It's been a while

[AmandaB]

Hi Guys,

Well it's been about 18 months since I last dropped in to see how everyone is getting on. Time flies when you're having fun! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/blink.gif

I thought I'd cheer you all up with some good news - sort of like a success (ish) story for those feeling blue.

I was diagnosed with Lupus in May 2001 and had it in my head that i would be better by the Christmas (oh, if only!) Anyway, I was in hospital for 2 weeks initially before annoying my Dr so much he let me go home. Not only did I go home but I also went back to full time work and evening classes. I thought to myself at the time that I wasn't going to be beaten and life would return to normal if I did this.

Over the past 4 years, I've managed to reduce my steroids to 5mg per day, I stopped taking Methotrexate 4 months ago and take a baby Aspirin for Hughes. I still work full time (I work full time for an agency at Microsoft UK) and am also continuing my studies (Accountancy)

I have an appointment in a weeks time to check why my breathing is still a bit wheezy (think I'm just unfit personally but we'll see what they say!) then I'll catch up with my Rheumy towards the end of November.

My partner and I are hoping to start trying for a baby in the New Year so I'm doing everything I can to keep well. I've lost most of my 'steroid' weight, but I'm hoping that after my appt next week that I can get back down the gym to shift the rest! Mind you, not sure how much will shift now I've hit 30!!!!! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif

Anyway, I just wanted to share this with anyone feeling as if there isn't light at the end of the tunnel. Oh, and by the way, I get an itching rash which as it fades looks like bruises - Piriton shifts it and makes me sleep like a baby! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cloud9.gif

Amanda

[helloos]

Hi Amanda.

Sounds like things are coming along for you and I am glad. It is nice to hear success stories as you said for those who see no light at the end of the tunnel. But do not let yourself get run down so things don't turn for the worse.

I wish you luck with your future pregnancy. Glad to here that things are looking good !!!!! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/woohoo.gif

[watslove]

Hi Amanda!
It is so nice to know that you are trying to have a baby this new year. I assume this will be your first? I really want to have one but unfortunately, I can't as of now because of my nephritis. Are your kidnys doing well?
Hope everything will be okay with you.
By the way, from where are you amanda? I mean your place?
watslove

[Anisah]

Amanda, always nice to hear "successish" stories! So very happy for you, and glad you stopped by to let us know. I hope all goes well re your breathing concerns.

take care,

[AmandaB]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(helloos @ Oct 27 2005, 05:41 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
Hi Amanda.

Sounds like things are coming along for you and I am glad. It is nice to hear success stories as you said for those who see no light at the end of the tunnel. But do not let yourself get run down so things don't turn for the worse.

I wish you luck with your future pregnancy. Glad to here that things are looking good !!!!! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/woohoo.gif
[/b][/quote]


Hi Watslove,

My kidneys are fine, I had a protiein leek in the first couple of months after diagnosis but nothing since style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

i'm from south east England.

'Helloos',

I'm managing not to tire myself out by plenty of early nights! No longer do you see me hitting the dance floor after a couple of beers on a Friday & Saturday night style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif Cutting out late nights and drink has centainly worked for me and besides, having just hit 30, I feel old when I go to pubs in the evening now, especially when I bump into people I used to babysit!! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wacko.gif

Amanda style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/clover.gif

[jude mack]

Hi Amanda

Glad you are doing so well, it really is good to hear when someone is feeling really good.
It gives hope to all of us, that things really can get better. Have fun, don't wear yourself
out and good luck with starting a family.

Take Care
Jude style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif

[AmandaB]

Hi All,

An update to my recent hospital appointment regarding my breathing/chest. Apparently, i have inflamation of the diapragm which is pushing against my lungs causing them to 'shrink'. The Dr called it 'shrinking lung syndrome'.

Anyway, as a result, my steriods have been bumped up to 20mg from the 5mg maintenance dose I've been on for the last 12 months. I've got to return in two weeks so they can run more tests and check my progress. If the steroids sort it out, chances are I'll have to go back on the Methotrexate so no babies for a while.

On the up side - I have more time to clear my debts before thinking of babies style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

Not the result I was hoping for but it could be so much worse style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

I'll keep you informed.
Amanda