[Freya]

I always feel a little reluctant to sign up to forums because I have a habit of starting enthusiastically then run out of steam and end up not visiting or contributing for months on end!
But at the moment Lupus is the biggest thing going on in my world and I figured that this is exactly what this site is all about. If I'm blessed with a similar flare to the one I had when I was diagnosed 8 years ago then I'll warn you all now; I will disappear! I hope it's not too fickle of me, but as it's been mentioned on here several times, my Lupus is very mild and between flares I'm not posting because I'm quite simply out there living life!
A little about me;
When my platelets crashed 10 years ago I was diagnosed with ITP. Eventually all of my other ailments both past and present resulted in SLE being diagnosed. I took Plaq and Pred for a couple of years until I maintained a stable platelet count and my aches, pains and fatigue completely went away.
This time around I started to feel unwell in September and eventually got to see a Consultant last month who confirmed a flare. He was surprised that I hadn't been called in for check ups for the last 8 years and is now carrying out a full MOT on me which is very reassuring. After a short spell on the steroids which brought immense relief I'm now waiting patiently for the Plaq to start working. It's been a month so far and my joints are hurting more now than they ever have and I'm struggling to maintain my usual good humour!
So, that's my encounters with the wolf. I have some questions regarding symptoms so I'll be back!...
Freya

 

[Freya]

Wow, thanks for the warm welcome guys!
I have been very lucky that I've had many years symptom-free; infact I've almost felt fraudulent having the Lupus word hanging over me and being so well. I must admit I'd secretly hoped it had gone for good! I also suspect that both flares were triggered by two extremely stressfull events in my life so from now on in there will be no stress please :lol:

I had been agonising over whether to take medication whilst waiting for the Plaquenil to kick in as half of me felt that if I was experiencing pain at least I'd have something tangible to discuss with the consultant. Also (and is this "normal"?) the pain eases through the day and has 90% gone by bedtime. It is however so exhausting getting to the part of the day when I don't hurt that I end up crashing out early only to start all over again the next day, and so it goes...!
Anyway, I've decided I don't need to suffer and have gone back on the Prednisolone today. Hopefully my Consultant be be ok with that decision when I see him in a few weeks.
Anyway, I'm delighted to have received such a warm welcome and I'll happily talk ITP with anyone who so wishes!
Freya x