Sorry

[jensen_lynne]

Sorry for posting a lot of questions!

[Wendy39]

It's absolutely fine. That's why we're here. Just really difficult to help in a good way because you haven't told us much about where you are with your diagnosis / blood tests / medical team / treatment plan / medication etc. How old are you? If you tell us where you live Paul Howard from Lupus UK can recommend a good lupus Rheumatologist etc. Have you seen a doctor yet? Best wishes, Wendy x

[jensen_lynne in reply to Wendy39]

I livein united states

[Wendy39 in reply to jensen_lynne]

OK. We do have members here from the US who may be able to advise you on getting treatment etc. Have you seen a Rheumatologist yet?

[jensen_lynne in reply to Wendy39]

No I've been busy and I haven't been feeling good, what is a rheumatologist?

[Wendy39 in reply to jensen_lynne]

Rheumatology (Greek ρεύμα, rheuma, flowing current) is a sub-specialty in internal medicine, devoted to diagnosis and therapy of rheumatic diseases. ... Rheumatologists deal mainly with clinical problems involving joints, soft tissues, autoimmune diseases, vasculitis, and heritable connective tissue disorders.

That is the definition I found when I googled.

Most of us with lupus see either a Rheumatologist or an Immunologist or a Dermatologist, as a starting point and depending on our symptoms. We are all very different, even though we all have lupus!

Have you asked your mum to explain? What does she say? What is her nursing expertise? Does she want you to see a doctor? Because I think you need to, soon.

In the U.K we have to see our GP (General Practitioner or doctor of general medicine) to get a referral to a Consultant specialist in the area we need. We then generally go on a waiting list, depending on how serious our symptoms are deemed to be.

How does it work for you? Do you have medical insurance? How will you get to see a Rheumatologist?

Best wishes.

Wendy

[Wendy39 in reply to Wendy39]

Jensen-Lynne - did you see this too?

[jensen_lynne in reply to Wendy39]

I told my mom about my symptoms I don't believe her, I'm adopted and lupus runs in my biological mom's side of the family

[Wendy39 in reply to jensen_lynne]

Right, tricky situation. But you are 21 years old and experiencing symptoms that aren't normal for your age. Can you go to your doctors on your own? I REALLY think you should. If your mum is a nurse she would understand how serious lupus should be taken and help you get the treatment you need. Don't delay. Go to your doctors. You don't need detailed family history to get a diagnosis. Any further questions please ask. The Lupus UK website is very informative for lupus sufferers, wherever you live. There is also information for preparing for medical appointment. I cannot stress to you enough the importance of getting expert medical help. Good luck.

[jensen_lynne in reply to Wendy39]

People can have lupus at 20 or 21 or 22 and ok

[Wendy39 in reply to jensen_lynne]

Yes. People can get infant onset lupus, no age is too young, unfortunately.

[jensen_lynne in reply to Wendy39]

What's infant onset lupus, what does that mean sorry I don't understand what that means?

[Wendy39 in reply to jensen_lynne]

It means that it can come on in your childhood years.

[jensen_lynne in reply to Wendy39]

Oh, ok I hope you feel better

[Wendy39 in reply to jensen_lynne]

Thank you! Let me know what your doctor says. Appointment ASAP please.

[jensen_lynne in reply to Wendy39]

Ok I will

[Bebe76 in reply to jensen_lynne]

I agree with Wendy39, you must see a doctor soon. The symptoms you seem to be experiencing (based on the other questions you have posted), may be lupus-related. Even if they are not, you need to find the cause of these symptoms so you can take steps to start feeling better again. You do have a right to be worried about lupus, given your symptoms and family history. Can you find someone who will support you and maybe even to with you to the doctor? You can start by going to your family doctor, and they will refer you to a specialist.

[Wendy39 in reply to jensen_lynne]

I meant to ask how old you are as well?

[jensen_lynne in reply to Wendy39]

Almost 21

[Barnclown]

I agree with Wendy

Do you live in another country (not in the UK?)

🍀🍀🍀🍀 coco

[jensen_lynne in reply to Barnclown]

The USA

[Barnclown in reply to jensen_lynne]

Ok: what about seeing what the Lupus Foundation of America is doing to support patients in the USA? They have local chapters & also online message boards (basically a forum like our UK forum):

lupuscommunity.messageboard...

🍀🍀🍀🍀