Lupus diagnosis

i hope i can find some help here.

this group is such a great idea.

i've been diagnosed with lupus 2 days ago, don't have a clue what is up for me in life.

also the doctor who made the diagnosis wasn't much of a help and didn't really prepare me for anything. i'm looking for a new doctor, i live in NYC (maybe he'll get the lupus diagnosis away as well...)

thanks,

Dave

It is very important that you find a good doctor and stick with them. It is imperative to your health and also your understanding of Lupus which is so varied among lupus patients. Don't be afraid or feel embarassed to ask plenty of questions. We should not be expected to have a medical degree just to understand our diagnosis. Let us know how you get on.

Jaime

Can you give me some specifics about what I should ask. What’s most important?

How can I know the doc is good?

Are you from NYC?

Best

Dave

No I am not in NYC - Actually quite a bit further than that!! I am in Auckland, New Zealand I guess for me based on my doctor - a good doctor is someone who will listen to you. Because Lupus is a systemic illness it can affect any system in the body so no symptom should be disregarded. I went through two supposed specialists at my local hospital who totally disregarded all of my symptoms as being some anonymous virus even though I had been sick for over a year!! My Lupus is in remission now so I am medication free and have been almost symptom free for four years. It is hard to know what to ask your doctor. I guess the most important thing is to not go away from the appointment more confused than when you went in! If anything at all comes up that you don't understand then make sure you clarify it with them. Ask questions about the symptoms that are bothering you the most. If you do not tell your doctor about it they can not fix it. For me I had really bad athritis and suffered from a severe photosensitivity. Often doctors do have extra pieces of advice for you if you press them. With the allergy to the sun for example I was recommended which sunscreens were best. Small thing - but very important. Ask them if they have any information they can give you or contact details for a local support group. I know here in NZ we have a group that meets every month and discusses various topics.

Jaime