Josie

[Guest guest]

Hi. My name is Maggie. I am 26 and I have lupus and fibromyalgia and

a few other things LOL. I got dx'd with lupus in September 02 and

fibro in Nov 02.

I am sorry I didn't get to post to you before you went to the dr.

(It's today, right?). I keep a notebook handy when I go and make

notes of what the dr tells me during my visit. Sometimes, my notes

are more thorough than the drs LOL. I also make the dr's give me

copies of any labs or test results they get on me. I keep my notes

and my lab copies in a folder that I keep in my truck. I felt so

unprepared and had the urge to " DO SOMETHING " when my regular doc said

" lupus " and recommended a rheumy. My best action was to join this

group; my worst was to become a bundle of nerves over something I

can't control.

My sweet hubby goes with me to most of my appointments. He is very

patient and helpful since I've been sick. He fussed at me for reading

too much, too, and so I have a new rule of thumb. I only read up on

what I know for sure I have or about stuff the dr touches on but

doesn't go into great detail. I let my dr be a starting point for my

knowledge, and then I can act in a more positive direction. I don't

spend so much time on looking up my symptoms and asking " What if? "

LOL. That helps me a lot.

Takes a load off of me to not carry around worry I don't need, can

hardly handle, and is probably unecessary anyway. Worry is a first

cousin of stress and will make lupus worse.

*taking notes, to try to convince self of the value of not worrying*

If only I took my own advice LOL . . .

Whatever you find out, my bet is someone here will be able to give you

some insight on it. You have joined a great group, and we are here

for you.

Take care and let us know what happens.

Maggie