Newly Diagnosed
Being diagnosed with lupus can feel overwhelming. The first few months are often a time of learning, adjusting, and finding the right support.
This guide will help you focus on what matters most -- step by step.
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Start a symptom tracker
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Tests you might have
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Prepare of appointments
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Medication basics
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Questions to ask your doctor
01
Who you may need to see
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Build your care team
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GP (ongoing care)
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Rheumatologist
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Immunologist
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Dermatologist
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Other providers if needed
Tip: Keep all your results and appointments in one place.
02
Tests you might have
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Why are tests needed?
Imaging and other tests
Lupus can affect different parts of the body in different ways. Tests help your healthcare team:
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Understand how lupus is affecting you
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Monitor changes over time
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Guide treatment decisions
You may not need all of these tests and some will be repeated regularly.
Common Blood Tests
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Autoantibody tests
Look for markers of autoimmune activity
General blood tests
For overall health and inflammation levels
Urine tests
Check how your kidney are working.
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X-rays or ultrasounds
For joints and organs
Echocardiogram
Heart check
Chest imaging
Monitor for any changes in breathing
03
Medication basics
Treatment aims to control symptoms and reduce inflammation.
Common treatments include:
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Immune-modulating medications
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Anti-inflammatory treatments
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Lifestyle adjustments
Always follow your doctor's advice and discuss any concerns.
04
Start a
symptom
tracker
Changing symptoms
Tracking helps you and your doctor see patterns over time.
What to track:
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Fatigue levels
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Pain or joint stiffness
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Rashes or skin changes
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Flares (what they are & early warning signs)
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Fevers or new symptoms
Even simple notes in your phone can help.
05
Prepare for appointments
It's normal to forget questions during visits.
Try this:
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Write questions beforehand
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Bring a support person if helpful
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Ask for clarification if something isn't clear
06
Questions to ask your doctor
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What type of lupus do I have?
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What symptoms should I watch for?
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What tests will I need?
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What side effects should I be aware of?
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When should I seek urgent care?