Next week, I will be having tests done to try to determine if I have lupus. I am so bummed. I already have four auto-immune diseases, and don't know if I can handle another one.

Does anyone here have lupus? How do you deal with it? Thanks in advance for any input.

My sister is currently in remission with Lupus. If you have 4 imune disorders why have they waited this long to do the lupus test? There is a high possibility that its Lupus and that the LUpus is whats causing all your other ailments. Lupus effects everyone completely different, my sister had the crippling effect problems with her eyes, and on high steriods just to be able to function. You name it she went thru it. I would have the test done why they have waited this long to do it is whats questioning me this is a very hard disorder to diagnos and treat due to all the varieties of it. Good luck keep us posted Hope the test comes out the way you want it to which is without lupus

My Dh was check for it 2 years ago.. He was really sick and didn't even know it.
He went to the hospital for an ingrown hair. As we were with the triage nurse we were talking about how he was bruising all the time, tired, and his gums were bleeding when ever her brushed his teeth. They ran a bunch of blood test, right then and their. All of a sudden the had emt's at the door ready to transport him to a larger hos. They thought he has leukimia, lymphoma, lupus,aids and everything else under the sun. They finally determined he had an auto immune disorder! Thombositpiena sp? the treated him with a cemo type drug. I didn't make him sick or lose his hair. He had 4 treatments.. It worked..
It was a lot of time spent running to differant dr's..getting oppinions.
Maybe you should get a couple more oppinions..
Lot's of hugs for you.

I have tested slightly positive for the lupus antibody in a past blood test although a rheumatologist determined that I don't actually have the disease. As I am sure you already know, blood tests for many auto-immune disorders are not 100% accurate so diagnosis is often based on symptoms - which can be difficult. My husband has ulcerative colitis (also an auto-immune disorder) which manifested itself through severe joint pain. We went through several rounds of tests for everything from lupus and rheumatoid arthritis to lyme disease before he was finally diagnosed. I certainly hope that your tests come back negative for the disease - it seems like you have so much on your plate already. Best of luck!

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Stephanie
Mom to: Caleb (8/03), Ian (9/05), & Baby Boy #3 (EDD 11-9-2008)

Thanks for the well-wishes! I've had so many problems with my health, and I do everything right to try to be well. I feel like I've been kicked in the head again, you know?

I've only started having symptoms of Lupus, mainly a rash on my cheeks and joint pain. Two of my other autoimmune diseases took decades to diagnose (Pernicious Anemia and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis). No one in my family has Lupus so it was never suspected before.

I have to remember that a diagnosis means you have a name for the problem, a diagnosis doesn't mean you just contracted the disease. I'll let you guys know the outcome, thanks again.

Well, I don't really know anything about Lupus, but I wish you well on your tests, I hope you get some answers.

Good Luck!!

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My Sunday School teacher's wife has Lupus. I have looked up a few things, just trying to figure out how I can help them, but from what I have read, each case is different.
I hope that with the tests they are doing, they will be able to find a way to help you with all of what you talked about!

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No advice...just big hugs and prayers.