So I haven't posted in a bit and this one isn't going to be about anything good, but I can finally write about it without getting super upset so it is time to write about my feelings and next steps. My fatigue has been getting worse to the point that I feel like I can no longer function so I decided to go to a new Rheumatologist to see if he had an ideas to help my Chronic Fatigue. Due to my history of Lupus and to another Dr thinkinkg that I have Fibromyalgia he decided the first step would be to do some bloodwork(14 vials to be exact). So I went to the lab and then would return to see him again in 4weeks.
Last Sunday after helping my mom move, my fingers started to ache like back when I had Lupus just not as bad. I thought maybe it s just from the stress of the day and doing a little help with the boxes. By Monday they were worse along with my wrists. Thankfully though I had my appt with the Rheumatologist the next day.
Wed came along and that is when my world shifted. My Lupus is now back with a vengeance, I also now also have a disease called Sjogrens, along with Fibromyalgia. All of these things are bad, but combined even worse. So I have been in a bad place since last week. Trying to fit all of the pieces together and see where to go from here. Asking the questions if I am going to be able to see my kids grow up(and freaking out that I am not). I thought my Lupus was gone along with my old Dr but it turns out that it was only in remission. That in itself is a huge shock to my system. I guess I took it for granted that for the most part I was just tired but feeling okay. Now my life is so different and up in the air.
To explain to those of you who have asked what all this means is this. Extreme fatigue(not like I can even explain), joint pain in all of my fingers, wrists, shoulders etc, dry painful eyes and skin and feeling everyday like I have the flu.
What these diseases can cause, kidney failure, stroke, heart attack, liver and major organ failure, increased susceptibility to infection. Basically nothing good. Their is no cure, only treatment to lessen the symptoms and keep the bad things at bay as long as possible. I need to have a positive outlook to help my stay strong and less sick but right this moment it is very hard for me. So if I am not myself right now I apologize in advance.
I am searching for things to make it better and if anyone has an ideas let me know as I am open to all things.
Showing posts with label disease. Show all posts
Showing posts with label disease. Show all posts
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Definition of Lupus
A lot of you have asked me what exactly is Lupus....since I am not good at explaining it...here is a brief overview of the disease. I hope this helps.
Lupus: A chronic inflammatory condition caused by an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease occurs when the body's tissues are attacked by its own immune system. Patients with lupus have unusual antibodies in their blood that are targeted against their own body tissues.
Lupus can cause disease of the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, joints, and nervous system. When only the skin is involved, the condition is called discoid lupus. When internal organs are involved, the condition is called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Up to 10% of persons with discoid lupus (lupus limited to the skin) eventually develop the systemic form of lupus (SLE).
SLE is eight times more common in women than men. The causes of SLE are unknown. However, heredity, viruses, ultraviolet light, and drugs may all play a role.
Eleven criteria have been established for the diagnosis of SLE:
Malar (over the cheeks of the face) "butterfly" rash
Discoid skin rash: patchy redness that can cause scarring
Photosensitivity: skin rash in reaction to sunlight exposure
Mucus membrane ulcers: ulceration of the lining of the mouth, nose or throat
Arthritis: 2 or more swollen, tender joints of the extremities
Pleuritis/pericarditis: inflammation of the lining tissue around the heart or lungs, usually associated with chest pain with breathing
Kidney abnormalities: abnormal amounts of urine protein or cellular elements
Brain irritation: manifested by seizures (convulsions) and/or psychosis
Blood count abnormalities: low counts of white or red blood cells, or platelets
Immunologic disorder: abnormal immune tests include anti-DNA or anti-Sm (Smith) antibodies, falsely positive blood test for syphilis, anticardiolipin antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, or positive LE prep test
Antinuclear antibody: positive ANA antibody testing
The treatment of SLE is directed toward decreasing inflammation and/or the level of autoimmune activity. Persons with SLE can help prevent "flares" of disease by avoiding sun exposure and by not abruptly discontinuing medications.
Lupus: A chronic inflammatory condition caused by an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease occurs when the body's tissues are attacked by its own immune system. Patients with lupus have unusual antibodies in their blood that are targeted against their own body tissues.
Lupus can cause disease of the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, joints, and nervous system. When only the skin is involved, the condition is called discoid lupus. When internal organs are involved, the condition is called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Up to 10% of persons with discoid lupus (lupus limited to the skin) eventually develop the systemic form of lupus (SLE).
SLE is eight times more common in women than men. The causes of SLE are unknown. However, heredity, viruses, ultraviolet light, and drugs may all play a role.
Eleven criteria have been established for the diagnosis of SLE:
Malar (over the cheeks of the face) "butterfly" rash
Discoid skin rash: patchy redness that can cause scarring
Photosensitivity: skin rash in reaction to sunlight exposure
Mucus membrane ulcers: ulceration of the lining of the mouth, nose or throat
Arthritis: 2 or more swollen, tender joints of the extremities
Pleuritis/pericarditis: inflammation of the lining tissue around the heart or lungs, usually associated with chest pain with breathing
Kidney abnormalities: abnormal amounts of urine protein or cellular elements
Brain irritation: manifested by seizures (convulsions) and/or psychosis
Blood count abnormalities: low counts of white or red blood cells, or platelets
Immunologic disorder: abnormal immune tests include anti-DNA or anti-Sm (Smith) antibodies, falsely positive blood test for syphilis, anticardiolipin antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, or positive LE prep test
Antinuclear antibody: positive ANA antibody testing
The treatment of SLE is directed toward decreasing inflammation and/or the level of autoimmune activity. Persons with SLE can help prevent "flares" of disease by avoiding sun exposure and by not abruptly discontinuing medications.
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