Lupus Support Group

Lupus is an auto-immune disease in which the immune system cannot distinguish between threats (like viruses and bacteria), and healthy cells and tissue. As a result, the body produces antibodies that inflict cell damage, most commonly targeting joints, skin, kidneys and the nervous system. Join the group and find support for coping with lupus.

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Muscles & Bones
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Frustrated and Depressed

dagostinod
dagostinod

Hi all, 


I was diagnosed with lupus about 4 years ago and have had relatively stable symptoms in that time; however, in the last 2 years, my symptoms have definitely increased and now include the usual generalized pain, fever, butterfly rash, and ulcers, as well as some new ones, like short-term memory problems. I've also developed pain under my right shoulder blade which is extremely sensitive to the touch and hurts ALL the time that's been around for about 1.5 - 2 years, a cough that's been around for 6 months+, and a burning pain near my sternum, right above my right breast,  all of which have my lupus doctor totally perplexed and sending me to a variety of other specialists until they can all figure out the problem.


I like to think I'm a strong person, so I tend to take the symptoms themselves as in stride as possible; however, between being sick and having an over-protective mother that treats me like I'm about to break half the time (I live with my folks; I moved back home during college for financial reasons and when I got sick, the cost of everything pre-Obamacare was more than I could juggle, so I never saved enough to move back out into my own place and I can't afford it now, either), I'm just in a place where my social life is sorely lacking and I feel like, at 32, my life is passing me by. And every time I think about where I thought my life should have been at this point and all the things I'd like to do but can't right now, the more depressed I become.


Anyway, I just needed to vent somewhere other people might be going through something similar. I know it's not a major issue, but I can't make it to a therapist right now because of transportation issues, so I guess this is a good second option? In any case, any advice or suggestions for getting out of this funk would be welcome. Thanks :) 

nanny1611
nanny1611
Whenever my lupus flares, it always affects my shoulders. But recently it has been affecting my left shoulder and pectoral muscle the way you're describing. Massages help for a few days, as do muscle rubs. However, the thing that has helped most is learning to sleep differently. I tend to be a side sleeper, which was exacerbating the symptoms. So now I try to prop myself up with pillows so that I don't put so much pressure on the sore shoulder. Of course, in my sleep, I tend to roll onto that side, which makes it hurt again. In addition, I'm looking into going to a chiropractor to see if something is out of place. Do you ever sense that either bones are "clicking" or that muscles and tendons are "popping" over each other? One thing I've noticed that triggers the problem is whenever I work on my computer or tablet. Not sure why, but know that it does. Anyway, I hope we both find answers. Best wishes.
dagostinod
dagostinod
Hi! I'll definitely try it, thanks! The back/shoulder pain is not as high on my list of issues as the cough and the general frustration with how it's affecting my day-to-day activities (or lack thereof), but who knows - maybe tackling it will help everything else fall into line. Thanks for the kind wishes, hope you find some answers as well. :)