I was diagnosed about 13 years ago, at the age of 32, after a few years of troubles my Doc. summed up to "a bad phase". I KNEW he thought I was a hypochondirac, even caught him rolling his eyes once when he entered the room. Did have a few serious troubles he summed up to bad luck (Phlebitis, Pulmonary embolism). Well, after awhile things started to get much worse. I remember when I got the diagnosis well. My family and freinds were going to Yosemite for a camping trip. I was worried about going as I felt horrible. Saw the Doc. a couple of days before we left, he told me to go and have a great time, it would be good for me. Felt horrible most of the trip, tried to do a short hike with friends and thought I was going to die. Got home a week later and had MANY messaages on my answering maching from the Doc.. He sounded very concerned, wanted to know why I wasn't returning the messages. One message was from his nurse who remembered that I was going to be out of town and said she would remind him (nice to know he was listening when I had been there the week before!). Final message was from the Doc., said to call as soon as I got back, that he had diagnosed me with Lupus Nephritis (he had been noticeing blood and protien in my urine). Got home and listened to the messages..had NO idea what Lupus was, never heard of it. Called my Mom who I knew had a medical dictionary (no internet then), she looked it up and read it to me. Saw the Doc. the next day. He did send me to a very good Rumy that I still see today. My health went downhill fast from that point. They did a biopsy on the Kidneys, they looked horrible. I started chemo w/cytoxan very soon afterwards. It worked wonders and after about a year and a half of chemo I was feeling great. Next trip to Yosemite I hiked to the top of Half Dome, 17miles, 5000 feet up...it felt incredible! Nephritis did return years later, chemo did the trick again. It's been nearly three years since my last round.
So there ya go...my story
Best Wishes,
Eric