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Welcome Welcome to Life With Lupus. Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs when your body's immune system attacks your own tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems — including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.

Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms often mimic those of other ailments. The most distinctive sign of lupus — a facial rash that resembles the wings of a butterfly unfolding across both cheeks — occurs in many but not all cases of lupus.

Some people are born with a tendency toward developing lupus, which may be triggered by infections, certain drugs or even sunlight. While there's no cure for lupus, treatments can help control symptoms. 9

Bens Friends Our mission at Ben’s Friends is to ensure that patients living with rare diseases or chronic illnesses, as well as their caregivers, family, and friends, have a safe and supportive place to connect with others like them 3

Greetings and Introductions New members, start your experience here. Introduce yourself and share your story. Let us welcome you 102

Newbies Guide To Lupus Included in this category are resources written by members by members and notes from the moderators. We strongly encourage all members to explore these pages. This category will grow over time to include more and more information 20

General Discussion Open discussion about issues involved with Lupus 3214

Symptoms Discussion specifically related to symptoms you are having 395

Emotional Support Having a bad day? Are you flaring? Have your friends and family found their earplugs? Well, this is the place to let it rip! We are here to listen and we get what you are going through. The is is a safe place to share your feelings and to unburden yourself. 201

Prayer and Healing Energy Requests A place to request prayers and healing energy for yourself or others, from our community of caring, supportive friends, for any issue(s) we deal with. 3

Positive Pick Me Ups A hope-filled place to exchange words of encouragement, personal successes, inspiring moments and coping strategies. 28

Information to Share with Loved Ones Information and letters to give to loved ones, coworkers, and caretakers of someone with Lupus 9

Health Insurance and Disability Coverage Issues specifically dealing with health insurances and disability coverage 17

Complementary Therapies Welcome to the Complementary Therapies forum! This is the place to discuss the array of complementary healing modalities that many of us rely on to help us live healthier lives with Lupus. Whether you are focusing to do more to promote your own health while undergoing medical treatment, or are waiting to get medical treatment and are looking to do what you can to feel better in the meantime, this is the place to post your questions and information. We will discuss everything from acupuncture and chiropractic to nourishing our bodies, minds, and spirits. This is the place to discuss healing modalities that can complement medical treatment. 66

Physician Recommendations (Positive Review Only) A good provider is hard to find! Please help out your Lupus Family by recommending your favorite practitioners here. Hopefully, with your help, we will be able to develop a comprehensive list of quality, compassionate, and understanding providers. Please note that we can only accept positive provider reviews on this site. 51

Photos Member Photos and videos 850

Site Feedback Discussion about this site, its organization, how it works, and how we can improve it. 0

What's New With You? A place to reconnect with community and share personal and health updates. 49

News News From Bens Friends. 46

FAQ FAQ about the Lupus Community 1