Hi all, a little intro..

[Tomcat]

I was diagnosed with APS about 6-7 years ago (I think) after being taken ill with some form of stomach bug that induced none stop vomiting and really bad dizzyness (couldn't stand up at all), I was hospitalised for over a week while they ran a battery of tests. I'm presuming I have it reasonably mild (if you can call it that) as it's being managed with aspirin, steroids, bloodpressure tablets and calcium tablets, the steroids are quite a low dose but I hate them as I've put on loads of weight since.

Symptoms are dizzyspells, "Floaters" in my vision along with occasional sight loss, joint pains, bad healing (I'm covered in small scars from scratches and the like), high blood pressure, TIA's and fatigue.God know's how some of you go on that have it worse than I do, as I used to have a very physical job I was always having time off due to illness, now though I'm hoping to start a 3 year degree course in September for something a little easier.

Not currently under a Consultant (or even a doctor) as my last Consultant moved and her replacement hardly spoke english, I think unless my symptoms change for the worse I'll keep self medicating.

[Tomcat]

Lol....I also have memory problems (How Ironic is it that I forgot that one?)

[Suzypawz]

Hi Tomcat.....lol......we all understand the memory loss!

I have forgoten my name before, where I live, had packed completly different boots in Gym bag!.....& even forgot to pack any trousers in it one day!!!!! I tell you....good job there was a clothes shop next to the gym ( good excuse anyway!) plus I have a daft sense of humor so I laugh at myself before anyone else does!!

Oh yeah....welcome to the site!

I was working 11 years ago, when I became ill with Hughes I had to give my job up as I was finding it too hard to concentrate & the fatigue was making me struggle without the added joint pains

I've now been to college done level 2 & 3 in photography, earned a diploma! & hopefully me & a friend of mine are hoping to start a business together in 2013 as she understands if I have a bad day....which an employer wouldnt.

You should have a specialist keeping an eye on you?.....

Good luck with your course & .... thats what a lot of us have done on here....work around what we've got & still carry on when possible.

Sue

[daisyd]

Hi welcome

I have all the Hughes symptoms, but I would be really frightened If I didn't have a Doctor to keep an eye on me, medications and all.

Please make sure you get one

Good luck

Karen xx

[kathyD64]

Hi tomcat I too can relate to the symptoms you describe. I was on steriods high doses I ended up with cushings syndrome weight gain stretchmarks hairy chin & that was just from the meds that kept me going! I am surprised you are still on steriods unless you got adrenal issues but mainly they get reduced and stopped.

If you are still having those tia symptoms you are describing I would suggest seeking help even paying to go to St Thomas's if your docs not helpful as you may need more anticoagulation on board such as warfarin. I wish I paid the £190 consult charge in 2011 after flu complicated and caused a flair but now feel I'm under a good neurologist & rheumatologist team locally after an initial long drawn out painful time getting listened too

[Tomcat in reply to kathyD64]

Thankfully I'm only on a low dose of steroids now but I have to take them, if I don't (ie. I forget and miss a day) then I feel like death the next day.

[Renae]

I have lupus and have been on steroids for years.They are low dose, but I take yhem daily.

[Tomcat]

Feel like death today, I had a really bad nights sleep as I was woken up several times whilst suffering TIA's, got up this morning and my head is killing me and I feel rough as hell. When my wife came in this morning she told me she was feeling unwell and probably had a cold, that'll be why I feel so wrotten.