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Posted 2/5/2013 3:30 AM (GMT 0)
I just wanted to introduce myself. I was diagnosed with Lupus at the age of 25. It has wreaked havoc with my body over the years but the main thing has always been arthritis. I had been to the same rheumy who for years told me that I wouldn't have any joint damage because the type of arthritis that went with Lupus didn't cause that. Because of a move I changed doctors who did a whole new workup as if I was being seen for the very first time. Unfortunately I do have damage-lots of it-and a firm diagnosis of RA. That has meant an added med of Enbrel to my already complex "cocktail". I also have DDD in the lumbar area and recently underwent anterior/posterior fusion at L4-5, L5-S1. I hope I can make a contribution here and also use a new place to "whine" smilewinkgrin
Posted 2/5/2013 3:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Gina! I just wanted to say Welcome to HW/CP! I noticed that you have already found the RA and Lupus forums. That's one of the great things about HealingWell - one-stop shopping! C: The people are wonderful here - I'm sure you will find a lot of support.
Posted 2/5/2013 3:49 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome! We all come here to whine/cry/laugh/vent I think. You should fit right in! :)
Posted 2/5/2013 4:24 AM (GMT 0)
gr8tful welcome to Healing Well Chronic Pain Forum, I am sorry that you have reason to have to come here, but I am happy that you have found us! I think you will find that this forum has some of the most caring and compassionate people your find anywhere on the internet. You will never be alone with your pain when your here on this forum, you will always have someone willing to listen and give what advice they may have, and also they will be able to empathize with you! We are not doctors and we can not cure you but we can be here for you, and listen to you, and this is also a great place to come and vent your frustrations with your pain. There are allot of people that have similar conditions as yours I myself just had surgery on my lower back at L3/4/5 on the 9th of January!  Anyway againg I want to Welcome you to our forum. and I do wish you all the best!

White Beard

Posted 2/5/2013 6:30 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Gina, welcome to the forum. Sounds like you've been through a bit; I can certainly sympithize with the fusion. I hope you enjoy it here, it's a great group of people who have a lot to offer; support, advice, experiences, and friendship. Take care, and hope to hear from you often.
Posted 2/5/2013 8:20 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Gina and welcome to the forum. We do on occasion throw a good rant but for many there is no one else to hear. This forum levels compassion and even an ear to rants. We have some of the greatest mods and I hope you will fill right at home here.

Vickie
Posted 2/5/2013 2:37 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all so much for the welcome! Since moving I have lost some of my support system so it is nice to be with people who understand what I'm going through. It is just hard to start over after 25 years trying to explain to people what is going on. I just don't have the energy :)
Posted 2/7/2013 4:58 AM (GMT 0)
Gina,

Welcome to HealingWell and the CP forum. I see you've also visited some other forums.... that's the nice thing about HW. I'm sorry, though, that you are dealing w/ lupus, chronic pain issues, etc.

Have you started the Enbrel? My husband uses is to treat his psorasis-related arthritis... and it's been a miracle drug for him...

Anyway, I completely understand what you mean about starting over and trying to explain to new people. It's frustrating... and I don't have the energy either :)

Welcome aboard, and look forward to getting to know you better. --Tina
Posted 2/7/2013 5:12 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Gina Welcome to our chronic pain forum. There are a great supportive group of people here. Take care.

hugs
Loretta
Posted 2/7/2013 10:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Gina, and welcome to the forum.

Laura
Posted 2/7/2013 2:18 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks y'all for the welcome :)

Tina I have started the Enbrel. I've been on it for about 3 months but unfortunately haven't had any relief from my symptoms. Actually my hands and feet have gotten worse since started O.o. Back to the drawing board on the 22nd!
Posted 2/8/2013 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
Gina, Welcome and I hope you soon feel better.
I have lupus and sjorgrens and now everything points to ra BUT the ra test was not positive. They started me on Rituxan and I have had both infusions. I had a nerve block 3 weeks ago in my back and it has been hard for me to tell if the Rituxan was helping because I have felt so lousy from the block. Today is the first day I can tell it has helped. My complications from the block has improved greatly and I have more energy and less pain in my joints than I have had on months.
I am on plaquenil and steroids, but hopefully now can start to wean off the steroids.
Posted 2/8/2013 4:33 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the pack! I'm Vickie. Usually not here much, but that I want to rectify. Anyway I wanted to welcome you and tell you that there is hope.
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