Lupus

I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in October 1989, when I was only 22 years old. It is a sneaky disease, quietly attacking joints and different organs. I am fortunate to have only painful, swollen joints and moderate kidney involvement.

I have been on Prednisone since 1989 and have that "moon" face appearance, no matter how much I weigh. I look perfectly healthy, so it's hard for some people to understand just how sick I am. Some days, I get up and feel pretty good. Other days, it's all I can do to make it to the sofa. I know anyone with Lupus knows what I'm talking about. I always get the "butterfly" rash on my face if I'm in the sun over 5 minutes. My fingers turn red and blue when they get cold. My joints hurt constantly. I have to take narcotics for that because NSAIDS put me in renal failure. My kidney function is always messed up. I do feel fortunate not to be on dialysis, as alot of patients are. I take so many meds for this disease. They include Prednisone, Imuran, Humira, Cytoxan and Percocet. I have trouble sleeping from the pain, so I also take Ambien CR and Clonazepam. My rheumatologist, that I've been seeing for years, is leaving his practice and going to another town. Even though it's 2 hours away, I will go with him.

I have problems with other autoimmune disorders. I have Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Hashimotos Thyroiditis, Endometriosis, Fibromyalgia and Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease. It seems if you have one, you are prone to having others.

I would be interested in chatting with anyone who suffers from any of these diseases. You may contact me at elizabethdaly67@aol.com.