Mom Recently Diagnosed

Hello Everyone,

My mother was recently diagnosed with Lupus… I’m a bit scared and confused so I thought I’d post here to get some insight.

Approx 5 years ago, my mom fell sick but our GP was not available. She went to another doc who ran some tests and told her that she had Lupus. He did gave her some meds (not sure what they were). After a couple of weeks, my mom visited our GP. She told him what happened. He told her that she doesn’t have Lupus, she just has very bad Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis. He said that the symptoms are similar for both hence the mix up.

My mom had been suffering with arthritis for many years, probably since I was a toddler. She also had sensitive skin. She cannot go out in the sun as she feels her skin on fire and it turns discolored.

She has lots of dizzy spells and breathing problems and get tired fast.

More than a month ago, she visited a doctor to do full tests. She told him she wants to be tested for everything… He did full blood work. The results came back last week, and the test for Lupus came back positive. The doc told her to continue with PT and also continue using the meds she’s on (pain meds for arthritis, pressure meds, meds for dizziness, etc.), and if she feels worst anytime, she can come in. He didn’t give her anything additional or recommend anything else.

I’m confused - she was diagnosed a few years ago, but then our GP said no…
Now, the test came positive. Does this mean she may have had it all those years?

I’m scared… When she told me the test came back positive, I didn’t ask her any other questions. I just listened. I didn’t know to react.
My father passed away just over a year ago due to heart failure. Just wondering if my mom will be okay?

Any advice please? What can I do to help her?

UA

Hi Lynnwood,

A GP did the full tests. However, she saw the Rheumatologist at the clinic last week Thursday and showed him the results. He reviewed it and stated that the results shows Lupus.

She has another clinic app today with the Rheumatologist.

UA

Hi UA,

So sorry for your mom. Don't panic because as Barbara Lee said, it's different in each person. I was diagnosed 25 years ago and have had only a few bad episodes. When I first was diagnosed at 22, I was so nervous. I went to the library and read all sorts of books and they scared me b/c the authors had it bad. I soon learned that I know my body better than any doctor. Your mom has to pay attention to her body and know when to rest. For me the key is take my meds, get lots of rest, keep stress low and don't push it. I've been able to control my lupus with plaquenil and intermittent stints on prednisone and a good rheumetologist that listens to me. Good luck to your mom.