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LUPUS SELF-TEST

Each person has different symptoms. Answer each question yes or no.

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• Have you ever had painful and/or swollen joints in the wrists, fingers, knees, or ankles for more than 6 weeks?
   

• Have you ever been told that you have low blood count, anemia, low white cell count, or a low platelet count?

• Have you ever had a rash, redness, or color change on your face in the shape of a butterfly across the bridge of your nose and cheeks?

• Have you ever had an unexplained fever over 100 degrees for more than a few days?

• Have you ever had sensitivity to the sun where your skin breaks out after being in the sun, but it is not sunburn?

• Have you ever had chest pain when you breathe that’s lasted for more than a few days? (This is called pleurisy).

• Have you ever been told you have protein in your urine?

• Have you ever had constant, extreme fatigue and weakness for days or weeks at a time, even after 6-8 hours of sleep at night?

• Have you ever had a seizure or convulsion?

• If you answered yes to 3 or more of these questions, see your doctor. Ask for ANA test for Lupus or for a referral to a rheumatologist.

• Do your fingers and/or toes become pale, purple numb, or uncomfortable in the cold?

• Have you had sores in your mouth or nose for more than 2 weeks?

Adapted from “Test Yourself for Lupus:” East Harlem Lupus Cooperative.  Questions are based on common symptoms and clinical criteria for lupus.