Diagnosed today

[Sherry47]

Hello everyone,
My name is Sherry and I received my diagnosis today of SLE and Sjogrens. The doctor has prescribed Plaquenil and Voltaren. I'm anxious to meet other people who will understand what I am going through.

[rob]

Hi Sherry,

I'm Rob, and I was diagnosed with SLE in '04, and MS just 1 1/2 years ago. How are you doing with the news? Fear, shock, and feeling overwhelmed are all normal, and understandable.

I would like you to know a couple of things. You don't have to go through this alone, and there are a bunch of people here who understand what you are going through. Also, know that it can take a few months for Plaquenil to work, but once it starts working, it does a pretty good job of reducing flares and symptoms.

Anyway, welcome to our group, and make yourself at home here!

Rob

[Nonna]

Hi sherry,

Rob's right. I got my diagnosis last December and have only been on the plaquinel a few months.
I'm just starting to have good days; it does take time. But the people here at WHL are fantastic.
I bless the day I found this site.
I don't know how you feel; my reaction to finding out was one of relief - so you're not crazy if you feel like that.

Take care and remember we are here,
Nonna


Live Life to the best of your ability; it's all you can do.

[mountaindreamer]

hi sherry,

i hope you are doing ok today. you had a tough day yesterday, but i am so glad that you found this forum. When i was diagnosed, i was relieved to have a name to whatever was attacking my body, but i was also terrified of the unknown....i found this forum, and have not been alone every since. Everyone here is ready to help you through the process of learning how to live with lupus....you have a lupie family now.

like others said, the plaquenil can often take several months to work, so don't get discouraged. Also, sometimes people experience some stomach issues when first starting the med. There are also other medications that can be added to the plaquenil if you don't get significant relief after a time period.

welcome again, we are here for you.

[magistramarla]

Hi Sherry,
Welcome to WHL. As the others have said, you're not alone. We're always glad to answer questions, listen to vents or just chat. Keep coming back, and keep us updated.
Hugs,
Marla

[Saysusie]

Hi Sherry;
Welcome to our family. You've already met some of our members and you can see how kind, informative, and understanding the people are here. Everyone here will understand what you are going through and will be able to give you excellent advice, information, and support.
Thank you for joining our family

Peace and Blessings
Namaste
Saysusie

[Angel Oliver]

Hi Sherry welcome to the forum.
love Amanda.xxxx

[Sherry47]

Thanks everyone for the welcome. I think my overall feeling was one of validation, finally having someone tell me that there really is something wrong with me and that its not all in my head. Hows had Lupus affected your work? I am an RN, I work in a hospital on a critical care floor. Mostly I do charge which is physically easier but much more stressful, and occasionally I am on the floor doing primary care for up to six patients which is physically hard, the last time I did that I limped out after my shift. My doc is not crazy about me working the floor to say the least but that happens maybe only one or twice in a five week period. I have to work, and I am really worried about the future.

[magistramarla]

Sherry,
I continued teaching for as long as I could. Last year was the worst, since I had knee surgery at Winter Break and was using a rollator to get around. My students got used to me occasionally falling in front of the classroom. I was really wiped out last year, so when my hubby got an opportunity for the AF to move us to Ca and pay for his PHD, we went for it. Now I'm living the life of leisure, and a bit bored, on the west coast.
My Mom-in-law was a coronary critical care nurse. When her health started going downhill, but she wasn't ready to retire yet, she moved into administration. She also started teaching classes on coronary critical care. Would these be an option for you?
Hugs,
Marla