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~~~Life is what happens when your busy making other plans...John Lennon~~~
I'm wondering, does anyone else have fibromyalgia along with lupus and how do you distinguish between the two when you have symptoms show up?View Thread
~~~Life is what happens when your busy making other plans...John Lennon~~~

~~~Life is what happens when your busy making other plans...John Lennon~~~
My husband is very understanding and makes sure I rest. He goes with me to as many appointments as possible and has attended a Lupus suppport group in our area. This has helped him to understand a lot of what I deal with. I also carry the insurance for my family. It can be a lot to deal with, but know that there are a lot of people out there who understand.
Check to see if there is a support group or a local chapter of the Lupus Foundation in your area. They can help with so much.
Best of luck!View Thread
~~~Life is what happens when your busy making other plans...John Lennon~~~

~~~Life is what happens when your busy making other plans...John Lennon~~~
I started school this week. It is after 9pm and I am at work. I left the house this morning at 730am. This will be my normal schedule Mon - Thurs for about 10 months or so. With a few days off here and there from either work or school. I hope I do not overdo things, but have my FMLA to back me up with work. My family is very understanding about me needing sleep.
I've also started exercising more in the way of taking the stairs instead of the elevators. I work in a 4-story hospital and have to go to every floor repeatedly throughout my shift. In the last 2 days I have walked 96 flights of stairs (both up and down). It feels great....most of the time.
Well, time for me to finish up my work and get out of here so I can get some sleep tonight. Hope everyone has a great week!View Thread
~~~Life is what happens when your busy making other plans...John Lennon~~~

~~~Life is what happens when your busy making other plans...John Lennon~~~
I am wondering if anyone else has experienced these 'spasms' and, if so, what you do for them. At this point I am scared to try another med as the side effect I had was listed as a rare reaction. Thanks for any/all info.View Thread
~~~Life is what happens when your busy making other plans...John Lennon~~~

~~~Life is what happens when your busy making other plans...John Lennon~~~
That being said, since my surgery I had 4 weeks of zero joint pain. I can't begin to think of the last time I went that long being pain free. Then my hubby lost his job and I was hit at 3am with excruciating pain. I did my relaxation and got through it without resorting to pain meds (just my usual meds I take). I ache a little now and then, but nothing compared to the bulk of last year.
I am back at work now and loving it. Plus I am walking up to 1-1/2 miles a day which feels fabulous!
Hope everyone is having a good New Year so far!View Thread
~~~Life is what happens when your busy making other plans...John Lennon~~~

~~~Life is what happens when your busy making other plans...John Lennon~~~
My path to diagnosis culminated with someone on the commuter train asking me how long I'd had lupus because of the 'sunburn' (aka malar rash) on my face. I told her I didn't have it but became curious and looked up the symptoms. I had sudden weight loss (50lbs in 3 weeks w/o trying), hair loss, extreme fatigue, joint pain, and malar rash. I was seeing my pcp the next day because I have asthma. When I went in I brought up the conversation of the day before and went through my 'symptoms'. He was fairly convinced on the rash alone, but sent me to the lab for tests. A week later he said he believed I had SLE, but wanted me to see a rheumy to confirm. As the fates would have it, I got into a rheumy 3 wks later. He ran more tests and had me come back just before Christmas. He confirmed the diagnosis and started me on plaquenil and a prescription strength NSAID.
Last year was a downward spiral as my pain was out of control, but my sedrate and other tests didn't show a significant flare. As I said before, it led to a hysterectomy. Now my joint pain is under control. I'm still tired all the time, but feel like I am getting my life back for the moment. I know at any time things can change. It isn't stopping me from planning for the future and finding ways to make things happen.
In the midst of all of this I even met a wonderful man and we married last summer in an outdoor wedding (crazy since I have become photosensitive). He is a strength to me and helps me to remember to take it easy when I would normally keep pushing.
The tip I can share is to find people to talk to. I met a woman who lives in Pennsylvania and we talk daily. We support each other through it all. I'm not afraid to let people know that I live with something that can make my life change on a dime. My faith in God has also helped me through it all. Without that, I know I'd be lost. The one other thing that has kept me going on those really down days are my 4 beautiful daughters who have learned so much about keeping house and cooking meals.
To those who are struggling, just remember you are not alone. Find a support group (coming here helps too) in your area. Find the LFA group in your state or city and ask for help with some of the financial stuff....the one here paid for my meds for a couple of months when I was out of work and needed those meds to get back and going. There is help, just look and you will find it!View Thread
~~~Life is what happens when your busy making other plans...John Lennon~~~

~~~Life is what happens when your busy making other plans...John Lennon~~~
So that is how I am starting my New Year. I hope this helps to alliveate the pain I have been dealing with for nearly 3 years.
Hope you all have a great New Years weekend!View Thread
~~~Life is what happens when your busy making other plans...John Lennon~~~
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~~~Life is what happens when your busy making other plans...John Lennon~~~
I talked to a friend of mine who went through a similar situation a couple years back. Only difference is she has RA. She did the injections for a year and her RA ended up out of control. I'm wishing I had spoken to her before I got the injection. So far all I've noticed is an increase in pain which I was told could happen.
Anyways, I hope you all have a good weekend!View Thread
~~~Life is what happens when your busy making other plans...John Lennon~~~

~~~Life is what happens when your busy making other plans...John Lennon~~~
I'm getting excited for Thanksgiving since my oldest will be coming home from school in Golden, CO. She has fallen in love with Colorado and I don't think she'll ever want to live in UT again. Plus I'll have her to go Black Friday shopping with to get the flannel for pj pants that I make my kids every year for Christmas.
Hope you all have a great week!View Thread
~~~Life is what happens when your busy making other plans...John Lennon~~~

~~~Life is what happens when your busy making other plans...John Lennon~~~
I have the headaches like 1stLadyDi. I guess it's a good thing I see my PCP on friday.
I hope things get better for you and soon. You've had a rough road lately. I'll keep you in my prayers!View Thread
~~~Life is what happens when your busy making other plans...John Lennon~~~
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