Looks like I have it. Anyone else have it? What do you do for it? I've been taking tramadol for 2-3 weeks and it does help with the pain, but my sore spots are still sore.
I am sorry to hear about that. I have only known a couple of people that had it and it seemed like no fun (to say the least). I hope you and your doctors can find a good treatment that can help keep it at bay.
I think that Papa G's family had Lupus. Sorry to hear that. I actually don't know much about the condition. Hopefully you can find some good advice for treatment options. Not that this will be helpful or not, but you might consider acupuncture. I have found a lot of benefit from acupuncture for a variety of maladies.
I know nothing about lupus, but I hope you have a long life, Denny. Why don't you describe your experience in this thread.
It sucks. For House fans, it is an autoimmune disease. My white cells are attacking the healthy cells in my joints. My left shoulder has been extremely painful. Reaching for things is difficult. My right shoulder a shade less painful as the left. From the shoulder to the tips of my fingers, everything hurts. The pain in my left shoulder is like there is broken glass in the socket. My knees just started hurting. As House would say, it's an autoimmune or it's cancer.
I imagine you may have to take immunosuppressive drugs which will help the symptoms, but leave you at risk for possible infections and such. Really, it is a terrible thing to deal with. I certainly hope treatments can work like gangbusters, even though you aren't a liberal. .....hehe
My daughter in San Diego has lived with it for sometime...he's some info..She manages her discomfort by avoiding excessive heat, sunshine and stress...stress seems to be a huge trigger...also not sure but if you smoke...quit immediately Lupus: Treatments and Living With Lupus What is Lupus Causes of Lupus Types and Risk Factors Symptoms of Lupus Diagnosis and Classification Treatments For Lupus Latest Lupus Research Treatments For LupusWhat is LupusCauses of LupusTypes and Risk FactorsSymptoms of LupusDiagnosis and ClassificationLatest Lupus Research Lupus treatments and prevention You may need specialist doctors to treat the many symptoms of lupus. Your health care team may include:11,20 Because it is a complex disease, lupus often requires treatment and consultation with a rheumatologist - a doctor who is an expert in treating diseases like lupus. A family doctor Rheumatologists - doctors who treat arthritis and other diseases that cause swelling in the joints Clinical immunologists - doctors who treat immune system disorders Nephrologists - doctors who treat kidney disease Hematologists - doctors who treat blood disorders Dermatologists - doctors who treat skin diseases Neurologists - doctors who treat problems with the nervous system Cardiologists - doctors who treat heart and blood vessel problems Endocrinologists - doctors who treat problems related to the glands and hormones Dietitians Occupational therapists Nurses Psychologists Social workers. Once lupus has been diagnosed, the doctor or rheumatologist will develop a treatment plan based on the patient's age, sex, health, symptoms and lifestyle. Treatment plans are tailored to the individual's needs and may change over time. In developing a treatment plan, the doctor will aim to: Prevent flares Treat flares when they occur Reduce organ damage and other problems. Lupus treatments may include drugs to:20 Reduce swelling and pain Prevent or reduce flares Help the immune system Reduce or prevent damage to joints Balance the hormones. Types of medications used in the treatment of lupus include: NSAIDs Antimalarials Corticosteroids Immunosuppressives BLyS-specific inhibitors Hormonal therapies such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Intravenous immunoglobulin (proteins derived from human blood). According to Cleveland Clinic, specific medications used to treat lupus include:13 Steroids or prednisone and related derivatives of cortisone. Steroid creams can be directly applied to rashes Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is commonly used to help keep mild lupus-related problems, such as skin and joint disease, under control Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) is a chemotherapy drug that has very powerful effects on reducing the activity of the immune system. It is used to treat severe forms of lupus Azathioprine (Imuran) is a medication originally used to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs. It is commonly used to treat the most serious features of lupus Methotrexate (Rheumatrex) is another chemotherapy medication used to suppress the immune system. Its use is becoming increasingly popular for skin disease, arthritis, and other non-life threatening forms of disease that have not responded to medications such as hydroxychloroquine or low doses of prednisone Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) and mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) are chemotherapy drugs that have very powerful effects on reducing the activity of the immune system. They are used to treat more severe forms of lupus, especially lupus that affects the kidneys Belimumab (Benlysta) is a monoclonal antibody that reduces the activity of white blood cells (lymphocytes) that make autoantibodies Rituximab (Rituxan) is another monoclonal antibody that reduces the activity of white blood cells (lymphocytes) that make autoantibodies. No research to date has shown that alternative and complementary therapies such as special diets, nutritional supplements, fish oils, ointments and creams, chiropractic treatment and homeopathy affect the disease process or prevent organ damage. However, some alternative or complementary approaches may help the patient cope or reduce some of the stress associated with living with a chronic illness. One of the primary goals of wellness for people with lupus is coping with the stress of having a chronic disorder. Effective stress management varies from person to person. Some approaches that may help include exercise, relaxation techniques such as meditation and setting priorities for spending time and energy. Recent developments on lupus treatment from MNT news Positive results announced from phase III study of Benlysta GSK has announced results from the BLISS-SC Phase III pivotal study in patients with active, autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Astrazeneca presents positive new data on anifrolumab in lupus AstraZeneca presented positive data from the Phase II trial of anifrolumab for the treatment of moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2015 Annual Scientific Meeting in San Francisco. Plant-derived compound 'may effectively treat lupus with fewer side effects' Researchers from the University of Houston, TX, say they have discovered a more natural treatment for lupus that uses a plant extract. So far, it has proved effective and has produced no significant side effects in mice.
The tramadol really helps. I wouldn't take it and drive, but it looks like you get used to it after a while of regular use. I'd rather take it daily than an NSAID - those damage the kidneys over time. I'm grateful it isn't cancer I'm going to be fine, I'm sure. At least we know what the problem is.
I’m sorry you have to go through this. Have known only one person that had lupus, and that was a long time ago and we are out of touch. How can we help you?
