in order to offer support.