Diagnosis of lupus today. Happy Valentines day to me.

Dustmite

Regular Member

Joined : Jan 2017

Posts : 59

Posted 2/16/2017 3:27 AM (GMT 0)

So after waiting two months for this appointment, all my blood tests came in. (2nd appt. today) my new rheumatologist says that I have lupus for sure. I spent almost a week of driving myself crazy after picking up the results at the base and trying to find out what each test was and what the positive and high positive meant. Next time I will just wait on my appt. A week of a lot of stress. Anyway apparently according to the 13 vials of blood the lab took for testing, test results and symptoms show its SLE. Now I don't know where to start. Everything has been upside down for two years of being sick and not knowing why. I know I'm not crazy now at least. I was starting to think this was all in my head. So where do I start? I'm relieved to have some answers, but scared at the same time.

couchtater

Elite Member

Joined : Jul 2009

Posts : 14475

Posted 2/16/2017 6:50 AM (GMT 0)

Gentle hugs....

Okay, you've got your answer...it's lupus. However, it's not a death sentence.

Now you need to find out from your doctor what his plans of action is for you. You will probably be put on plaquinel to begin with and maybe another drug. The plaquinel will slow down the progression of the lupus and help you feel better. It does take a few weeks to months for you to notice a difference. It has to build up in your system.

Next start finding ways to protect yourself from the UV rays put out from the sun, florescent bulbs, CF bulbs, and halogen bulbs. I have blackout curtains in my house and LED bulbs. When I go outside I wear a hat and sun protective clothing. I'm on the super sensitive side so I cover up well.

The rest of it is just face each issue as it rolls down the pipe at you. Don't fret over the "what ifs", because stress is bad for us. It seems to trigger flare ups.

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