18yrs of Lupus

Hi

Ive been reading some of the post regarding Lupus.

Im 34 yrs old and am an australian aboriginal who was diagnosed with lupus in 1994 and have had anything and everything that can be associated with lupus.

From molar rashes, joints, rhuematoid arthiritis, fatigue, endocarditis, pendicitis, liver issues, physcosis, pancreatitis, anemia, nephritis, avascular necrosis resulting in bilateal hip replacements, hair loss, epelipsy any many more....

I have been on varios medications over the past 18yrs and only in the past 5yrs have been diagnosed with lupus nephritis class V then a repeat biopsy this month confirmed i have both lupus nephritis 4a and 5. I have been on celcept for the past 5yrs and now i am about to line up to have iv cyclophosamaide and rituximub!!! I usually dive into treatment without hesitation but am really worried about the rituximub as its been 18yrs and now that im 34yrs old i dont know if my body will be able to handle anymore I have had cyclophismaide in the past and tollerated it after reading the warnings of rituximub im scared... Anyone out there has any information or have used rituximab? Pls share your experience

Thanks Paul... Ive had my family so babies are out for me... Lucky enough i started early before my lupus flared up properly. I have 3 beautiful children a boy aged 16 & 2 girls aged 14 & 10... So ovarian issues i can live with if the cyclophosamide is the option to try n get on top on this nephritis... I had cyclo 12 yrs ago but it was only a small dose over 6 weeks, this time ive been advised i will b havin 500mgs and 1000mgs of rituximab...then another round again in a few weeks??? Ive read a few reports on rituximab but am really concerned as i have had issues in all organs so im not as strong as i use to be... Im trying to remain positive but im a long way from home and the dr im seeing doesnt really know my full history apart from the past couple of years when my kidneys were affected...