Family - Work and life expectancy  

What can I expect for the future and will I be able to have a family?

A person with lupus may get pregnant and have family unless there is moderate to severe organ development taking immunosuppressive medications that could place the mother at risk.  However when pregnant there is an increased risk of disease activity during three or four weeks after pregnancy and must be monitored closely by a obstetrician whom is familiar with lupus.  There are some statistics that 50% of lupus pregnancies are normal, 25% will deliver normal babies who are premature and the remaining 25% will experience a miscarriage or fetal death.

Woman with lupus many years ago were advised not to have children.  Today with the technologies involving lupus treatment there is no reason why someone with lupus should not get pregnant.

Will I be able to continue working full-time?

Lupus affects people with varying degrees there is no real way of predicting what course the disease will take.  Many people with lupus are able to continue to work full time depending on there symptoms and flare ups.  Some cut back to part time work with modifications with work including environment and schedule.  While some take a leave of absence for a period of time, and other find their lupus is not allowing them to continue any work at all and go on disability.

Will I live long enough to see my children grow up?

80-90% of the people with lupus today can expect to live a normal lifespan.

Will I become crippled and end up in a wheelchair?