possible lupus

[Shanan]

I have been having health problems since this past summer including multiple infections, fatigue, butterfly rash on face, joints hurting, etc. I had blood work done including ANA test. I finally was able to see rheumatoid specialist yesterday. Based on family history (grandfather, mom, sister & brother all have an auto-immune disease), symptoms, positive ANA test - doctor believes that I have lupus. He does want to run some more tests the first part of January to rule out other auto-immune diseases. The doctor gave me a brochure regarding lupus, the ANA test and the medicine that he would probably put me on. The doctor did not want to put me on the medicine until he ran the other tests. I told my husband that I can live with lupus since I honestly thought I was going crazy until I had this diagnosis. My sister has lupus and has been diagnosed with it for about 7 years.

 

[mommasita]

I have Lupus, Fibromyalgia, and am now awaiting results on Rhumetoid Arthritis. I just want to say that I do know how you feel. Except for the butterfly rash, I have every symptom you mention..

Finding the right DR. was so important for me, I do believe it is key. I FINALLY saw the city's finest (IMHO) last month, and await my fate on the 27th..It does sound like your Dr. is doing the right thing, in waiting for the results..It can be frustrating, but you are on the right path.

You are right, You will live with this, and do just fine. If you ever need a shoulder for anything at all, I am here...

Hugs Sherrie

 

[Jcricket Fan]

Shanan, I will be thinking good thoughts for you.

It is so true that finally getting to the truth, whatever it is, is better then thinking you are crazy!

Peace,
Colleen

 

[lisaland]

Just wanted to add that my Aunt has had lupus for over 30 years. They have come a long way in the treatment of this auto-immune disease! She is doing pretty well and she's looking forward to a May 2008 trip to see the MOUSE! Hang in there!

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

Keeping you in my thoughts.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrom and was told probably lupus also. As difficult as it is....it is a relief to finally receive a diagnosis. I have found that I do my best since I started doing everything possible to repair my immune system, work on stress relief and not over doing it. Learn your limitations and stick to it. So many others don't understand what you are going through. Good luck! My thoughts and prayers will be with you.

 

[rpbert1]

My DW has Lupus, she was diagnosed about 15 years ago.
After our first baby was born DW was in Hospital for quite some time, they said she had arthritis, then about 10 years later, a doctor in the town we moved to said he did not think it was arthritis,as my DW over this period was getting no better, and she had tests done the result where Lupus, something we had never heard of. Like yourself , she thought she was going mad, over the last few years with the treatment she is doing fine, was diagnosed with Fybromyalgia as well a few years ago.
At first she was finding it hard to cope , but now she just gets on with life and when she needs to she just takes it easy.

 

[White as Snow]

Shanan, I was diagnosed with systemic lupus two years ago after dealing with it for about 4 years without knowing WHAT was going on. The diagnosis part is so hard (I went through 3 doctors before I found one that could figure out what the problem was), but it is somewhat of a comfort to know what is going on and what you can do to treat it. I can empathize on the going crazy part. One doctor I talked to came really close to accusing me of making up my symptoms because there were so many and so varied.

It sounds like you have a wonderful support system of people who understand a bit of what you are going through. I think that is so important. You're in my thoughts and prayers!

 

[Disneylover 2]

My mom has lupus and now my sister and I are showing symptoms of it but we don't have the ANA positive so that's why they can't diagnose neither of us. For example: we have had the butterfly rash or blush and we have raynaud's disease, a symptom of lupus as I'm told.