| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| teacups |
Posted - May 17 2013 : 07:55:06 AM
Just wondering if anyone suffers from Lupus. I have been tested and my doctor is 90% sure that is what I have. I have issues like current UTI's that I am having checked out by a specialist next week, once we get that straight, I am going to see a rheumatologist. I am hoping that they will confirm what my doctor has told me. Not that I want to be told I have Lupus mind you, but I will be so happy to finally know what is going on with me. I have been treated for 3 years for an underactive thyroid. Which I know I have, but nothing has gotten better. I have had so many other symptoms of Lupus that was being treated as a thyroid issues. Finally after a year of frequent UTI's and upper respiratory infections and my dr. questioning the rash on my face (butterfly rash) he finally decided to test me. He has already tried a low dose of steroids to see if it would make a difference, but it only helped with joint pain. I wasn't thrilled with taking them and since they didn't really help with much, he stopped them. Will be so happy to finally move forward with treatment because I am hoping it will relieve or at least lesson some of my issues. I am just tired of thinking I am crazy and lazy. It does feel good to know there really is something going on with my body and it's not all in my head. |
| 7 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| FARMALLChick |
Posted - Sep 17 2013 : 08:43:19 AM
I was hoping to find an autoimmune conversation on here. I've been in pain for years, but always blew it off as over doing it or whatever. Lately, the pain was getting out of hand and causing me to be so freaking tired even after sleeping and if I take a nap in the afternoon or evening I am a cranking witch when I get up. My feet feel like I have been walking on rocks even after sleeping all night (not that I have slept all the way through the night in the last few years). Then I developed a strange tumor in my abdomen. I went to the doctor for CT scans, blood work and ultra sounds. I have an enlarged thyroid, but blood tests showed it was producing at normal levels. I have a large 'growth' just under my rib cage. Blood test showed nothing to worry about there, Dr says probably just a lipoma (noncancerous fatty tumor like what dogs get). BUT the blood work showed positive results for autoimmune disorder. Don't know which one yet - dr. thinks either lupus or RA - so it's off to see a rheumatologist as well. Like you gals, it's nice to know I'm not crazy or a hypochondriac or even just lazy. There really is something wrong. Hugs all around!
"Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway" -John Wayne
www.farmallchick.blogspot.com www.farmallchickphotos.blogspot.com |
| neeter302 |
Posted - Jun 03 2013 : 10:54:46 AM
I agree with you Terri about being proactive but it's like a brick wall sometimes with doctors. I've been tested for so many things but finally getting some answers thank goodness. I've had vacations that could've been so awesome almost ruined because of reactions to being in the sun. I had a seizure because I overheated in the sun and it wasn't even terribly hot, mid 80's. Another time I had to visit the hotel doctor, get a couple shots in my rump and two days stuck in the hotel room because I was head to toe hives from sun exposure. Then after being in the sun another trip I had a fever and hurt all over and was on the couch for two whole days unable to even function, didn't know what on earth was going on. Well now I know. We only get a week vacation every other year because of being self employed so those trips are few and far between and precious so it really stinks to have it ruined by stuff like this. My poor husband's throwing his hands in the air because he's helpless about the whole thing and I swear he must think I'm a hypochondriac and baffled at how a healthy, active, vibrant person turns into an obese, depressed, sick and tired hag. Well by golly I'm going to turn things around one way or another now that I know what's going on I know I'm not crazy and I'm gonna fight this darn thing! I'm starting with my diet, NO MORE JUNK, NO MORE SODA. Like you if I overdo I pay for it big time but just want to be normal! Had a cookout last weekend for hubby's birthday and by the time I grocery shopped, cleaned house, worked in the yard and prepared for the cookout you couldn't scrape me off the couch. Listen to your body and like you I've had to change from being a nonstop go-getter to flat out telling myself I HAVE to slow down and take care of myself. If people can't deal with it that's their problem! LOL
Farmgirl #522
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| teacups |
Posted - Jun 03 2013 : 09:01:55 AM
I am doing ok. I went to the Dr. and of course when I went there was no sign of a bacterial infection. He did look at all the tests that had been done by the other Dr. and said that the UTI's are most likely being caused by the Lupus. There is just no proof of it. My Ph balances are still not in the right range and now I have another list of foods/drinks that I need to stay away from. That is frustrating. There was nothing more done, I have to go back in 2 months for a re-check. Now I am waiting to get an appt. with the rheumatologist. I feel a bit frustrated because I have heard that so many people have issues with the Drs. agreeing on the diagnosis and how to treat it. So many in my family have auto immune disorders and I feel pretty confident that this diagnosis is correct. I was put on steroids when I was first diagnosed. It did help with the joint pain. Didn't make it totally go away, but helped. It did nothing for the butterfly rash or the UTI's. My Dr. told me to go ahead and stop them since they were not helping as much as he had hoped. I am more concerned about what meds the Rheumatologist will want to put me on. I pray not the steroids, because they really make you feel weird and I hate taking any meds anyway. I am learning to take it easy. Not something I am use to doing. I had a very busy Friday and Saturday. I had to take it easy yesterday because my body just decided to shut itself off. I feel very lazy today because I am just to tired to do anything. I love being outside, but I have found that being out in the heat and the sun really do wear me down. It seems funny to me that I never noticed that before. I mean I noticed the exhaustion and the rash, but I never put the two together. I know this is going to be a long road, but I have heard horror stories of how this effects some people, and I feel that as of right now, I am so very lucky that it is not as bad as it could be, it's really not that bad at all considering. Here's to hoping that you ladies are doing well. Not sure about you guys, but I hate the whole wait and see attitude with the drs. , I like to be proactive and have a plan. lol. |
| neeter302 |
Posted - May 29 2013 : 11:24:06 AM
Hi Terri! I was just diagnosed, find out more next week at my checkup. How are you doing? Auto immune illnesses are so hard to diagnose and a challenge to treat. I wasn't thrilled but like you I at least don't feel like I'm crazy/lazy. It's hard for friends/family too because on the outside a person with lupus looks perfectly fine but you're NOT fine and it manifests in different ways for each individual. So frustrating but good to finally have an answer. I see now I've had it for many years, like puzzle pieces finally coming together. I've already had to cut back on work, I just can't do it. Don't want to give up but it's a struggle and apprehensive about the future. Farming/homesteading is hard work and dedication and I'm scared now I can't keep up with it all. We were going to move out into the country to a small farm but now I don't know what's going to happen. Just get by one day at a time and listen to your body. Hope I don't have to take steroids but have to wait and see. Good luck to you, let us know how you're doing.
Farmgirl #522
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| sherrye |
Posted - May 22 2013 : 3:37:14 PM
i wanted to check in and see how your doing today? have you spoken to the dr. yet? hugs
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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| teacups |
Posted - May 20 2013 : 09:05:29 AM
Thank you. One Drs. appt. tomorrow. Hoping for some positive news. I will keep you in my prayers as well. |
| sherrye |
Posted - May 19 2013 : 7:44:08 PM
i have a rare medical condition. it can be acquired or inherited. i sooo know how you feel. i will be watching to see your results. at least if it has a name it can be fought. i send hugs to you.
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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