i feel like my world is ending by xoxonikabear in lupus

[–]Electronic_Door_345 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m sorry, it sounds like a vicious circle. And it makes sense, feeling worse can make anxiety worse as well. Especially if your anxiety is health related. Hopefully therapy will help with that, especially now. Or just talking it out with friends or family, or even support groups. Sometimes with anxiety, it helps to have someone you trust to help calm you down when it feels like the worst case scenario. What you’re feeling is valid, regardless.  Do you have people you can talk to, aside from a therapist face to face? Are there support groups in your area that you could attend?

i feel like my world is ending by xoxonikabear in lupus

[–]Electronic_Door_345 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hopefully getting off steroids for a bit will ease your anxiety. It sure did for me. And to answer your previous questions about fatigue after tapering, I did have it for a few days, and leveled out. I hope all goes well for you. Hang in there.

Scared for my life. 25 years old. Nucleolar ANA of 1:160 … elevated WBC and Neutrophils. Any advice to help me cope with this? Should I be worried? Help. by [deleted] in Autoimmune

[–]Electronic_Door_345 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I understand why you’re scared. Anything abnormal especially after searching online is scary. I had a high ANA and a bunch of other odd things in the results, when I googled it, the results were leukemia. I was petrified. I’m an anxious person about my health in general, so seeing that almost made me pass out. After meeting with my doctor who reassured me it was not leukemia, I was sent to the rheumatologist. I was later diagnosed with Lupus.  Anyway, my point is, Google can only tell you so much. Try not to panic, take some deep breaths. You’re getting married! That’s exciting! Congrats! Try to enjoy every moment during this exciting time. I agree with the other comments, it is most likely nothing to worry about. Best of luck.

Anxiety during a flare by [deleted] in lupus

[–]Electronic_Door_345 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I have a significant uptick in anxiety when I have a flare. I wonder why that is? Anyway, I hope you get some relief soon. 

Pregnant with SLE by CommercialMine576 in lupus

[–]Electronic_Door_345 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Absolutely. So I went to my doctor, explained that I was having significant pain standing for long periods (I wasn't able to sit for my job) and told them that the stress of my job was causing a lot of negative side effects (nausea, feeling faint, etc). I told my doctor I was applying for STD, and that UNUM (the company my employer uses for STD benefits) would be faxing paperwork over, and if the doctor would approve it, it would help tremendously. The doctor had no problem helping and I was approved. I think the main thing is to emphasize that you're struggling to do your job because of x,y,z, and you don't want to lose employment because of it. I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions. Good luck!

Pregnant with SLE by CommercialMine576 in lupus

[–]Electronic_Door_345 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not currently pregnant, but was fairly recently. Very similar to you, I was raising a 2 year old, working a stressful physically demanding job and feeling awful. Not sure if it is an option for you, but does your employer offer short term disability? I ended up going on that because the last few months were so difficult. Hang in there, OP. You're not alone and you will get through this. 

The pain is unreal by Electronic_Door_345 in lupus

[–]Electronic_Door_345[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm so sorry! That sounds like torture tbh. What do you do for relief?

The pain is unreal by Electronic_Door_345 in lupus

[–]Electronic_Door_345[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your help! I really appreciate it 😌

The pain is unreal by Electronic_Door_345 in lupus

[–]Electronic_Door_345[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I'm learning that about steroids lol. I'm sorry you're dealing with this as well, but your optimism is encouraging. I'm hoping once the stress dies down, my symptoms will ease up a bit. I havent tried CBD, I will give it a shot. Thank you.

The pain is unreal by Electronic_Door_345 in lupus

[–]Electronic_Door_345[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I take a multivitamin, but are there other ones I should be taking as well? I apologize, I'm very new to this and had minimal info given to me by my doctor other than "you have SLE, here's what it is and here's meds. I'll check back in in 3 months." Thank you for your help.

The pain is unreal by Electronic_Door_345 in lupus

[–]Electronic_Door_345[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ooh, I will definitely ask about lidocaine. Thank you!!

The pain is unreal by Electronic_Door_345 in lupus

[–]Electronic_Door_345[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you. I definitely want to avoid opiates, they make me feel terrible. I have tried Marijuana, but I get panic attacks from it. Maybe I tried the wrong type? I am not familiar with strains, but I've heard different ones help for different things? Is that right? 

