The art of living lies less in eliminating
our troubles than in growing with them.
-- Bernard M. Baruch
This website has been created as a resource for persons suffering with autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and others as well as fibromyalgia and their friends and families, particularly in the Montana area. If you wish to add anything, please email us!
LUPUS SUPPORT GROUP Our group is open to people with Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Auto-immune diseases & family members &/or friends who share the same concerns. It is a safe place to learn, share and help each other.
Our format is Round table discussions, sharing and learning. Our group is non-judgmental & accepting of all feelings. The purpose of our group is to be helpful, supportive and not critical.
(including Fibromyalgia and Auto-Immune Diseases)
Our group is open to people with Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Auto-immune diseases & family members &/or friends who share the same concerns. It is a safe place to learn, share and help each other.
Our format is Round table discussions, sharing and learning. Our group is non-judgmental & accepting of all feelings. The purpose of our group is to be helpful, supportive and not critical.
Free Support Group Meetings at:
The Summit Conference Room #3
(The backside of the Summit Athletic Center)
205 Sunnyview Lane, Kalispell
Next Meeting June 13, 7pm-9pm
Topic for June 13: Coming...
We Meet the 2nd Friday
of Every Month (7pm-9pm)
For more information on the meetings,
please contact Angela at (406) 837-1055
or send her an
EMAIL.
For more information about this website or to provide a
helpful link on this website (or suggest a whole page),
please email Renae at
renae@freestylegraphics.biz
HELPFUL LINKS
www.lupus.org - Lupus Foundation of America - Lupus Foundation, Pacific Northwest Chapter
www.fmnetnews.com - Fibromyalgia Network
www.livinglupie.com - Living Lupie, Private Website by a 'Lupie' for people with Lupus
please email me more links, we need to provide all the links we can!
WHAT IS LUPUS?
What is Lupus? Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, blood, kidneys and brain. Normally the body's immune system makes proteins called antibodies, to protect the body against viruses, bacteria, and other foreign materials. These foreign materials are called antigens.
In an autoimmune disorder like lupus, the immune system cannot tell the difference between foreign substances and its own cells and tissues. The immune system then makes antibodies directed against itself. These antibodies -- called "auto-antibodies" (auto means 'self') - cause inflammation, pain and damage in various parts of the body.
Inflammation is considered the primary feature of lupus. Inflammation, which in Latin means "set on fire," is characterized by pain, heat, redness, swelling and loss of function, either on the inside or on the outside of the body (or both).
For most people, lupus is a mild disease affecting only a few organs. For others, it may cause serious and even life-threatening problems. Although epidemiological data on lupus is limited, studies suggest that more than 16,000 Americans develop lupus each year.
The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) estimates between 1.5 - 2 million Americans have a form of lupus, but the actual number may be higher. More than 90 percent of people with lupus are women. Symptoms and diagnosis occur most often when women are in their child-bearing years, between the ages of 15 and 45.