Hello from Spain

Hi, Im Sarie/Sara or whatever you'd like to call me:wink2:

I am Engish but I have been living in Barcelona for the past 2 and a bit years. I am 23 years old.

When I was 19/20 (i can't remember) I went into hospital because all my joints had swollen up and I was unable to walk. A few years before I had swelling in my toes and my thumb joints.. I went to the dr's and they told me I should take ibruprofeno!!

So anyway whilst in hospital I saw a rhuemotologist and he diagnosed me with RA. A while later I moved here and got my self a good but grumpy rheumy here. He is quite good, but I have to admit I have not gone to all of my appointments. I guess I've tried to dig my head in the sand about it all.

About a month or so ago I got a horrid red rash under my right eye that has now spread to the other side. Its itchy and sore and looks horrid So now my specialist is trying to test for lupus and trying to push that as a diagosis.
(I have been taking methotrexate and steroids before that, and some expensive meds called zamene and aveno-something (its not exactly that but I can't remember (spanish pharm names I think!!)

My other symptoms include; sore swollen joints, fatigue (where most days its really hard to actually get out of bed), Im quite depressed, I suffer from migraines, occasional chest pain, especially if im in bed, rash on my ankles, itchy head and falling hair

Im glad to have found somewhere to share and talk, its nice to know Im not the only one with these issues. My boyfriend gets a bit fed up of me missing work and school (i study fashion design at uni here in BCN). Also I cry alot and get paranoid and sad.I uess its hard to see someone you love like that everyday. what are you experiences with relationships. How do you push through these feelings and being so tired all the time. I don't want to give up and not do something.
Help and advice would be very welcome!

ps today I have an appointment with a dermo