Lupus Support Group

Hi All

Thank you for this great, informative place to visit.

My GP has just referred me to a Rheumatologist and advised that he believes I have Lupus or Rheumatoid Arthritis.

I went to GP last week after putting up with differing types of pain in both forearms/hands/fingers for a good few months. I honestly expected to be told that it was a bit of RSI and to improve my posture at work and it'd all go away.. What a shock to be sent for bloodwork, X-rays (he thought i may've done something to neck and pinched nerve) as well as nerve conduction study. Needless to say the bloodwork showed key markers and I now find myself waiting 4 weeks to see the specialist (I'm sure that's probably quite a short wait compared to many!).

I also find myself noticing every little pain and niggle and wondering if it's more indication? Hoping to think back and be able to blame the pain in toes on the shoes I wore, or that I'm just being overly sensitive to a little discomfort in my arms.. Guess it's too late for that now with the blood test results, huh... Worth a try

Any suggestions on the best way to prepare for the specialist appt? I guess I should be recording the pain?

Thanks all

flutter

Hi flutter and welcome to this fantastic support site where you will meet many wonderful, caring and compassionate people. I just suggest writing all the symptoms that your experiencing in a journal and take it with you to your appointment. I do this regularly and jot everything down wheather I think it's minor or not. Lupus can be different for everyone and so can the treatment. Anytime you need to vent, cry or just to share or ask questions please feel free to post often. I wish you all the best.

Eva

Hi and welcome. Eva had some great suggestions. Just pay attention to your body and learn to listen to it. I hope you visit us often.

Alison

Many thanks Eva and Alison.

I'm enjoying a few days off work and have been taking it easy, have noticed an improvement in the pain with not so much driving and typing, however on the days I've gone hard on the housework I really notice it. Will see how things go next week when I return to work.

My GP advised to take Nurofen+ to manage the pain until I see the specialist; sometimes it helps, sometimes it's like I've not taken a thing. I've also noticed heat and compression bandages seem to help. Any other non-prescription suggestions for managing the pain?

Thanks again

flutter

Hello. I completely agree with Eva. Bringing a list of symptoms is crucial, especially when I can't remember what I wanted to share. I also sometimes write down questions that I know I want to ask but don't know if I'll remember. They also thought I had RA at the beginning and gave me Diclofenac. It did absolutely nothing for me. So glad I finally got on the Plaquenil and Prednisone. It seems to be working for now. The only non-prescription thing I can think of, is to take it easy, take breaks, take naps, and let things go. Yes, my house is a wreck, and it drives me crazy, but if I can't do it, I just accept it and do what I can. Hang in there.

Thanks MK for the advice. The writing down of questions is another great idea, I often get distracted and forget to ask everything. Not knowing diagnosis not sure where to focus my questions, but the wealth of information shared by everyone here has provided a lot of fodder.

Not the best result returning to work today, left arm very painful after 10hrs in the office. Heatpack and Nurofen time, hopefully a decent night sleep before trying it all over again tomorrow.

Night/Morning all, wishing you a pain-free day..

flutterby....I sure hope that your feeling better today.....will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Eva

Thanks Eva, definately was a better day today. I took the nurofen like clockwork and kept my arms rested on heat packs whilst typing which has made it more tolerable .

flutterby.....so glad to hear that you had a better day. I had an off day yesterday but today am much better. I guess we all go through days like that. I hope you continue to do well.

Eva