[Anika.]

No not emotional pain, physical. I am really sick right now, and I don't think I have sat down till now since last Tuesday. It's been so rush, too many demands, and my body just can't take it maybe. Tho I would hate to admit that. I am way to exhausted to feel down, I don't even have energy for that.

Does anyone know what all cause lupus flares, I am looking online, but I am so tired for reading. My knuckles, hands, wrists, knees all inflamed. I can barely sleep because my joint pain is so intense. My hands feel crippled. My back, and every muscle is just super stiff and super sore. I have a fever and bad headaches. Tho not a flu or cold, this is so frustrating, my nose is all red again.

Aside from that I burnt my hand using a glue gun, pretty badly, freaking hurts, took the skin off two fingers. That is not the the source of the swollen joints tho, or anything, just stupid pain. I should never be trusted with hot, sharp, or dangerous objects.

I just want to sit and cry, but my house is a disaster and I finally have time to clean it now. Yesterday I melted down to my bf and cried, and a cry that sounded like a child tone, I was crying because I am so worn out. I don't know how I am gonna do this all. I really don't know how you guys do it with work.. kids.. bipolar.. life..craziness. You guys are all amazing that is for sure!

I don't like this because I was feeling really strong and capable, and now I feel weak, defeated, and incapable.

[roads]

From the people I've known with lupus, I've always understood that flares come from stress. But understand ... that's strictly 2nd-hand "knowledge."

I didn't know you suffered from lupus, Anika. Wish I could suggest something I knew would bring comfort, but I've not got a clue.

Roadie

[Anika.]

Well I went to the dr a while back with a full on butterfly rash ( usually it's just my nose ), and sick as a dog. I also have photo sensitivity, she is sending me to an immunologist, but that takes a while. She did think it was highly suspected lupus, because in the summer I was also dx'd with keratosis. She said it looked like what you would see with SLE. And added all together not looking so good.

Thanks Roadie, ya I been super stressed right now. I think I am over doing it, but it needs done, whatcha gonna do sometimes?

Love you bunches of heaps of mountainous love

[~Christina]

Anika

I am so sorry you are feeling so bad. I do believe your symptoms all point to Lupus Regardless of what your doctors can or cannot prove. You need a treatment plan that will reduce your pain. When is the soonest you can get in to see your doctor? Damn I wish there was something I could do to help you somehow. This is so not fair !

Please take care of you

[Trippin2.0]

Exhaustion, being overwhelmed and worn out- NORMAL. Of corse I've cried like a baby from sheer exhaustion! But you know what? It gets better, easier once you find your rhythm, I usually take about 2 months to get into mine. Atm you're trying to juggle 20 balls and freaking out at the thought of dropping 1. Guess what, the sky doesnt fall if 1 or 2 balls have to wait till tomorrow It will eaze up when you have a routine that flows more AND allows you rest time. So sorry you're in pain huns

[hamster-bamster]

Maria, one of my former colleagues, deals with lupus very effectively using alternative therapies. I will write to her asking what helps her.

Originally Posted by Anika.

I don't like this because I was feeling really strong and capable, and now I feel weak, defeated, and incapable.

...you'll get it back Anika...you will get it back

so sorry you are suffering like this...

So sorry, Anika, that you're going through this. Take a look, please, at the website url
alternativemedicine.com/lupus

Mayo Clinic advises that Omega 3 fatty acids (fish oil capsules) or flaxseed (not quite as effective as fish oil) and vitamind D3 are helpful for symptoms in Lupus.
It really is a great calmer of the nervous system (good for bipolar folks, according to my psychiatrist), and I wouldn't be without it.

If the symptoms are related to stress, using omega 3 fatty acids (include omega 6,too, please) and vitamin D ought to help.

Saying a prayer that the pain and inflammation will end quickly.

Take care.

[missbelle]

I get arthritis flares. Lupus also is another form of arthritis. My daughter also has lupus. Sometimes I just flare. It seems like no rhyme or reason and then every joint in my body hurts. The weather, and the drop in the barometric pressure causes me to ache. With hurricane Sandy I hurt Sunday and Monday.Some drugs can cause muscle pain. I had to go off lipitor which is a statin as that caused my severe joint pain. All statins will do this then.

Some say its the food and the night shade veggies like egg plant, tomatoes. For me I never found that but people are different.

Feel better. Hot showers work for me and a lot of tynenol!!..oh and resting!!

Hugs;
Dee

[faerie_moon_x]

I don't know anything at all about lupus. I wish I knew something to help, though. All I know is it's an auto-immune thing.

I hope you start feeling better. I agree with Trippin that for the stress, you need to find your new rhythm. It takes me a long time to find mine. Once I get into the rhythm I hate it when it gets disrupted.

I hope you start to feeling better all around. It's okay to cry. Get it all out.

[Anika.]

Thank you Christina, James, Trippin, DH! I love you guys all lots! Too many balls, heh... sorry. My adult self is back now, ya the sky won't fall, you are right Trippin. I better get this routine down, I will. I need to get myself more organized. I have a Neil Young concert to go to for my b-day coming up and I am not going like this! Christina, dr app will be .. who knows, could be up to 6 months. That is how it works here with our shortage of dr's especially specialists.

Genetic~, thank you I will look that up, I do drink fish oil everyday, but I have been bad about taking my vit D lately and with winter upon us too i should get back into the habit. Glad you are back around!

Hamster~, I would appreciate that, but only if it is not too much trouble for you, you have a full plate right now! Thank you for offering, you are so kind.


Missbelle~, thank you, sorry you are suffering too I will try the hot bath. I don't take any medication now. I was told about a year or so ago to stop eating night shades, and I didn't listen... my favorite foods, and I am already on a restricted diet, but I think I should just do it and see what comes. you are a sweetie, you know that ?

I did a little reading, stress does seem to be a major trigger for a flare up, if that is what this is. So I guess I need to get the stress back in order. It will be snowboarding season soon, no way I am gonna work up there and just watch other people have fun doing that.

last night I woke up at 2:30 feeling like my fingers were all being broken. It was extremely excruciating, ended in tears and not knowing whether to apply ice or heat, but my fingers are very swollen. Did not get back to sleep till about 5 am and up with kids at 7. So much for rest.. But I am feeling ok today despite the pain.

Not into cleaning, maybe I will go out in the rain and do something more relaxing for a bit.

Thank you guys, your support means a lot to me... so so much! It will all be ok. I am trying not to think about it too much, the thought about organ damage is scary to me. But life comes as it comes, don't know what will come.

[Confusedinomicon]

I think ice for swollen to reduce inflammation.

Hope youre having a better day today!

[hamster-bamster]

Anika,

Maria emailed saying that it is a very long story but she will write everything up over the weekend. I will then PM her advice to you.

Hugs my dear!