[AmyMarie]

I am new and have not been diagnosed with lupus, but with blood work coming back, some doctors are concerned while others are not. I am completely stressed out. I just want to get diagnosed with whatever it is, to begin treatment and finding holistic ways of treating it.

I hope everyone else is doing well!

 

[Katharine]

Hello again and welcome again

I am sure that you will find these boards a great source of support and info along your journey.

We all try and help out as much as we can.

When you refer to a holistic approach, I do hope that you mean in addition to and in agreement any possible lupus meds prescribed by a rheumy. If you do have lupus, although there is no need to panic, it is important to realise that it does need treatment and that some "natural" remedies can be just as dangerous (if not more so, as not submitted to testing) than more conventional meds.

It is of course good to look at the body as a whole and to make the differences we can through good diet and how we live.

Katharine

 

[Clare.T]

Welcome to the forum !
I hope you get some answers soon so you are validated and can start doing whatever you decide is best.
There's so much we can do for ourselves to deal with any chronic illness apart from what your medical doctor can help with in all aspects of life.
Diet, exercise ,stress reduction strategies and techniques, prioritising and pacing oneself. not being too proud to accept whatever help is offered or available if it can be afforded. Make a regular time for yourself however short and get quality rest and sleep.
Become very well informed about how your lupus is affecting you ( get blood test results) so that you feel empowered and can develop an equal partnership with your doctor. You make sure the doctor is good as well as make informed choices about treatment options. Good doctors welcome well informed patients.

Support groups of various sorts are very useful indeed. Everything is easier to bear when you are not alone and can talk about your difficulties with people who understand and are well informed.


If you decide to go the alternative or complementary route, find a qualified medical doctor who is experienced in complementary medicines and knows about lupus and, very importantly, will work with your allopathic doctors

There are a lot of unscrupulous people out there happy to make a fast buck out of suffering people. Beware of talk of cures immune boosters and so on.

Many people lead normal lives with their lupus well controlled or in remission whether medicated or not. Keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on - when will you get your blood test results and what exactly seems to be the problem diagnosing? We'll help you all we can to live as well as possible.

Bye for now
Clare

 

[AmyMarie]

Thanks!

Thanks for all of the support and well needed information. I was really beginning to feel crazy from all these disinterested doctors. But, I do plan to seek out a second opinion, with someone who can really evaluate me. And yes, I do plan to do any treatment the doctor thinks will help, but would also love to find some safe holistic approaches too! It is really moving to me, to have people who don’t even know you care so much. I really feel better and reassured with the site. I’m thankful I found it. Thanks again for the insight. I do not know much, but am learning more about autoimmune diseases everyday! Your suggestions and advice are really appreciated!

 

[karen.w.]

Hi and a big warm welcome to the forum

Clare and katharine have already given you excellent advice so I will just say hello to you and wish you lot's of luck with your test results.

It is a bit nerve wrecking waiting for results, I remember how I felt too try not to worry ( easier said than done ) and remember we are here if you need any help and support.

best of luck to you
take care :hug: karen x

 

[onetay]

AmyMarie,
Welcome to the site and I hope that you can find some good help here. I don't want to spoil your natural method of treatment idea but if you have lupus it will be very hard to manage lupus without some medicines. I just wanted to add this so you can open yourself up to all kinds of help and use the one that works best for you. I hope you are feeling well today.