The first time many people hear the term lupus is when a doctor begins to test for the condition or when a family member or friend is stricken with the disease. In a recent survey conducted by the Lupus Foundation of America, 22% of respondents had never heard of lupus and 39% recognized the name but knew little to nothing about the disease.
Lupus is not a new condition, and it’s surprising that so few know so little about the disease that affects 1.5 million Americans according to the Lupus Foundation of America. This estimate is likely low, because individuals with milder cases may not follow up and get a firm diagnosis.
This is a disease that typically averages $6,100 to $10,000 per year per patient in treatment costs, and two of three lupus patients diagnosed reported a partial or complete loss of income due to lupus health problems which prevented working. One in three sufferers is temporarily disabled due to the disease at some point in life, and one in four patients with lupus are currently on disability payments.
Lupus is no laughing matter for those suffering from the disease or in a country where health care costs are continuing to spiral out of control. We’re talking about a disease that is often physically and emotionally devastating for the sufferer, extremely taxing on family and friends trying to provide care and support, and also pulls a huge number of talented and hard working (when not sick) individuals out of the work pool and at early ages.