Another New Member-

[Guest guest]

Hi All:

I am 45 yr old female in Southern California. married, to a great man. 2 kids,

10 and 14. I lost identical girls twins 7 years ago, and we now suspect it may

have been

lupus related.

I have 5 dogs, and 2 cats. More on them later.

I was diagnosed one year ago with RA and lupus overlap.; I had been sick for

around

10 years with diffuse symptoms. Just thought I was crazy and going crazy. I

always

felt like I was getting the flu..then the pleurisy and fevers and joint pain

etc,

etc.

I work in the mental health field, and control my schedule. Because I could

barely

get out of bed this past December and January I thought of complete retirement.

The fatigue has been one of the worst battles because it has prevented me from

being

available to my kids. Now I really am learning to live life at 1/2 or 1/4

speed,

or less if needed. I am in the acceptance phase, but still kicking and

screaming

sometimes.

For the past few monthsI have been making jewelry and this is GREAT.....

My biggest problem is guilt ---- my kids really have a hard time with this, and

I feel terrible that they have a mom who is disabled, and cant do like other

moms.

The next biggest problem is lack of mental clarity and fog--- Hate that.

More later,

Pam

Re: Hi (new member)

Hi Diane,

I am a new member also. Glad you joined us. I am diagnosed with

SLE officially about a week ago. I am still getting used to the

idea. I know I have had symptoms of this for a while but never

really tried to find out what was wrong. I kind of stumbled on it

by getting a general physical and testing done. I guess I was

lucky enough to have a doctor who paid attention and put all my

symptoms together enough to become suspicious and order some other

tests done. I don't know what the future holds but am glad to have

a good support group for whatever comes my way. Take care and

welcome! Carol

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