What lupus can involve
Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE) is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. It can involve the joints, skin, kidneys, heart and other organs, and it tends to come and go in flares. Joint pain, deep fatigue, rashes, sensitivity to sunlight, mouth ulcers, hair loss and brain fog are among the symptoms people describe.
Between flares you can look perfectly well, which is part of why lupus is so often misjudged. Keeping track of what a flare looked like, how long it lasted and what came before it helps you and your rheumatology team see the whole picture, not just the day of the appointment.
Symptoms checklist
Lupus symptoms checklist to take to your GP
Tick what applies to you, note how often it happens, and take it to your appointment, so the conversation starts further along. It describes your experience. It does not say what is causing anything: ticking most of these does not mean you have Lupus, and ticking a few does not mean you do not. Only a clinician can work that out with you.
Print the Lupus checklist and weekly diary Download as PDF
The list comes from the NHS and charity sources linked further down this page, and from what people living with lupus tell us they keep an eye on. It is a starting point, not a test.
How a day can feel
If your days sound anything like this, taluvu was made with you in mind.
- “Sunlight is something I have to think about.”
- “I look well in photographs. I wasn't.”
- “My joints and my skin both have opinions.”
- “I never know if this is a flare or just a bad stretch.”
- “It touches almost everything, and people only see the visible bit.”
These are the kinds of things taluvu invites you to say in your own words, never a checklist of what anyone “should” have.
