can anyone help

my neace just had blood work done on the 30th of june they are testing for Lupus. they told my sis that they dont see this in a 7 year old what can anyone tell me about Lupus. I mean the stuff that know one wants to tell her.
The doc. said she has a 20 year life spand is that true or not. Are there differnt strands of lupus or just one?

[TrudieC]

They call Lupus the disease of a thousand faces.  How it acts in each person can be quite different.  There is some excellent information here on MedHelp.  If you look at the top of this page under Lupus Community it says that this patient support community is for discussions relating to lupus (in blue).  If you click on the blue it takes you into some very detailed information.

I am assuming Lupus SLE, the systemic type applies.  Lupus can affect different organ systems in the body - connective tissue, skin, brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, etc.  Aggressive treatment up front can help to keep damage at bay.  Back in the '60's or '70's there was a much shorter lifespan given to sufferers.  So much has changed and many drugs are available that can shut off the immune system and stop the damage.  Now when we are diagnosed we are told we can expect a normal lifespan.  

What kind of organ involvement does your niece have?  I would certainly question the 20 year life span and ask for a 2nd opinion.

[blondiebaker]

So far she Just sweals up. her face and throut do realy bad. we are still waiting on the blood work to get back.