A gentle hello and introduction

I just wanted to come in and say hello. I'm a 37 year old, single mother of 3, that has just received a posotive skin biopsy for lupus. I have to admit that I'm completely and totally overwhelmed with the diagnosis, and even more so terrified. ATM I am not sure which degree of the disease I'm facing but when looking thru various info sites, I've found that nearly every symptom of SLE I've had at one time or another, esp over the last 8 - 9 years and some dating back to nearly 16 years, but becoming the most bothersome in the last 5 - 7 years. I've always thought something was wrong with me. I couldn't keep up with all that "normal" means. I struggle just to make it thru the workday let alone to come home and take care of my children, and forget extra-carricular activities. In some ways I'm a bit releived that atleast I can have some understanding and treatment but the possibilities of damage due to the length of time it's gone untreated has been a huge factor in many emotional breakdowns in the last week. I am at such a loss as to where to begin to regain control or what medications to be leary of, which ones to ask to try, etc.

Anyway...the purpose of this whole post wasn't to complain or whine it was to say hello and hopefully meet a few people that understand and can relate. If you're out there in the "great computer yonder" I'd love to hear from you.

tata for now...

jcbrooke3