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.
Hi, I am new to this group...I usually just post on the chronic fatigue syndrome board. I was diagnosed with CFS around 1999.
I have been getting suspicious I have SLE. Today I looked at the rash I keep getting on my face and it is definitely the right shape for a butterfly rash...and it itches.
My other symptoms that seem to point toward SLE...bad headaches, extreme sensitivity to the sun, pain and tenderness in the finger and wrist joints most of my life, history of psychotic break in response to stress, history of pleurisy, problem with heart valve, severe fatigue, cognitive problems, episodes of confusion, anxiety and panic attacks, etc.
And I get physically ill sometimes from being out in the sun.
I am retired and in bad shape financially, so I can't afford to go to a doctor for this with the way things are, even with the help of Medicare.
I have noticed that these symptoms seem to be closely correlated with stress. If I avoid going outside after eleven am, and maintain a very quiet, calm lifestyle, the symptoms seem to ease up.
Anyone care to comment?
I have been getting suspicious I have SLE. Today I looked at the rash I keep getting on my face and it is definitely the right shape for a butterfly rash...and it itches.
My other symptoms that seem to point toward SLE...bad headaches, extreme sensitivity to the sun, pain and tenderness in the finger and wrist joints most of my life, history of psychotic break in response to stress, history of pleurisy, problem with heart valve, severe fatigue, cognitive problems, episodes of confusion, anxiety and panic attacks, etc.
And I get physically ill sometimes from being out in the sun.
I am retired and in bad shape financially, so I can't afford to go to a doctor for this with the way things are, even with the help of Medicare.
I have noticed that these symptoms seem to be closely correlated with stress. If I avoid going outside after eleven am, and maintain a very quiet, calm lifestyle, the symptoms seem to ease up.
Anyone care to comment?
You can be your own physican by what you are doing. We know our bodies better then a Doctor sometimes. If you feel staying out of the sun and limiting stress works, then you are on the right track! However, it would be better if you could see a Rheumatologist.
I wish you luck, take care!
xox
Sylvie
It does seem very difficult, diagnosing lupus. I did get tested for it years ago, but since then I have heard that false negatives are not unusual.
That rash on my face is the real teaser...if it were not for that, I would not even be thinking about lupus. I guess I will just continue to pursue a lifestyle that seems best to agree with me. After all, there is no cure, anyway, even if I did get diagnosed.
I will definitely try to find a "rheumy" if I can get hold of some cash. Like Mr. Mcawber, I am sure something will turn up. I have read somewhere that prosperity is just around the corner.
Sorry, that sounds too sarcastic. I do appreciate the concern and advice very much.
The place I live is essentially in a depression right now, not a recession. So until things ease up, I have to just hold on to my house if I can and try to keep putting food on my table. I don't want to wind up homeless.
If things turn around, my first priority will be finding a rheumatologist I can work with.
Good luck and hang in there and try to find some support and relief.