Heading into another flare. Can seethe writing on the wall!

General
1

We all know our own bodies, what signs tell us we are headed into a worse rough patch, and know we have to do as much damage control as possible.

So here I sit, with my chest rash, blistering bumps along nerve pathways, hair loss signaling the beginning of major fall out, my joints itchy as they form more bony knots on the sides, dried out skin, total loss of appetite, swollen lymph nodes, the elephant standing on my left eye accompanied by blurred vision (probably another round of inflammatory uveitis), and a case of the sleepies at the worst times. My cognitive issues have me tongue tied, and without wearing braces my knees and wrists are on strike.

Once you know the drill, you also expect the unexpected, and it is making itself known. I have what looks like two black eyes (not iron anemic), and for the first time rash across two slight upper sections of my checks. My allergies and asthma have been kicking, and I'm afraid I'm beginning to have pleurisy on one side as breathing in if optional would be skipped.

I'm having labs drawn this week, and see my doctor next week. Not a happy camper. I think he owns stock in the evil prednisone makers.

Despite my best efforts my stressors have gotten the best of me, again. I truly believe everything happens for a reason, so will put my current work in progress aside, say no to anything I'm unable or unwilling to do, and see if I can get better more quickly this time around. The timing couldn't be worse - holiday season upon us, and surgery evaluation coming up, for starters.

Please forgive me if I'm not in top form for a while, or around to be supportive as much. I have to stay strong, positive and not give up on myself no matter how difficult my health becomes or other personal issues.

Wishing everyone solutions for their challenges, lessons quickly grasped from whatever life throws your way, comfort, better wellness, and to be drenched in peace.

hugs,

Louise

2

Oh dear, my heart goes out to you. I am feeling for you. Thank you for being able to put it in words for us to get a picture of where you are at right now. Know we are here for you, in whatever we can do to help you through this bad time. Seems holidays do bring on flares. I do speak for myself there. Glad you have a good attitude and proactive measure in dealing with what you are facing. I wish back to you all the nice things you sent our way…comfort, better wellness and to be drenched in peace. Peace to you. You are in my prayers. Grace

3

Just rest. I’m right there with you. In fact, I can’t seem to get out of this flare. I’ll be virtually holding your hand through this one.

4

Louise, I am so sorry that you are into another flare. I am commiserating with you as I am too in a flare. I don't have all the issues that you are having though or others are having. I think of all of you when I am worse and I thank God for not having so many of the things that so many do have and then I ask God for relief for all of you that are suffering so much. My heart goes out for each of you.

My thanksgiving prayer includes each of you on this group who have taught me so much, have offered advice and love when I was needy. You all are an inspiration to me as we are on the lupus journey which entails so many other ailments with it most times. You, Louise, are one of many that has inspired me to keep pushing and to count my blessings.

Gentle hugs and love. Reet

5

So sorry Louise, this is such a crazy time of year anyway. So just hunker down and rest as much as you can. Your wisdom and advice has done so much for all of us in this group. Just take this time to take care of yourself.

Prayers and hugs for you!

6

Hope you are better today!

7

Oh dear Louise...it just seems like the lupus monster especially likes to attack us during busy and special times !!!

I hate to hear you have all this going on during Thanksgiving...I wish I could send you a hug and a piece of my homemade fudge pie through the computer screen !!! I don't know if it would help anything or not, but chocolate is a comfort food... :)

Hang in there, rest and take care...you are in my thoughts and prayers daily,,,

BLESSINGS and (((hugs)))

8

Louise that really sucks! I always dread those pre flare warning signs. Hope you had a great thanksgiving. I think stress has a lot to do with it. For the past two Christmases I have woken up with swollen eyes and just feeling like crud! being only 17 and trying to do senior pictures I know the lupus monster likes to attack when you have something major going on

9

Thanks everyone for your support, caring, understanding and love. For those is bigger than usual struggles, know everyone else here get's it and holds your hand in friendship as well. Stress, even positive contributes to all health challenges, so please be good to yourselves, and do what brings relief.

Snowflake - chocolate counts as salad because it comes from a tree. Feel free to UPS an entire pie my way.

Kourtney, I can't even begin to tell you how much my heart goes out to you dealing with lupus at such a young age. You are very bright, and it will carry you through. thanks for posting.

GGLBS - thank you for the well wishes,

Geneva, thank you. Not sure how wise or productive I am, but my heart is with you all, and my hand extended. Love can get us through anything. I'm glad you are here too!

Reet, thanks for being a friend. Any help I've given to you, you have returned twice over and I am grateful you are here.

Jen, hope you come quickly out of your own flare. Here for you too, and thanks for the hand - accepted gladly!

Grace, thank you for the prayers, support, and understanding. I'll gladly accept the blessing of peace too, is much needed. Be well, am glad you are here.

10

Kourtney, I am so sorry you are dealing with this at your age. It breaks my heart to hear this. I know there are older people here that started at a very young age also. I know that I was younger when I had this but wasn't diagnosed until I was much older. I hope this year your Christmas will be pain free and swollen free.

Kourtney said:

Louise that really sucks! I always dread those pre flare warning signs. Hope you had a great thanksgiving. I think stress has a lot to do with it. For the past two Christmases I have woken up with swollen eyes and just feeling like crud! being only 17 and trying to do senior pictures I know the lupus monster likes to attack when you have something major going on

11

Hi Louise,

I am a new member, but reading through you post makes me feel as though I am reading about myself...I finally have found a home/group of Beautiful People who truly get it and with each discussion post I am reading, Im like yes! yes! Oh my what I did not realize or recognize as signs and symptoms of Lupus and or a Flair is almost completely filling in all the blanks and pieces to my puzzle. I wish the Holiday season did not bring on so much stress and anxiety, when it is meant for the enjoyment and special time spent with family and friends. I have yet to get my personal history and journey posted, but I am already so grateful for this community that I have found of friendship and support! I wish for you in return, comfort, better wellness and for you to be drenched in peace!

Truly, Lisa E :)