May is Lupus Awareness Month.

[lupus-support1]

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Be well!

Ros

[rafael]

Hi Ros

I need some help today. My ankle and hand are so painful they feel badly sprained. I am also very low and agitated. I have taken pain meds and 2mg of diazepam. Do you think I should wear some support on them.

This

R

[rafael]

See above

[lupus-support1 Administrator]

Hello R,

I am sorry to read you are in so much pain and discomfort. There are two interconnected issues. First the physical.

If there is swelling and inflammation then I would contact your rheumatologist. Taking pain medication may alleviate some of the pain, but you need to reduce the inflammation and for this you need to speak with your doctor. I don't know whether you are already taking anti-inflammatory medication. Is this an acute attack or do you suffer from this long-term ie chronic? Either way, you need a doctor to advise you. Provided you do NOT have any problems with circulation/vasculitis, you could try the following: take a pack of frozen peas/ice cubes and wrap in a towel. Place this on the joint for a few minutes (and ONLY a few minutes). Then warm the area using a water bottle (not directly onto the joint) for a few minutes; you can also buy a wrap that can be warmed in a microwave and I find this to be very good). Alternate this treatment but again, I suggest you speak with your doctor. Some people must not use ice packs, but generally warming the area is OK.

The second issue is the emotional. It is "normal" to feel down, low, depressed and anxious. If I may ask, why have you been prescribed a tranquilliser (diazepam)? As this is personal, don't feel you have to respond in such a public way. You can email me: roz [at] lupus-support [dot] [org] [dot] [uk] If this is a chronic condition, many people need to have somewhere to talk - family/friends can be difficult because we don't want to upset them, so talking to a stranger, a counsellor/therapist can be helpful.

With good wishes,

Ros