My sister is 44. In 2005 she lost her husband/soulmate unexpectedly. In November of 2007, she was diagnosed with lupus.
At first it was just fatigue and stiff joints.
Today she is in the hospital with vasculitis, fighting to keep her fingers. She had a nitroglycerin shot, which is improving the circulation in most of her fingers, except for one. She is starting a "pulsating" prednisone and is also getting a nitroglycerin ointment to put directly on her hands. She will also have to do a treatment with a hyperbaric oxygen chamber to try and help the finger that is already necrotic.
She is now starting a high dose drug to try and kick this into remission. She is already on a chemo pill, so I'm not exactly sure what this other drug is.
She has had to move in with my parents this past December because she just can't function on her own anymore without help. She can't work. She misses her husband. We all do.
On the bright side, she has the best attitude ever, and so far this horrible disease has not affected her organs. I'm knocking wood as I type this.
Just had to talk to people about this. Not many people understand this disease.
I think good thoughts for all of you.
Thanks.