((((((((Debbi)))))))))) you have a lot going on and it's no surprise you are feeling so down.
Some of what you describe could certainly be due to CNS lupus if you don't already have that diagnosis. Apart from the obvious physical problems that gives you it often gave me bouts of sudden and severe depression. Antidepressants can and do help, but with what you describe I am thinking that you should probably be on some kind of immunosuppressant to help your problems. When I first started with CNS problems I did indeed have both bladder and bowel dysfunction and it's terribly alarming not to mention depressing and limits your confidence to go out and about.
Are you seeing your Rheumy soon and when are they scheduling the MRI? I would try and stress to them all your symptoms even if you think there are too many and that they might not be connected. Once they got the full picture with me and realised how bad things were along with MRI results they started me on Imuran and it has made a big difference to my day to day life. Like you I cannot tolerate Pred in oral form, I'm ok with large pulse doses over a couple of days by IV but that's it. Immunosuppressants will give you a much better quality of life in the long term
I hope things improve for you soon :hug:
love
Lily
Some of what you describe could certainly be due to CNS lupus if you don't already have that diagnosis. Apart from the obvious physical problems that gives you it often gave me bouts of sudden and severe depression. Antidepressants can and do help, but with what you describe I am thinking that you should probably be on some kind of immunosuppressant to help your problems. When I first started with CNS problems I did indeed have both bladder and bowel dysfunction and it's terribly alarming not to mention depressing and limits your confidence to go out and about.
Are you seeing your Rheumy soon and when are they scheduling the MRI? I would try and stress to them all your symptoms even if you think there are too many and that they might not be connected. Once they got the full picture with me and realised how bad things were along with MRI results they started me on Imuran and it has made a big difference to my day to day life. Like you I cannot tolerate Pred in oral form, I'm ok with large pulse doses over a couple of days by IV but that's it. Immunosuppressants will give you a much better quality of life in the long term
I hope things improve for you soon :hug:
love
Lily
