Don't Panic is a good name. There just is no telling. There are a lot of meds now that can really help. Don't be surprised to hear different diagnosises along the way. Sometimes one doctor says one thing and another says something else. Don't spend to much time looking at all the scary things that can happen. Not too many people have all those bad things go wrong, and when something does happen there are meds. If you do have lupus, you are actually sort of lucky to have found it so quickly. For some people it is a long process to even get a diagnosis.

Sorry you are going through this and I hope you find good and effective treatment soon.

Hi, DontPanic42, and welcome to this forum of nice people. I hope you will be encouraged here. AnnNY has given you good advice. Just try to relax and take each day as it comes, because each day can be very different. For me, healthy dietary changes and lots of supplements help with Lupus and Polymyositis. There is life after receiving an unwelcome diagnosis. Read some of the older posts to gather info, and don't hesitate to ask questions here. Best wishes to you.

Good morning, DontPanic42. I was just diagnosed in January after a couple bouts of flu-like symptoms. I had three series of blood tests and they all came back positive for lupus. Since January, I get blood tests every month, and lupus remains.
Initially, my work was impacted the most. I teach high school and did not want to return to work on the warehouse of medications I was on, particularly the steroids. Frankly, I didn't have the energy and the pain in my joints and chest was too much.
Now, 6 months later, I still have significant joint pain and neuropathy I have been hospitalized twice for adverse reactions to Imuran and will be starting Benylsta with fingers crossed.
I have found--as others mention--that diet and exercise help. So does meditation and communication for me. I also got relief from physical therapy and acupuncture.
As you will learn, "real life" is different for different people.

Finding a source of peace was very detrimental with me. I do yoga and meditation and eat super healthy.

Lupus is such a bizarre disease, you never know when, how or if it will present. One thing is certain, controlling your stress levels is very important - not always easy, but important.

The Lupus Foundation of America is a great resource for information. This support group is very informative and we also 'get' it on a far deeper level than physical symptoms and incidents.

Welcome, and take good care