Your perspective is needed!

[Donna M]

Your perspective is needed to contribute to understanding about: lupus, coping, pain and how you are managing lupus pain and discomfort! I am still seeking volunteers who have been diagnosed with sle and are over the age of 18 for research I am conducting. I am a registered nurse, clinical psychology doctoral student, and current American Psychological Association accredited clinical psychology doctoral intern employed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Participation is voluntary and requires completion of several questionnaires that are mailed to you and take approximately 30 minutes of time to complete. If you would like more information and/or are interested in participating contact Donna Marks at marks13211@yahoo.com or call 978-979-0857. You can also link directly through Lupus Foundation of Illinois Webpage (http://www.lupusil.org/info/studies.html)

[Publican]

I am male 51 years old
The Rash?
The well known face rash I have had it for years
Its there all the time sometimes faint sometimes it gets red
Ive never been to the doctor about it
because I don't like going to doctors
some days I have no energy with headache's
some joint pain I have always put it down
to old age
Also I don't like the sun it makes the rash burn
This Lupus dont seem a good deal to me
Plus its a woman's disease
Should I go the doctor about it
Or just carry on regardless

[RosemaryP]

Go to a doctor. Get a referral to a rheumatologist ASAP, you will be surprised with the help you can get. Swallow that pride of yours, there are a number of males out there with this problem, they just do not get on forum boards the same as us women.
STOP being a stubborn male. :D
Most of us have had to bury our pride and go and get HELP, it is enfuriating, we know that and the energy involved is daunting.
In your case I would also get a referral to a Dermatologist, they are a big help with rashes.

[hannah1986]

I agree with Rosemary to get referred to a rheumy and to the dermatologist :flowers:

[gladm]

Hi Publican. :wave:
Welcome to this site. Sorry to say, but you are a stubborn male. :D Lupus is not only for women. :blink:
If you want to live a better and longer life, take yourself off and get all this checked out.
Ignorance may be bliss, but it's not too clever. :angry:
Keep us posted. love gladm. {also diagnosed with lupus in my 50's] :luck: :luck: :luck: :luck:

[Publican]

Thank you for your kind advice
Its five years since I have seen a doctor
I have just phoned my doctors surgery
to make an appointment.
Told I would have to phone back again in three days time to make an appointment
as they are only taking appointments for seven days ahead
and they are booked up
This is the UK!

[carrie]

hi publican
next week i have an appointment at st thomas hospital in london.
i would strongly advise you to ask your gp for a referal too
it has a renound lupus unit,which is known world wide.you will get the very best care there whatever your gender!!
take care and make sure you phone back for an appointment.
it could really make a difference to your quality of life
:wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave:

[Sannie]

Hi Publican

Welcome to the boards where I am sure you will find lots of information and support.

You must definately ask to be referred to St Thomas' Hospital, in London, where, as carrie said, they have a world renowned lupus unit led by Dr Graham Hughes.

Further details can be found on the following site:

www.lupus.org.uk

I would also keep pestering your local GP to get an appointment!

Take care.

Love
Sannie

[Ann2]

:wave: Hi Publican

You are obviously concerned enough about the rash and the other symptoms to be questionning whether to visit your GP or not. I would say you should if only to allay any fears you have and also to start the ball rolling incase you need any further investigations into this.

You should have made that appointment when you rung - although it is a week's wait - it would have been a positive move. Also if in three days time the waiting list is still a week - you will have waited 10 days. I live in the UK so am familiar with the system. Take the 'bull by the horns' and ring asap.

Best wishes

Ann

[martygas]

Hey Publican,

I know men are really stubborn about going to the dr. I am married to one. LOL But please do go right away. It's Ok if you don't go when you have a cold or the flu, but if it is possible that you have lupus, this is something different all together!!!! Take that first step!!!
Love, Cindy :wave:

[Publican]

I go to the doctors next Wednesday
Not been to the doctors in years
never knew what lupus was until i came upon this site
So well informed !
The one thing that bothers me is to get sucked into a situation
were every little pain etc get taken as part of lupus
so that it takes over my mind becoming a lupus junkie.
Ive certain got the classic lupus rash on my nose and the face at the side of my nose
and it feels sometimes like its burning also making my eyes itchy
and would also explain why i have felt so tired and fogged up over the years

[RosemaryP]

Just a tip, take a list of complaints with you to the GP.
For you personally, seeing us whinge about things, must be a relief to you, to know you are not the only one that has these complaints.
I rang for a GP appointment this morning and much to my shock got one on the non urgent for midday tomorrow.

[martygas]

Hey Publican,

I am so glad that you got an app. If you haven't been to the dr. in 5 yrs. I don't think that you have to worry to much about becoming a lupus junkie!!! LOL!!! Also, it would be a good idea to take pictures of your rashes, incase they are not there on the day of your app. Good Luck!! Let us know what happens!!!!!!

Love, Cindy :P

[Donna M]

Hi Publican,

Glad to read you are taking this step. After 5 years it likely takes some courage to make this change! Good luck with your doc connection. :D Donna

[Publican]

Hello Again!
If I have go lupus
It would explain to me the reason that I have felt
for some time of having my head stuffed with Cotton wool
I think its called brain fog as if I am are separate from my
surroundings or it might just be be going a bit nuts!
Or it might be a reaction to having a flat full of
children I live above a pub hence the name Publican
I am one! but I dont drink dont want to kill whats left off my brain cells
or smoke.
I live with my five children from ages nine to fifteen
the children of my second marriage (mother Thai) one of two ex thai wives
I am one of the nasty men who marries 20 years younger than himself
now thy are reaching the teenage stage they are a handful
and say helpfull things like you have got no future!
you will be dead soon! this is from my teenage daughter
I am sure she means well?

[Sannie]

Hi Publican

So you have'nt yet been diagnosed and only think you may have lupus.

Is that right?

Lupus is a very serious disease that needs treating by a very knowledgeable rheumatologist with the correct medications.

I suggest you see your GP as arranged and first establish whether you actually have lupus or not.

All your symptoms need thoroughly investigating.

Take care.

Love
Sannie

[Publican]

Thank You All for your kind remarks :flowers: