DorothyAnn's Journal

I finally decided to write to share . I usually write in my own journal notebook, but this time I realize I need support as I don't have it from the one son that lives near me. I got sick with the flu and bronchitis the first of March. Two weeks later a got a kidney infection  with a temp of 104.6, plus more chest conjestion. I went on a heavy dose of antibiotics and it took over two weeks to clear up. I also started a fibro flare that didn't want to go away. I was on 4 mg of prednisone and increased it back to ten to see if it was also a Lupus flare. (My Rheumy lets me go to 10mg on my own if needed). It was Lupus as I responded within 24 hours. The following week I got an intestional virus and I'm praying all these infections are over.I know this is the result of a suppressed immune system, but I've never had so much at once before. It's been a month now and I started the alternating doses to come back down on the prednisone. I'm only on 9 mg., but I have horrible side effects of fibro like flaring coming down, plus hand tremors, shaking, all night insomnia, weakness, and an emotional roller coaster at the higher dose. I've been through this process many times, even got to 1mg and then flared so bad I had to go back up. I'm also feeling depressed, and couped up indoors as the weather here in LA was averging 111 degrees for a week and I'm very sensitive to the heat. I'm just not used to having all these symptoms at once, and for that I'm blessed. So, it's back to the one day at a time dealing with these challenges.  I must be patient as this too shall pass.                                              6/23/08