At this point, I have a diagnosis of Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease (UCTD) which simply means that I have one of the autoimmune diseases, but lab results aren't yet specific as to which one it is. Over time, my condition will most likely progress into one, specific disorder. I've also been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FM, or FMS). My current symptoms are photosensitivity, anemia, muscle pain, joint pain and swelling, stiffness, mouth sores, and fatigue. Some of the physicians I have seen have not seemed to be very knowledgable about lupus or other autoimmune disease, but others have been. As a result, some of the care I have received has been satisfactory while some hasn't been. Part of my family is supportive, but not all. I would just like my family to know that this is REAL! I wish they would not blow it off as nothing and believe that when I say I'm in pain, I'm in pain. My only form of coping is to pray and take it one day at a time.
My current symptoms are photosensitivity, anemia, muscle pain, joint pain and swelling, stiffness, mouth sores, and fatigue. Some of the physicians I have seen have not seemed to be very knowledgable about lupus or other autoimmune disease, but others have been. As a result, some of the care I have received has been satisfactory while some hasn't been. Part of my family is supportive, but not all. I would just like my family to know that this is REAL! I wish they would not blow it off as nothing and believe that when I say I'm in pain, I'm in pain. My only form of coping is to pray and take it one day at a time.
Joy's Story
My current symptoms are stiff neck, swollen joints, headaches, dry eyes, restless leg syndrome, and nerve problems. My chest hurts most of the time and feels very tight, as if I am suffocating. I also have Raynaud's Phenonenon. I feel that I have had well-educated physicians and good health care. I also have the support of my family, though sometimes it seems they may not really take it seriously. I would like to tell them that I can't help how I feel and it isn't imagined. I deal with my illness through prayer and talking to my friends.
I feel that I have had well-educated physicians and good health care. I also have the support of my family, though sometimes it seems they may not really take it seriously. I would like to tell them that I can't help how I feel and it isn't imagined. I deal with my illness through prayer and talking to my friends.
Joy
Charlene's Story
Physically, I have joint and muscle pain and migraine headaches. Emotionally, lupus affects my perception of life. Money doesn't seem to matter to me as much anymore. Now I worry more about remembering to call my family members just to chat and to end every conversation with an "I Love you." I try very hard not to think that I'm feeling pain in my body... You know, that mind-over-matter thing! It hurts my family to see me in pain, so I try to hide it from them. Mind over matter and some good RX drugs help. I do have family support which helps me cope with being ill. I have a wonderful husband and lots of family and friends that live very close. They all help me through it.
Physically, I have joint and muscle pain and migraine headaches. Emotionally, lupus affects my perception of life. Money doesn't seem to matter to me as much anymore. Now I worry more about remembering to call my family members just to chat and to end every conversation with an "I Love you." I try very hard not to think that I'm feeling pain in my body... You know, that mind-over-matter thing! It hurts my family to see me in pain, so I try to hide it from them. Mind over matter and some good RX drugs help.
I do have family support which helps me cope with being ill. I have a wonderful husband and lots of family and friends that live very close. They all help me through it.
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