The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that there are about 1.5 million people in the U.S. living with Lupus. It is an autoimmune disease, which means that in addition to the fatigue, inflammation, and joint pain and stiffness often seen with the condition, your immune system is also compromised, making you more at risk for developing infections and other complications.
For many people, lupus develops slowly and can respond well to treatments that keep symptoms under control. These people are often able to continue working for many years and may even be able to hold a full-time job through to retirement.
For those patients for whom lupus is more aggressive or unresponsive to treatment however, the disease can quickly limit employability or put an end to working entirely.
Painful and stiff joints, organ damage, osteoporosis, kidney and heart disease, and fatigue and weakness are just a few of the symptoms and complications that may prevent you from performing everyday job functions.
If in fact you or someone you care for are struggling with Lupus to the point where your/their ability to work has been compromised, contact Ellis & Associates at 1-800-Mr. Ellis for advice as to whether Social Security disability benefits may be an appropriate resource to pursue.