What Happens When I Am Diagnosed?

This site is intended for healthcare professionals as a useful source of information on the diagnosis, treatment and support of patients with lupus and related connective tissue diseases.
A team of people are there to look after you and help you feel better. First of all your doctor needs to be sure you have lupus. Lupus is not always easy to recognise especially in young people who may not have the characteristic rash. Lupus can begin with fever, tiredness, lack of energy, poor appetite and general aches and pains. It can feel like having a cold or flu that just isn't getting better or you may feel very ill.

Usually the doctor makes the diagnosis after listening to all your symptoms, examining you completely and doing some tests. Blood tests help to confirm the diagnosis of lupus but no one test or symptom can confirm the diagnosis of lupus. You may also need special tests such as scans.

Once the diagnosis has been confirmed the doctors will explain to you how they want to make you better and what medicines you will need.