I guess being new at this really does make for ignorance is bliss. I thought all along I was having an upper respiratory infection. Then I started having extreme exhaustion, leg pains, body aches and fevers on and off. It has gotten so bad I can hardly walk. I went back to the doctor and guess what "surprise" its a lupus flare. Has anyone ever been caught so off guard before. I was doing so well. I feel so stupid.
Yep- lupus is the great imitator
Do not feel bad I had a rash on my arm was so used to getting a butterfly rash on my face thought it was the same thing 2 days later after much scratching went to doctor it was poison ivy I felt like an idiot especially since I am a nurse.
Don't feel stupid Callie! It me a long time to realize how the sun and heat affect my lupus and caused flairs. Since I don't experience a rash, I never realized how I could be sun sensitive duh?
Thanks for your support it makes me feel better that there are people who understand what I am going through and who are willing to share their situations as well.
hey callie,
I'm curious...what were your symptoms when you thought you had an upper respiratory infection?
Still learning.
Hugs and smiles to ya!
I started with a cough and congestion. Then I lost my voice. Tiredness and fevers on and off. I went to the Doctor and was told it was a Upper Respiratory infection.Then the severe exhaustion and ankle and feet pain hit. It was a progressive issue. I just kept getting worse. So by the time I went to the Doctor the second time I was told I was having a flare up. I hope this helps.
Callie, this happened to me a lot at first. Now after 30 years, my current rheumatologist is "acting" as my primary care doc (his call). But, I'm basically healthy, except for Lupus. You will learn your body and how lupus affects it as time goes on.
LOL>..don't feel bad. I had those same symptoms and thought it WAS a lupus flare. Dealt with it for almost 2 months. When I couldn't take 2 steps any more I asked my hubby to take me to the ER. Turned out my lungs were FILLED with blood clots. Lupus is so tricky you never know when it's a flare ore some other lovely gift it is giving you!
I suspect MOST of us have been in the beginning...and for many of us...the symptoms of a flare change from one thing to another...and we often STILL are not sure...until one of the symptoms we learn to identify as ALWAYS accompanying a flare...becomes apparent. Just hope you can STAY that uncertain much of the time! Flares can change in ferocity and length also...so sometimes you may get really mild ones as well. Keep reading posts and learning now and then...BUT DON'T OVER FOCUS ON IT ALL. You have to take time to live your life too.
oh dear!
purplebutterfly said:
Do not feel bad I had a rash on my arm was so used to getting a butterfly rash on my face thought it was the same thing 2 days later after much scratching went to doctor it was poison ivy I felt like an idiot especially since I am a nurse.
I found out years and years ago that fibro causes all kinds of things that makes you wonder if it is something else or the fibro. This is during the time I had already been diagnosed with lupus then undiagnosed, etc. I had heard about a friend of a friend that had fibro as was always going to the ER or the doctor because she thought it was something serious and the doctor told her it was fibro. He told her she had to get over running to him and the ER. Well, she did that and died of a massive heart attack. I have never forgotten that story and so I tell this story to anyone that wonders like you are because it is better to be safe then not at all.
Don't feel that way. We are all still learning our bodies. I'm just home from a 4 day hospital stay simply because I thought a sore throat was a simple sore throat, well to my surprise there was so much inflammation in my throat with infection (white patches) and my tonsils had grown to the size of oranges it was blocking my airway RIDICULOUS! I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN..... I was told that I now have to be even more careful because my immune system is not the same and so I am more prone to germs and infections. Talk about scary, waking up out of your sleep and not being able to breathe from a stupid sore throat.
Oh no! I am so sorry this happened t you Kawena! It is just so hard to know what is what anymore! I am glad you are much better. Gentle Hugs, Reet
Yes, absolutely! I thought I had a simple viral infection and was so dehydrated by the time I let my husband take me to the hospital! It's very easy...now ~ I assume everything is Lupus related. ;-)