[sunshineann51]

hi i am new here i was just dx with Lupus SLE i also have thryoid disease
i work in the healthcare field but i know very little about Lupus any of our pt's diagnosed we sent to the specialist so i have just the clinical knowledge that is scary lol
i hope to find support here and some help explaining things to my family.
thank you all in advance for all the help.
melissa

 

[Katharine]

Hello and :welcome:

I think that you'll find that the boards here are a great source of information, support and advice.

It is scary when you get diagnosed with a chronic, incurable disease but with time you will learn more about what it is like to live with it on a day to day basis and how to manage that.

As for the clinical knowledge, it is important to bear in mind that all those things "can" happen but they aren't all going to happen to the same person and lupus can vary hugely in its severity. Many people (those who don't have much time for posting here :lol are able to get back to their usual busy lives once their treatment is balanced.

I hope you enjoy being here, bye for now,

Katharine

 

[Lainy]

Hello melissa

I'm new to this site as well although I've been diagnosed for 26yrs. It is good there is so much information now but it can be extrememly overwhelming. Since I was diagnosed I have raised a family and worked full time managing my condition with meds. It really is a day at a time (and a symptom at a time). It can be difficult for family and friends to understand what's going on especially when there are no visible symptoms.
This is such a welcoming site I'm sure you'll receive support and help here.
Lainy

 

[KarolH]

Hi Melissa and welcome to the site.

You will find support, knowledge, compassion and understanding from a great group of people here in this board. We are all in the same boat and really understand what each other goes through. This place was a life saver for me when I first joined, and still is.

A good book for newly diagnosed, The Lupus Book, 4th edition by Dr. Daniel Wallace. Please go out and buy this book or order it from this site. It is written in layman terms so it is easy to read and understand. It is a must have in my humble opinion.

Where in Sunny Georgia are you located? I have a sister outside Atlanta and a girlfriend in Statesboro. I just love Georgia..........it is beautiful there.

Anyway, sorry for what brings you here but happy that you have found a great place to hang your hat. Join us in the chat room sometime.:wink2:

 

[debatat]

Hi and welcome to the site. As the others have said it is very friendly and supportive. I have found it to be an invaluable source of info. Diagnosis can be a real rollercoaster of emotions. Give your self time to come to terms with it. Let us know if you have any questions.

Take care

Deb

 

[keebler]

Hi Melissa,

Welcome to the site.

I too have hypothyroid and SLE plus a few other labels.(several diagnoses)
Being first diagnosed is quite a roller coaster ride of emotions. Our families go threw quite a bit too, in accepting the diagnoses, to understanding it all.

I wouldn't go out and buy that book straight away. It is a good book but it can be quite a long read. Plus lupus affects us all so differently. Most people with lupus are living a normal life and dont have the time to come to and post.

I have learned to listen to my body. When it says rest, I go lay down. Pushing on will only result in more fatigued and pain. In fact today I argued with myself about resting.:hehe: My smart side won and I took a nap.Feeling much better after that.

Take care and let us know how we can help you.

love,
Lyn

 

[x_claire_x]

Hi Melissa.. since diagnosis last Nov I have looked for alot of info through books, articles, internet (which was very poor and out of date)... the internet brought me out in a cold sweat...this site however, has been the most valuable source of knowledge, by people who are living it. Welcome and by viewing the threads, posing questions and helping other people with their questions you learn soooo much. Wish you well,
Claire X