I am no longer able to hold a job due to Lupus. Thank God I had a job that offered a good retirement.
The first problem I had was tiredness and nerves(I taught special ed in Jr. High). I was so glad when I was finally diagnosed that I didn't go through any major depression -- I was just relieved that there was finally a diagnosed reason for how I felt. I had osteoarthritis at 26. The lupus, which was in my family, was diagnosed when I was about 44. It took several years to come up with what I was fairly sure of for a long time. My cousin was prompting me, because she had gone through the same thing.
There are down days, but I lean toward laughter and my Lord and Savior to keep me "up." I still sometimes over-exert myself when I get excited about a task. My family is good about reminding me to rest and if I ignore them they are good to NOT say I told you so when I crash.
The medications and complications give me more cause for concern than the disease itself.
