only diagnosed this week

[lupie_dee]

Good morning,

I introduced myself yesterday, and would like to thank all the people for their support and wise words, i was told tuesday this week that i had lupus and rhuematoid arthiritis. came home from the hospital and constantly for the past 24 hours tili have no tears left, so my aim today is to get through toay with no tears, so far so good, i know that i have a lot of research to do for this disease, as i was in bed last last my hubby read most of this site, and told me that he found it useful, but i don't think that i am totally ready to find out the in's and out's of this disease, something i will do in my own time.
after hospital on tuesady i had to go into work and hand my sick not in which i got signed of for three months, you can imagine the look on my manager's face he thought i was from mars... although he knew i was going to hopsital every two weeks he thought i was on the mend, how wrong, he snatched the note from me and then walked out of the office,.
I still think it a bad dream and i willl wake up very shortly, but my hubby said it no dream and will get through together.. i gavwe him the option to walk away from me and get on with his life and he said no chance i love you more than words can say and will be here for me through the goods days and bad days..
finally told sister in law last night (had no choice in the matter she came down with the girls and knew that something was wrong) she was fab.. so the next hurdle in letthe in laws know lnce they return from their holiday at end of the month.. but don't want to really as the mother in law will make such a fuss.. and end up wrapping me in cotton wool, thati don't want.
For all of you that don't really know me i am called Donna 36 years old, told tuesday this week that i got lupus and rhuematoid,

time for a
Donna

[lupy lulu]

Hi Donna,

Just want to say that you already sound much more positive

Its amazing what a good nights sleep and a little understanding from our loved ones can do, your husband sounds like a gem!!

And i would also like to say that once you hit rock bottom ( which is were you was yesterday) the only way is up and everyday you will have come to terms a little more with your illnesses and learnt a little too.

keep in touch we are all in this together

love lucy x

[lupie_dee]

hi lucy,

Yes i agree what a difference a good night sleep can make all the difference, yes hubby is wonderful, and so far having a good day today,



you have been a tower of strength

catch up soon

Donna.x

[Joandublin]

Hi Donna
Lovely to hear from you today and thanks for posting and letting us know how you are.
Really glad you are having a better day today.
Coming to terms with having a chronic illness is a process. It doesnt happen overnight. You will be finding out new things about it every day. Give yourself plenty of time and go easy on yourself.
You have a long life ahead of you and if you have any questions just ask away......
Luv n stuff
Joan

[Angelee]

Hi Donna,
Welcome to the site. I'm sure you will find it very helpful as there are many great people and resources here and everyone tries to help everyone. If nothing else hopefully you will find a sympathetic and supportive audience for you. I only wanted to say if your Mother-in-law wants to fuss over you, let her, with this disease you find too many people who won't allow you any sort of provisions and who don't care. Enjoy the ones who are willing to help even if you do find it a bit over the top at times. It sounds like your whole family is already on board and ready to support you. I assure you that is more than half the battle. You will no doubt see many posts on this site from people who can't manage to get that sort of support. So congratulations on your dx. Obviously it isn't something you want but since you have it, it is important to have the dx so you can get the treatment you need. Most of us have a very difficult time getting to that point (it took more than 6 years for me). While you are going through all of this I encourage you to take full advantage of the wealth of knowledge, experience and resources that the wonderful menbers of this site have to offer, not to mention the limitless support. Best wishes.

[pnutts]

Hi Donna,

I missed your post from the other day but I'm glad your doing better. It sounds like you have a wonderful husband. This disease or any for that matter can use all support it can get.

I was dx one week before I married my hubby. I was litterally in the hospital up to two days before and I said to my then fiance. IF you really want to call it off I will understand. He said the thought never crossed his mind. It will be 8 years for us. So Good support is a wonderful help.

I hope you start feeling better.

(((soft hugs))))

[helloos]

Hi Donna.

You see? You have already stepped forward. Be proud of that.

[lupie_dee]

for allyour kind support these past few days..

Donna

[lazylegs]

Your emotions are going to be like a roller coaster for a little while. It's a good thing you have your husband and sister-in-law for support. Just remember this diagnosis is not the end of the world. Many of us have had lupus for many years and lived fairly normal lives. Reading up on lupus can be scary. However, the more knowledge you have the better you will be able to help yourself.

[Mariposa]

Hello,
I'm new here too and I know exactly how you feel because not too long ago, Lupus found me too . Some days are better than others for me, but everyone here is very helpful; I've noticed that while visiting
this site quite a few times .

[kaesara]

Hi Donna,
Reading Your Post took me back in time to 1995 when I heard those words You have Systemic Lupus and Fibromyalgia. Donna, I am a Nurse and I have to tell you that I had not worked around Lupus that much and Fibromyalgia wasnt something I had rarely even heard mentioned. In my opinion no matter how educated one is on a matter like this hearing that YOU have it is really hard to accept.

When I heard your Bosses response to your Medical Note I remembered some of what I went thru with my JOB and how I was certain the world would come to an end for me if I wasnt able to continue working at some point. I am now eleven years past those days and I have learned that everything works out. It may not be true in your case. In my case I continued to work for two and a half years after my Diagnosis. It became necessary for me to go on Short term Disability, then Long Term Disability thru my employer and eventually to apply for and receive Social Security Disability. I know that must sound so overwhelming to you. I am just trying to reassure you. The JOURNEY of a Thousand Miles begins with a single step. I look back at my experiences and I see that where I thought I was walking along that a Power Greater than myself was carrying me.

It is a Process, It is a Journey. You will do well to learn as much as you can about Lupus and the treatments for Lupus. This will enable you to be your own Advocate at times that you need to be with regards to treatment , seeing Health Care Professionals etc.

As you read about Lupus keep in mind that while Lupus is alike in many ways for people that cases vary so much with regards to the severity. Some will have a mild case and be able to continue their careers without a problem.

My Doc told me this week how fortunate I am to have such a supportive Fiancee. He goes with me to my appts and he ask questions and involves himself in my care. As someone said let those who want to help you help because there will be times you will need them. I know it was very hard for me as a independant woman to ask for help. I had to humble myself and be willing to allow others to help me out.'


Donna the Beauty of a Support Group like this one is that though it is like an emotional roller coaster coming to terms with SLE , You have a lot of people here to take the Journey with you. I extend my hand to you in support. You can count on me to be here for you and I am certain that many others feel the same way.

Hugs my Friend.....
Sincerely
Kaesara

[sheila t]

Donna weclome to the site. I been dx now 17 years and still find it hard at times dealing with Lupus, but thanks to the site, which I found 4.5 years ago, it helps Big time.
Hugs Sheila