((( Angela ))). I am SO sorry for what you've just went through. I am the "poster child" for bad car wrecks, so I can really feel where you're at right now. I had a bad one in '94 that put me in a...
Hi, Angela, Jeannie, & Hippi. Just a note about the eyes...Before I was even diagnosed with lupus and sjogren's, I already suffered from extreme dryness in my left eye especially. That eye does not...
Hi, Lion. I'm SO sorry you've had more dumped on you to deal with. Unfortunately, these days lots of places are that incompetent! I think it's an overload problem. Too many people in need of help and...
((( Barb))). So sorry to hear about this flare taking such a downward turn! I hope that you were able to enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday. Do rest up and I hope your docs can come up with a plan to...
Hi, Rosie. Just checking back after the holiday. I meant to say I am trying to taper to 7mg every day. But to make the transition easier on my body, for the first two weeks I take 7mg one day, then...
Hi, Rosie. Just this past Thursday was actually my 6th appt. with my new rheumy. He is just a really good listener and I never feel rushed in my appts now. The blood work your rheumy is doing sounds...
((( Marji ))). I'm sorry the results from that appt. were not what you were expecting. I know you were finally hoping for some answers. I know the prednisone will have you feeling better for the...
Hi, Rosie. WooHooo!!! That is exactly how I felt after seeing my new rheumy for the first time! FINALLY, someone who would listen! It does make such a difference just to feel like you're not wasting...
((( Lion ))). I'm SO sorry to hear what you've been going through. I knew it has been a while since you last posted and were dealing with the blood sugar crap. I hope your infection will be gone and...
Hi, Jana. The first thing I thought of was a chest ex-ray. I have lung involvement with my lupus. They can see fluid on a simple chest ex-ray. The way you describe the assorted pains in your chest,...
Hi, Gidget. Good luck with your rheumy on Monday. Good luck with the Plaquenil and NSAID too. The drugs we have to use are tricky and work differently for each person. I've had bad reactions to...
Hi Marji, you must have posted as I was finishing up my last one. Thanks for the info. I think those meds you mentioned must be some of what he was referring to going over with me if trying what I...
Thanks, Lynnwood, Ginny, Knickers, Carol, and Susie. I just got back from my rheumy appt. He listened as I explained what was going on now and carefully looked at my nose. He thinks it definitely has...
Hi, Marji. I am really not much help with crazy blood sugar fluctuations. I have a hard time keeping my own behaving. I would just suggest that if this continues, you need to have it checked out. If...
Hi, Marji. I'm sorry you're still having your son's "self-created" problems along with his health problems to deal with. I know this stress must be taking a toll on you considering the problems you...
Hi. I wanted to welcome you both as well. Shellsis, your best bet would be to begin trying to keep a journal of the symptoms you experience. Lupus can be very difficult to diagnose. It seems you have...
Hi, everyone. I have successfully tapered to 8mg everyday and have been taking that for 23 days today. My blood sugar also still seems to be trying to improve. I have gotten several more normal...
Hi, Marji. I'm sorry you're having the "pee" problem and not getting too many answers on the other. I don't know too much about the other problems you're dealing with, but I have felt like I've had a...
Hi, Firebabe. What a great story! Thanks for sharing. You did an awesome job! That sounds fantastic that you have such a supportive work environment! Congratulations,...
Hi, Barb. That was so nice to hear about your refreshing trip. What great friends! I'm sure you will really treasure those memories! I'm sorry you ended up feeling badly though with the stomach...
((( Carol ))). I'm SO sorry for your frustrating appt. I know you have really been looking forward to that for some answers! I think we can all feel where you're at right now! All I know to say is...
((( Redrose))). Sorry you're having more problems. You can't seem to catch a break, can you? I hope you are feeling better from the antibiotics. Please do rest up and take care as best you can....
Hi, Kristin. I'm SO sorry you're dealing with these vision problems. I had my third nerve damaged in a bad car wreck in 1994, so the vision I do still have in my left eye is so bad its' not even...
Hi Susie, and welcome. You took a huge step in taking back control of your life! I hope you can find a good rheumy who will listen to you and work with you to find a regiment of meds that will work...
(((( Redrose )))) I'm sorry you're having so much to deal with. Your prize will come at the end with a precious, healthy baby for you! Take care of yourself and get well soon! Stick to your guns and...
