Category — Q & A

what causes lower abdominal pain with lupus?

I just found out I have Lupus on monday, I learned that I have had it for 12 years. I have been having lower abdominal pain for the past year, no one could find the cause. This pain is just like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, could it just be IBS or associated with the Lupus?

Answer
When we have lupus and something goes wrong with our bodies, our first inclination is to blame it on the lupus. Although lupus can affect any part of the body, the bowel is not one of its favorite places. Lupus is an autoimmune disease. Lupus likes to bring friends (other autoimmune diseases) along with it.

From my experience with lupus patients, gluten can be a source of bowel issues for some. You might ask to be tested for Celiac disease. It is also possible to have IBS and lupus.

I have Lupus and I cannot stop from eating sushis and sashimis. I have not been feeling pain at all so I’m just wondering is it doing anything internally?

Answer
I have Lupus as well and have never heard anything about it. Although I must admit that I am not a big seafood eater. I have read lots of info and have never seen anything about it. If you don’t get any concrete answers I would check with your specialist just to be safe. Two things that I have read that aren’t good for Lupus are alfalfa sprouts and aspartame.