Toni Braxton has Lupus which I did not know until watching her show last night. I knew that she had a heart condition – this condition which she revealed last night to her family was caused by her Lupus. Watching her last night what stuck with me was the fact that she said that the life expectance is not high and that she worry’s about that because she has kids. She seems to be doing well but she did state that she does become fatigued quickly; stress is not a friend to her and just needs to relax at times.
Lupus has been put on my radar because a family friend’s daughter has just been diagnosed with the illness. I am a softy when it comes to children so I did a little reading to familiarize myself with the illness. At this time all is well with her and hopefully she will stay that way. My world is better when children stay health and it tilts just slightly when they are sick.
Lupus defined by the Mayo Clinic staff:
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, heart and lungs.
Lupus occurs more frequently in women, though it isn't clear why. Four types of lupus exist — systemic lupus erythematosus, discoid lupus erythematosus, drug-induced lupus erythematosus and neonatal lupus. Of these, systemic lupus erythematosus is the most common and serious form of lupus. Some symptoms may include fatigue, fever, weight loss or gain, joint pain, stiffness and swelling, a malar rash on face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose. A short list of risk factors, lupus is more common in women, most often diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40, more common in blacks, Hispanics and Asians.
Over the years I have heard about Lupus and never realize how serious of an illness it is. Toni Braxton is very courageous to share with the world about her condition. Allow cameras to follow during her cardiology exam, breaking the news to family members and with the public at her award ceremony. She is putting a face to a disease that most do not know of unless they are diagnosed or someone close to them becomes diagnosed. It takes inner strength, a plan on staying health and the love of family along with friends to help deal with a chronic illness for individuals or to parent a child with a chronic illness.
 |
| Toni Braxton |
Reference
Mayo Clinic staff. (2010) Definition. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lupus/DS00115
No comments:
Post a Comment