I don't belong here (I think/hope)

Hi Rachel

Welcome to the Forum Its lovely to meet you

First of all, dont feel awkward posting around here This place isnt only for those with Lupus but its also an extremely valuable resource to those, like yourself, who suspect Lupus or who have a range of, so far, unexplained symptoms and need some support or advice.

I cant say if you have Lupus or not but Im very glad that you have a Rheumatology referral coming up. Of course nobody wants to be diagnosed with a chronic, long term illness like Lupus but the most important thing to remember that putting your head in the sand wont make one NOT have Lupus - but it can delay vital treatment that can get things back to an even keel for you if you do have Lupus. Hope that makes sense! I've only just woken up and saw your post.

I had a quick look at your symptom list and I will reply on that post shortly. You sure have had a difficult health history :hugbetter: :sad:

Anyway I had best go and get my wake-up coffee so that I can start the day properly!

Even if you get a diagnosis of Lupus it doesnt have to mean that your life-long dream comes to an end completely. Yes there are lifestyle adjustments to be made but, over time, these just become common sense decisions. The right treatment is the key to managing many aspects of this disease and that can take a while to sort out.

I have Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Hypothyroidism and Hypertension by the way and I work as a Director of a Drug Rehabilitation Project. Its not easy at times but I still manage it

Just a tip by the way. If you dont have things like life assurance sorted out its a good idea to do this before you get any formal diagnosis. Its very difficult, if not impossible, to get insurance companies to take on someone with a Lupus diagnosis

Better go get that coffee....!

Take care for now
Joan:rose:

Morning, Rachel!

First off...I do believe the biggest mistake any of us can do, is to lay in bed feeling not only pain, but alone!! I'm sure no one on this site is going feel as if you're intruding!! I just started on this site a couple of days ago and I'm already feeling better mentally!! Sometimes, just writing stuff down helps to heal our heads. With so much that goes on with all the physical doo-doo we have to put up with, the last thing we need is to let our heads get torn up. I'm sure I'm not the only one here who can do a pretty good number on myself if left alone for too long! I've got a guy who is really good about all that's going on with me, but he really doesn't understand because he's not actually going through it. At least here, I've got people I can truly relate to. Pain is pain.
As for a life-long dream being dashed...we dash our own dreams!! Lupus isn't the end of the world!! For me, it meant I got my life BACK!! Yeah...sure! It's forever. But, I wouldn't go to the shed for shovel just yet! If it turns out to be lupus for you, think of it this way...you at least KNOW now! I went through almost 5 years of horrendous pain complicated with mounting mental anguish. Not only didn't anyone believe me, I began to feel like I was just imagining all that was going because I was actually just a lazy person. (Until all this began, that was sooooo not true!) For me, it was actually a blessing when I was diagnosed! It explained everything!!! Now that I'm on the proper meds & have begun to change my lifestyle accordingly, I've got my life back! Or, at least, well on my way. I don't think very well when I'm in a flare-up and this site has really helped put me back on course! When I got here, I now realize I was in the middle of a flare-up! I took a few suggestions & what do you know! This morning seems to be the beginning of a good day that I may not have had without this wonderful site being here!
Anyway, a bit of background on myself...I've had 3 bouts of cancer, I've got hypothythoidism & epilepsy since shortly after birth. I've also been through 4 miscarriages & 3 divorces!! I don't look at any of that as bad things or reasons to feel sorry for myself. They just happened & they've added to my personality of today. If anything, all that stuff has made me stronger & built more character into who I am today. And, I'm told I'm quite a character when I'm feeling well!:lol: The lupus...it's just something else to conquer! As Joan said, don't put "your head in the sand"! Trust me...there's no weapons there! There are, however, numerous strengthening tools here with a whole army to help us all in this war! Yeah, yeah. I know...real corny. But, I just woke up from the first decent night sleep I've had in 4 days! All because I took some advice from someone on this site!
Take care & I hope to "see" you soon!
Sue