Many patients with lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease, experience symptoms such as rashes, severe joint pain, and extreme fatigue, making it difficult for them to lead an active life.
Zaimamaria Ab Rahman was an active athlete who enjoyed running and cycling before being diagnosed with SLE in 2013. For him, being able to exercise took away his source of joy.
“I actually found out that I have joint disease – a rare autoimmune disease – the main symptom of SLE is affecting the joints,” he told Bernama recently. Refusing to let her illness stop her from being active, Zaimaria continues to do simple exercises such as brisk walking and cycling, depending on her ability each day.
The 42-year-old said he once put on 10kg as a result of taking steroids after being diagnosed. In a bid to maintain her ideal weight of 55 kilograms, the former private worker tried her hand at strenuous activities such as running and jogging.
“But my plan failed because after many attempts, I started to feel better – I almost died and could breathe. So, not wanting to take any risks, I had to stop.
Fortunately, Zaimamaria no longer needs to take steroids and can maintain her weight, showing that SLE does not mean the end of life.
Understanding LEDs
According to Dr Syahrul Sazliyana Shahir – a specialist in rheumatology at Chancellor Tuanku Muhriz Hospital, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia – Malaysians began to learn more about SLE following an incident in 2005 in which a teenage girl contracted the disease. deep when participating in national training. She was diagnosed with severe facial fever and, after being referred to a specialist, was diagnosed with SLE. Syahrul explained that SLE, a chronic condition, arises from the production of inappropriate autoantibodies that attack the body’s own tissues.
This results in a negative inflammatory response and impairment of the function of certain tissues and organs such as the skin, heart, joints, kidneys, lungs and/or nervous system. “Patients must undergo certain tests to determine the cause of the disease. However, there are many known triggers, including excessive sun exposure, genetic factors, viral infections and hormonal imbalance during puberty,” he told Bernama. He said that 90% of those affected are women, mostly between the ages of 15 and 45. “There is currently no cure, but there are medications that can help manage signs and symptoms such as inflammation. »
Patients are advised to lead a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, so that they can live a normal life, but they must take into account their endurance and capacity. “What is important is for patients to discuss and seek advice from their doctors and get physiotherapy to assess their strength and endurance,” Syahrul added.
According to him, SLE can sometimes be inactive or in remission, although it is known that it will work again (relapse) later. He warns: “If the active cells are not controlled, it can die.
“As long as the disease is active, we do not encourage patients to engage in vigorous activities such as walking. But when SLE is not active, patients can exercise slowly without overdoing it,” concluded Syahrul.
