MyLupusTeam

What a journey you've been on — 40+ years of living with lupus, and still showing up. That takes real strength. You are absolutely not alone in this.

Many MyLupusTeam members have shared similar experiences. One member wrote: "Because of lupus I am stage 3 kidney disease with a half of a kidney, but that is ok, and pain all Show Full Answer

What a journey you've been on — 40+ years of living with lupus, and still showing up. That takes real strength. You are absolutely not alone in this.

Many MyLupusTeam members have shared similar experiences. One member wrote: "Because of lupus I am stage 3 kidney disease with a half of a kidney, but that is ok, and pain all over my body some days I can't even get out of bed." Another shared: "I was in the hospital for 3 weeks and during that time, lupus also attacked my kidneys. So the diagnosis was lupus nephritis, also with having antiphospholipid syndrome." Heart complications are also very common with lupus. Conditions like pericarditis (inflammation around the heart lining) affect around 25% of people with lupus. One MyLupusTeam member shared: "I have heart problems as a result of lupus. I was having trouble breathing, and my doctor ordered a cardiac MRI with contrast, which showed inflammation around the lining of the heart."

Cardiovascular disease is actually the leading cause of death among people with lupus, so your open heart surgery history makes monitoring heart health especially important going forward. For stage 4 kidney failure, diet really matters. Doctors typically recommend:

- Reducing sodium (salt) to help manage blood pressure
- Limiting protein intake to reduce strain on the kidneys
- Cutting back on saturated fats
- Reducing alcohol consumption

It's worth asking your doctor for a referral to a renal dietitian — they specialize in kidney-friendly eating and can create a plan tailored specifically to your situation, especially given your lupus history. Between 10% and 30% of people with lupus nephritis do progress to kidney failure, so knowing the warning signs is important. Contact your doctor right away if you experience:

- Fatigue or muscle cramps
- Nausea or confusion
- Persistent itchiness
- Shortness of breath

These can be signs that kidneys need urgent attention. Staying closely connected with your care team right now is really key.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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