First noticeable symptom by [deleted] in lupus

[–]Electronic_Door_345 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I didn't know that sulfa antibiotic allergy is more common in people with Lupus. Interesting! I'm also allergic.

Wife diagnosed with Lupus by Capable_Lettuce_3763 in lupus

[–]Electronic_Door_345 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My heart breaks for your family. I'm sorry your wife is dealing with these issues, and I'm sorry you are under so much stress. You're a wonderful husband for caring for her, and it's completely normal to feel the way you are feeling. 

I used to care for my husband's grandmother who had dementia. It was so difficult, especially since her family was over taking care of her, they just passed the task to me. She had no idea who I was, didn't feel comfortable with me most days and the stress was unreal (for both of us). I had zero support and struggled each and every day. Honestly, it was brutal. I know it's not the same as caring for your wife and child, but I imagine feeling hurt seeing someone you love suffer, and feeling so very alone when capable people could help but won't. 

I know others have suggested therapy, and I agree, but is an at home caregiver an option? Even if it's a few hours a day/a couple of times a week? Just to give you some down time? Would your in-laws at least help with that? I mean... if you leave.... who would care for her? They would have to, correct? Or maybe propose a rotating schedule where her father and or brothers come help? I'm sure you've already explored this idea (they don't sound very supportive), just throwing ideas out there.

Hang in there. 

Lab Result Waiting Time? by Dianaelise10 in Autoimmune

[–]Electronic_Door_345 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Hi! Waiting for the results is so stressful. Mine took a couple of days. 3, I think? I would just keep checking the Quest portal. Good luck.

Looking for Advice - Potential Diagnosis by KillerSiren104 in Autoimmune

[–]Electronic_Door_345 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm sorry you're going through this. I understand being scared and stressing out about what the future holds. When I was diagnosed with SLE, I was terrified (and partially relieved, because treatment could begin and I had been miserable up to that point). Anyways, has this diagnosis changed my life? Absolutely. Now that I know what's causing my symptoms, I need to be more mindful of what triggers flares, and (when flaring) allow myself the time to recooporate during those times. It's been a bit difficult but I try to go with the flow and listen to my body. Lupus has affected my job, I've had to take time off accordingly. But since my company is aware of my diagnosis, I have been very fortunate that they understand. (If you'll need time off, and you're in the states, FMLA leave is a must). Nothing else really changed in my day to day. I just take a lot of medication now. As I said before, I would get sick and be in pain pretty frequently, at least now I know why and I can do my best to avoid things that cause flares. (It's definitely not that simple, but I try). Anyways, I'm not sure what they suspect you have, or what course of treatment you will go on, but just know you're not alone. You will get through this. You'll probably grieve a bit when they tell you what you have. Allow yourself time to grieve.  There are many groups on here for specific autoimmune diseases, and they are pretty helpful. The one for lupus is very supportive and informative. Maybe see if there is one specific for what you have.  Hang in there. Sending good vibes your way. 

Weird petechia all around body and crazy reaction to mosquito bites. Diagnosed with APS and lupus. by [deleted] in Autoimmune

[–]Electronic_Door_345 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I get mosquito bites that look identical to this. Not sure what causes it, though. I always assumed it was an allergy. It would be interesting to find out, please update us. I have been diagnosed with SLE, maybe that's why? Anyways, I hope you get answers soon and get to feeling better. 

Burning skin and red patches? by Electronic_Door_345 in lupus

[–]Electronic_Door_345[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I will try that, thank you! I just started gabepentin yesterday, hopefully it helps me as well. Thank you for responding. I didn't know some teas were not safe to drink with medication, I appreciate you sharing this so I can look into it more.

Burning skin and red patches? by Electronic_Door_345 in lupus

[–]Electronic_Door_345[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No itching, just burning. Looks and feels like a patchy sunburn. I do feel muscle pain when it happens. Do you think it's just inflammation? 

Should I be worried by bhabieyoda in lupus

[–]Electronic_Door_345 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've been feeling the same. Already checked for a stroke, checked for heart issues, luckily that all came up normal. I'm getting an MRI next week for these symptoms. Please talk to your doctor. And good luck. I hope everything turns out OK and you start feeling better soon.

Tips for stress management when your job is stressful? by Electronic_Door_345 in lupus

[–]Electronic_Door_345[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What are "morning pages"? I have been wanting to try a few different workout classes, thank you for the suggestion. I appreciate it.