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[smile2007]

hello all,

I am 34 diagnosed with SLE 2 years ago, though I have probably had this since my teens without knowing about it. It's quite a shock to the system to be diagnosed with this disease, but I am getting used to it now. I feel its probably all about management and knowing your own body. Learning when it's ok to go for it, or take it easy.

Mine flares up every time I have an upset with anyone, or a row with my hubby...can any one else relate to this? It's not on the same day, it's always about 2 days later.

I am having my first proper horrible flare at the moment. I was lucky that it has been quite mild up until now. I had a weird virus last week with a bit of temperature, about 38.7 c. I went back to work Thursday and then felt a bit odd that night. Next morning I had aching fingers, ankles, elbow, hips, knees, ankles and toes. Basically all my joints. I have been hobbling about for a few days now. Got to go back to my rheumatologist tomorrow. Am gonna beg for a steroid injection I think...anyone got any suggestions?

love to you all

smile xxx

[justsaynoemore]

I am new here today too and wanted to say welcome aboard. I wish I could wave a magic wand over all of us and make us well. Good luck tomorrow with the rheumatologist and let us know what he/she says. Take care.

[raggedyann1]

Hi Smile,

Welcome to the Lupus Site ! I am sorry you are having a bad flare at the moment. My rheumatologist has given me steroid injections before when I am flaring. I also have prednisone tablets at home that I have permission to take when I'm flaring badly and don't have an appointment with my rheumatologist that week.

Stress is one of the things that can cause us to flare up. When you and your husband fight during the day do you go out for a walk? Sometimes it is what we do after an upset that contributes to a flare-up especially if we are outside. I am fairly sensitive to the sun and if I am out in it for a short period of time I am flaring a couple days later. Just a thought for you and your flares.

This is a great place to come and vent when you are having a bad day, rejoice on a good day and receive encouragement on a hard day. We also have a great chatroom that is a good place for informal conversations.

Take care,
Karen

[Joandublin]

Hi Smile

Welcome to the Forum.

Yes most definitey stress can contribute to a flare:hugbetter: Its a known cause. Its impossible to take all stress out of our lives and in fact a certain amount of stress is necessary for us all to function. The key is learning how to minimise its impact.

If you are upset with someone or have a row then maybe you need to find something to do that will allow you to chill out afterwards and sort of restore the balance in your body. The best thing is not to wait til it happens to figure out what to do. Perhaps plan ahead and have a few alternatives that might help minimise the impact. Things like going for a walk, or listening to some of your favourite music or putting on a relaxation tape, or phoning an understanding friend can be useful. Basically whatever is possible to do in your own situation/environment.

Im sorry you are in so much pain right now and glad you are seeing your rheumy tomorrow. I dont have steroid injections myself but I would be guided by what he would say. Just make sure you let him know the amount of pain your are in.

Take care and welcome again. Let us know how you are doing okay?

Love
Joan:rose:

[smile2007]

:bigsmile: :bigsmile: Hello All,

Went to my rheumatologist yeserday. It's not the usual one I see (he is very lovely, and works with Prof Hughes, so I have trust), but it was his registrar. I have only met him once before. Anyway, he said my bloods looked ok, and that "the good news, is that your Lupus is not active"...I smiled at him and asked him for my injection immediately. I hobbled into the nurse's room and had my injection. I hobbled home, holding onto my husband, and sat on my sofa scratching all afternoon and evening. Loaded myself with painkillers and went to bed. This morning I woke up with a bit more than my usual pain, but nothing like before. The steroids are kicking in. I also emailed my consultant, and told him my situation....asking him if it's not SLE then what is causing this sudden paralysis. He said "it's probably your SLE...if you are not feeling better soon, let me know and we will add prednisolone"

I am very happy with that...and hurray...I am feeling sooooo much better. Not 100%, maybe 40-50%, but well on the way to normality.

Moral of the story....forgive the Doctor who doesn't know you, and push for a proper opinion from the one's you trust. I am a pushy lady, so i think I will be ok.

Thanks for all your words of support.

Smile