Need answers b4 appt

I go back to rheumy for 2nd appt. on tuesday over 2 hours away, trying to write down everything i can think of since i have such brain fog, sure she will be happy when she sees me pull out of paper like last time.

i am confused about when i am "flaring" i have good days and bad days and then i've had those month or months when i feel bad. I also have fibromyalgia so i get so confused about what is what

if you get a rash on face or anywhere for that matter is that a "flare"

new thing-i am having a difficult time starting to urinate, when is does come, after a few seconds or minute i have to push but it is not painful and it does not burn but my urine has a bad odor, dark yellow color. sometimes it is just a tiny amount and sometimes its a lot of urine but i have to push, my doctor is out of town on vacation for 2 weeks and his office is completely closed. since i am not in pain i really dont feel like going to er and sit for 3 hours or more, thought i would talk to rheumy about it on tuesday and go from there. Plus i cant afford it !!

I'm not familiar with the lupus rashes so I'm not much help there. I would keep a journal of all your symptoms for your doctor if you don't already. This can help you realize triggers, what's lupus and what's fibro related, etc. I bring lists and charts to my rheumy. He's thankful for my papers and has copied them to put in my file so he can keep track of everything. It's good to go in prepared!

If your urine has a bad odor, definitely get it checked out. Your rheumy can order a urinanalysis.

Good luck at your appointment!

you may or may not get a rash with a flare up... most people get a rash though but you dont have to to be having a flare up... and it sounds like you have a urine infection you need antibiotics... untill you get them you can benefit by drinking cranberry juice it helps flush out the kidneys and cleans the urinary tract... id reccommend going to get checked out soon with that infection though because it can easily turn into a kidney infection and they are not fun...

I have rashes all the time and they get worse when I am outside or in the sun or just get hot. Several years ago before was diagnosed again ( I have been "undiagnosed twice") I was in Florida riding in a car and the sun thru the windows gave me such a rash that it has never gone away. It gets worse at times but never gone.

I would not wait on the urinary problem either. Where you are is there a walk in clinic instead of an ER?

hi, when i start having this issue i just drink more glasses of water and i also skip my meds., for 2 or 3 days . This helps me- hope that the doctor on Tuesday help . I think sometimes the body tells us i don't want to take all those pills right now , smile...Beverly L.