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Should I go to the hospital?

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Posted 3/1/2015 4:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, everyone. I'm new to this board, seeking advice because I just don't know what to do anymore. I was diagnosed with SLE just over 2 years ago and fibro about a year and a half ago, and other than fatigue and mild to moderate joint paint, it's been quite manageable. I'm on Plaquenil, Celebrex, Gabapentin and Cymbalta, to name a few, and it seems the disease is being managed. The last couple of weekends, though, I have had such extreme pain that I've gotten nauseous from it. The pain has literally made me sick to my stomach and caused me to vomit violently. This went on last weekend and then again this weekend. My pain is so bad it hurts to walk or even just to sit or lie down. I spent the entire day yesterday alternating between laying in bed in pain, sleeping and throwing up. Today seems to be much of the same. I've never had pain so bad that it makes me physically sick.

The problem is that I am in between doctors, my insurance changed and both my regular doctor and my rheumy are no longer on my list. I didn't make it a big priority to find another rheumy because I was feeling pretty good, but now I am definitely regretting that decision. Since I don't have a doctor to go to right now, should I go to the ER? Is this even something they can treat? I've never considered going to the hospital over lupus-related issues before, but I've never had a flare this bad either.

Looking for advice...

Thanks!
Posted 3/1/2015 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
What is causing the pain? Do you know? Why would it be limited to weekends?

Pain as severe as you suggest should always be checked out -- never heard of a Lupus flare just causing pain without some underlying problem that can be managed.
Posted 3/1/2015 4:41 PM (GMT 0)
Two separate issues perhaps. ?

My neighbor is day 3 in hospital due to violent vomiting.
(Dehydration)
Third person in a month that I know of myself.
Of these 1 other went to hospital & was in 2 weeks. She has many other health issues.

Other 2 recovered & are back home.

Oh, one developed pneumonia 2 weeks later - perhaps unrelated. She too is recovering.
Some sort of stomach bug is all they have been told.

No clue why you have elevated pain: however, if I was throwing up violently I would probably be in pain.. from aggravating ddd / joint injuries, fibro flare - any & all!

Maybe - this from a nonmedical person (me)- stopping vomiting will help the pain.

Please take care of yourself !!
Posted 3/2/2015 12:22 AM (GMT 0)
I'd try to get in with a rheumy experienced with lupus and if you're still not sure, call up your old rheumy. Your insurance may have changed but most insurances still provide some limited coverage for out of network providers. At least see if the dr's office can work with you. In your shoes, I'd much rather see my old rheumy who is familiar with me than who knows what kind of rheumy.

It sounds like you are in extreme pain. If it continues and/or gets worse I would suggest an urgent care or ER or call the old dr office anyway and see if they have anyone on call. Also try to get some electrolytes in your system.

Please take care of yourself. Sometimes you have to worry about yourself first and worry about the bills/insurance later.
Posted 3/2/2015 1:41 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you, everyone, for taking the time to respond. I really appreciate the support! I spent the day in the ER. I was dehydrated, so they ran an IV and rehydrated me. They also gave me IV anti-nausea meds and pain/steroid meds they said were a go-to med for lupus patients. They also discovered I have a UTI, which can account for the nausea, too.

I do think the reason I'm having these episodes of severe pain and fatigue on the weekends is because I push myself to work all week and then my body crashes on the weekends. I teach kindergarten and I have to be 100% "on" with 18 5-6 year olds. I can't feel bad or let myself feel the fatigue at work. But, at home, I completely crash. I've been like this for a while, but it's gotten really bad the last three weeks to where the pain has made me physically sick. I do feel better now that I'm rehydrated and have the meds in me. I'm taking tomorrow off and I promised my hubby I'd find a doctor!! I definitely owe him since he always seems to get the absolute worst of me.:( I think that's pretty common for those of us with lupus, though. Thank God I have a supportive family!

Thanks again for all the support!!
Posted 3/2/2015 2:51 AM (GMT 0)
Teaching takes a lot out of us. I used to teach first graders.
I had problems with the fluorescent lights and recess time outside. I'm very sensitive to UV rays and they make me very ill and weak.
I would come home and crash.
Have you tried to see if you're sensitive to UV rays? Sun block helps most of us, but I prefer sun protective clothing.
Posted 3/2/2015 2:37 PM (GMT 0)
I have not been tested for UV sensitivity. I was just given the standard lupus warning to stay out of the sun and wear sunscreen, a hat, etc. if I have to be outside. I do love the sun and I actually sunbathe when it's nice, but I wear SPF 110 and a hat. My rash always gets worse and my joint pain acts up as a result, but I haven't had any bad flares because of it...at least not yet. It gives me such peace and reduces my anxiety that I figure that part of it is good for me, as stress is a major trigger for me. Most of my flares can be attributed to stress. I'm sure there will be a time that I can't enjoy the sun anymore, but for now it seems I can tolerate it if I'm smart and take precautions.

Thanks for the suggestion, though. You're absolutely right that teaching takes a lot out of us. I love it, but it is exhausting!!
Posted 3/3/2015 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
I'm happy you had good results at the hospital. The few times I have gone due to pain or feeling very ill they could careless I have lupus and just accuse me of worrying about my health too much. Overdoing it can definitely be contributing to your pain. Try to take things abit easier.
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