Lupus in ‘Kids Terms’

By Brooke Frazer

Hi my name is Brooke, I’m 11 years old and I was diagnosed with Lupus (SLE) when I was 9.  At first I had little sores on my fingers and toes that wouldn’t go away. Then I started to get a rash across my face and my ears.  I also started to feel tired all the time and just a little unwell.  My mum took me to alot of different doctors and they didn’t know what it was until after 6 months one doctor sent me to a dermatologist.  The dermatologist did alot of tests and told me I had Lupus. (To read the rest of Brooke’s story, click on her name in the inspiration section of the website).

So you have Lupus and you think what is that? Lupus is when your own body attacks itself and all different parts of your body. It can give you a rash on your face like a butterfly shape. It can make you feel tired. It can make you feel horrible and can give you pain in your joints.

I can still do everything that all other kids do, I just  have to listen to what my body tells me.  If you are tired or feel a little yucky have a rest. The first thing you need to do is get a good doctor, get the right medicine, have lots of sleep and eat healthy food.  Kids with Lupus can still go to school, play sport and have fun with your friends. 

When I feel a bit sick and ‘yucky’ I do my favourite things because it takes my mind off how I am feeling. I  like art, reading, or I get on my computer.  I also have favourite things I eat when I feel sick like strawberries or gingernut biscuits.  I never eat lollies when I feel sick this just makes me feel worse (and I normally LOVE lollies).

At first I didn’t really tell anyone at school that I had lupus, but then I met another girl who has lupus and I realised that people need to know about it.  So I told my whole class in a presentation and then I was asked to talk to the whole school about lupus.  So I did.  Everyone was so good to me, they wanted to know all about lupus and they all wanted to be my friend.  My friends think that  I am positive and never let Lupus get me down.  I get sick easily,and they get  concerned about me and  feel sorry for me because I get lots of needles.  But they have all been very good and understanding.

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For further information about lupus and children please see our page on the drop down menu from ‘about lupus’.

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