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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Spriggy on May 9, 2005, at 22:25:09
I got a call today from the doctor who did all the blood work. I have lupus.
I will now go see a rheumatologist.
At least there is a name for this!!
I'll update more later.
Posted by Dinah on May 10, 2005, at 8:53:40
In reply to Finally a name..... Lupus, posted by Spriggy on May 9, 2005, at 22:25:09
Oh, Spriggy. I'm sorry. Although I do know the relief of having a diagnosis.
A friend of mine from high school was diagnosed with lupus. I know it's an extra challenge on top of the challenges you already have in your life.
I'm glad you have a wonderful supportive husband, because you need to take good care of yourself.
I hope all goes well with the rheumatologist.
Posted by Racer on May 10, 2005, at 15:33:37
In reply to Finally a name..... Lupus, posted by Spriggy on May 9, 2005, at 22:25:09
I am so glad you have a diagnosis now, Spriggy. That's one less thing to worry about, and worry can exacerbate all the autoimmune things.
Has your doctor given you information about Lupus? It's not as much fun as going to DisneyLand, but there are good treatments out there, and it's a maintenance type disease for most people. There are a lot of sources of good information about it, but keep your salt shaker handy when you first start looking. There are a fair number of hysterical "OH IT'S THE WORST THING EVER!!!" sites on the web. Those are the last thing you need right now, when there's so much good information out there.
Best luck to you, and I do hope you're getting the best supportive care and engagement from your doctors. That makes such a difference when adjusting to chronic disease. (At least, I found that to be true.)
Posted by MidnightBlue on May 10, 2005, at 17:02:07
In reply to Finally a name..... Lupus, posted by Spriggy on May 9, 2005, at 22:25:09
Spriggy,
It is very difficult to tell if someone has Lupus just from a blood test. I'm sure your test showed auto immune problems. Let the rheumatologist tell you for SURE that it is Lupus. Also there are a couple of different kinds, some are more serious than others so don't panic.
Hang in there and keep posting. We are all here for you no matter WHAT tag they hang on you!
Hugs,
MidnightBlue
Posted by spriggy on May 10, 2005, at 17:40:28
In reply to Re: Finally a name..... Lupus » Spriggy, posted by MidnightBlue on May 10, 2005, at 17:02:07
Yes... the doctor said something about a very elevated ANA something.. (not sure) but with that and my symptoms since Christmas, I think that's why he has said this.
He is sending me to a rheumotologist so hopefully I'll get a better understanding of what this is and how it will be treated.
I am feeling very crummy right now and am eating Motrin like it's candy.
Posted by MidnightBlue on May 11, 2005, at 11:00:04
In reply to Re: Finally a name..... Lupus, posted by spriggy on May 10, 2005, at 17:40:28
Spriggy,
Hang in there! For what it is worth, I too hurt everyday. Bextra--my drug of choice--has been banned by the FDA now. Watch that Motrin. Too much will give you a tummy ache.
It sounds as if you definitely have an auto immune disease. The question will be which one. You may even have more than one! When do you see the rheumatologist? I good one can be hard to find, but a good one is priceless!
Posted by gardenergirl on May 14, 2005, at 15:51:20
In reply to Re: Finally a name..... Lupus » spriggy, posted by MidnightBlue on May 11, 2005, at 11:00:04
Spriggy,
I'm glad you are gettting answers and following up with specialists. Auto-immune diseases run in my husband's family, and they can be really confusing and annoying.Please take extra gentle care of yourself. I hope you start to feel some relief very soon.
gg
Posted by Shannon28 on June 28, 2005, at 14:22:08
In reply to Finally a name..... Lupus, posted by Spriggy on May 9, 2005, at 22:25:09
Hey there! I was just recently diagnosed with Lupus about 8 months ago... stress is a trigger. We've got to keep it as low as we can. I'm sure you've read a million things on the web about Lupus, but maybe together we can be a support to each other. I have both cutaneous and systemic... :-P Keep your chin up... it is SO NOT the end of the world! I hope to hear how you are doing soon!
This is the end of the thread.
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