Hi, Ginny. I'm sorry you're having such a time with low blood sugar. Did you ever experience this problem before that terrible reaction you had back in June? I know you've posted replies to my...
Hi, Carol. I'm sorry to hear your dr's still have you on a roller coaster ride! Now it's gone from changing dx's to predicting time of death? Come on! Who DO they think they are? I hope you know...
Hi, Canuckgirl. Sorry I'm getting in a little late. I've had the mouth and nose ulcers before. For the sores on your lips, I use plain old vaseline and Novitra. For the sores inside your mouth, in...
Thanks, ladies. I guess I spoke too soon. I am still spiking too high, it must have just been a couple of lucky meals. I usually NEVER eat any dessert right after a meal anyway, it just did that to...
Hello to all! I'm trying to quickly get caught up on your posts. My dad and step-mom came to visit from out of state for a few days. I managed to survive his visit without getting too sick from his...
Hi, Carol. I'm with you! I think there has been a lupus explosion! I also think it probably has a lot to do with everything we have created for ourselves and put our bodies through (crap food, no...
Hi, Carol. I'm sorry you're having to deal with the uncertainty of your docs having different ideas on how to DX you. If these stupid diseases aren't enough to drive you crazy... Please know that I'm...
Hi, Lynnwood. My LFA membership just came due this past month. I did receive a letter advising me of the renewal offer and returned it to them. This was my first renewal so I was unsure of how that...
Hi, Marji. It's great to hear you were pleased with your new endo doc! Maybe since she took the time to listen to you and throughly check you out, when she gets all your test results in she will...
Hi, Barb. This sounds like such a great opportunity for you to just relax and be pampered. You deserve it! Take full advantage and ENJOY! We'll be waiting to hear all about it. Definitely take...
Hi, Staceymommy. Since this lupus took off, I have had negative reactions to several drugs. I can't take Plaquenil or its' generic, Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Nabumetone, or Chloroquine. Hope this...
Hi, Jenny. My dad has Crohn's disease and I have both SLE and Sjogren's. From all the reading I've done, I think they know there is some genetic link but have not exactly pin-pointed it yet. I've...
Hi, Connie. Sorry I'm so late getting in on this one. I had really BAD constipation problems as well as passing blood in my stool last year especially. Mine was directly related to all the meds they...
Hi, Ziptia and welcome to the forum. I'm sorry you're dealing with so many symptoms and unanswered questions. Rosie gave you good advice. You will need to have everything listed out for your doctor...
Hi Lion, I'm playing catch-up again. I think we've spoken previously about steroid-induced diabetes. I'm SO sorry for what all you just went through! I'm sure that was scary! I know it is SO hard...
Hi, Emerson. I've just read your update regarding your dr. appt. Try to be patient while the tests results come in and go for the addtnl test as well. Lupus is very hard to diagnosis. Be glad you...
Hi, Emerson and welcome. I'm trying to play catch-up here. I'm sorry for all you're having to deal with. It's great that your PCP got you worked in quickly to see a rheumy. I'm interested in finding...
Hi, Cathy. That was a great article you interviewed for in your local paper! The leader of the lupus support group I attend also requested her local paper do an article for lupus awareness month. My...
Congratulations, Hippi! I'm playing catch up again. That's great to hear about the walk you were able to be involved with (and your son too!). Rest, rest, rest. Take care,...
Hi, Barb. I'm SO sorry you're still having such a hard time. It is good to hear that your regular dr. is trying some new pain meds with you to try to get you some relief. Please let us know how those...
(((Hugs))) Babs. That was a great illustration of exactly what I feel like dealing with this disease. You never know what lies ahead, you just have to try to drag on and keep going. Thanks so much,...
Hi, Marie and welcome. I also think that a second opinion is in order. I agree that symptoms should be treated, but there's a lot more to it. I saw 2 other rheumy's before I found the one I'm working...
(((Hugs))) Carol. I'm SO glad your new rheumy was so wonderful! It sure makes dealing with any problems easier when they talk to you like you are intelligent! That's great to here about your dx not...
Hi, Des. Glad you got the pain figured out. I guess that's good news, but the cyst bursting sounds scary! I've never dealt with that one before. It is great news that you require no new meds and no...
Hi, Susie and welcome. I have lupus and my dad has Crohn's. SO sorry you may have both. It's very valuable to read all the info. you can get your hands on regarding lupus, like others have already...