All new to this!

[Ruth_lderry]

Hi am all new 2 all this. I have just been told I have lupus, my rash has cleared up but everything else just seems to be getting worse my kidneys ain't good, my general moods ain't good am do down , sore all over an sleeping alot is there any advice out there that anyone has for me? Anything is a bonus. Thanks. Ruth

[misty14]

Hi Ruth-iderry

Having a diagnosis of Lupus can take a long time to get used to. Had you been struggling with your health for a while ? Have you been put on any treatment by your Rheumy?. This will take a while to start working. Hope you feel better soon.X

[Purpletop]

You don't say what medication you're on - as misty says, it takes a while for the treatment to take effect. It is rough while the medication is getting to work but slowly you will see an improvement, so hang in there.

As for low mood - that's probably something you'll continue to have to some extent. Not only you now have to deal with the idea that you've now got a chronic, unpredictable disease but the medication for it tends to dampen positivity slightly. On top of that you'll have to deal with doctors appointments, with day-to-day activities that you might not feel like carrying out, with people around you that do not understand why you're not your usual self, etc. It is a lot to take in and cope with, so no wonder you are and will be experiencing low mood. Just don't beat yourself up about it and keep an eye on it so it doesn't get too low.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Ruth,

As the others have mentioned, if you have only recently started on treatment, it can take a while before it has an effect. Have you discussed your low mood with your GP? They may be able to offer you additional support in the form of anti-depressants or counselling?

We have a free information pack that I can send you, which you may find helpful? Just send me a private message or email [e-mail] with your name and address and I'll pop one in the post for you.

[Nana10]

I am new to this site yet have been diagnosed with lupus for four years. I believe the beginning has been the most difficult for me. Sounds as if you are experiencing some of the same symptoms I have and sometimes do. Knowing what it is helps. My dr placed me on plaquenil and a pain pill. I found several folks who have lupus and asked everyone what meds they were taking. Not everything works the same for others but the common med being taken was prednisone. I was also taking that from time to time. I could not take plaquenil as it caused me to itch and a rash to be on my chest and neck area. I would scratch until I bled. I asked my dr if I could just do prednisone so I have mine in 1mg tablets. Some days I take 4, some 3, 2, 1 and some days none! It depends on the severity of pain. Hope this helps.