Welcome to all the newbies...

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone, I apologize for not being around much these days, but as I wrote earlier in the month

I am in the middle of testing for leaking heart valves, and colon problems. They are going at me from

both ends, here lately. LOL

I just wanted to welcome all the new members, and tell you a little bit about me. I live in northern

California about 50 miles from San Francisco. I am the single, adoptive parent of four special needs

kids, and grandmother of two. I hve two boys, ages 16 and 12 still at home to raise. They are quite

a challenge.

I was dx'd with SLE, RA, Sjogren's, chronic Lyme's, chronic Myofibrositis, Severe Anemia, non-insulin

dependent Diabetes, and now leaking heart valves all between the age of 30 up to the present...but,

I started having weird symptoms when I was ten years old. I currently take about 18 pills each morning, and about a dozen each evening, plus pain meds during the night. I rattle when I walk. LOL

Like many of you, I was told for years that "it was all in my head". Surprise! It wasn't. I know you

have had trouble in the past finding people who understand what you are going through, but in this

group you will be accepted as just one of the bunch. We can offer advice, a few laughs, share our

experience with this extremely difficult condition we call Life in the Lupus Lane, and offer a strong

shoulder when you need support. We all have days when we feel the need to let down and just whine.

We offer cheese with that, you know. LOl

So, feel free to jump into any discussion going on the board, don't think because some of us old timers know each other and joke around that your two cents worth is not welcome. It is always welcome, and by all means, ask questions. The only stupid question is the one you DON'T ask. 'k?

Again, welcome, and I look forward to getting to know you all better. Hugs, MM aka: Mike, one

of the moderators