Feeling overwhelmed

[Tracey1978]

Hi I'm Tracey, 18 months in and waiting for a firm diagnosis, everything including blood results and symptoms is confirming lupus. Feeling a little overwhelmed and worried what the future may have in store

[Barnclown]

Hello Tracey & welcome

Feeling a little overwhelmed during the first 2 years of the diagnosis & treatment "process" is natural...not fun 😉, but natural. Am glad you've found our wonderful forum, cause it can make all the diff to you as you get further into this process...this forum certainly has for me, and I know I'm not the only one

Seems to me a certain anxiety about the future is inevitable (we're only human)....best antidote for me has been concentrating on taking things 1 step @ a time...and when worry gets the better of me: come here, share and get things in perspective...I can't count on the number of times this forum has helped me to this over the past 6 years since the NHS recognised my lupus...there have been loads of times, and every time friends here have helped me hugely

Also, your Rheumatology clinic may have set up a younger patients support group: check with them (my clinic had).

And maybe you have a Lupus UK local support group holding coffee mornings...I do, and people of all ages attend. Here is a link to Lupus UK's listing of support groups:

lupusuk.org.uk/lupus-group-...

One of the great things about Lupus UK & this forum is that we share encouraging news about advances in research & treatment of immune dysfunction & connective tissue disorder generally...important because lupus overlaps with many other conditions.

Am wishing you every best wish

🍀🍀🍀🍀 coco

[Kevin53]

You can also speak to one of our many qualified Lupus contacts. Best wishes Kevin

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Tracey1978 ,

I'm sorry to hear that you are currently feeling overwhelmed as you are potentially approaching a diagnosis of lupus. If you need more information about lupus and LUPUS UK, we have a free pack which you can request or download from our website at lupusuk.org.uk/request-info...

As Barnclown has suggested, it may be helpful to chat with other people who have been living with lupus for a while. You may wish to go along to a support group meeting near to you (Barnclown provided the link for finding your nearest) or you may wish to chat to one of our trained volunteer contacts on the phone as Kevin53 suggested? If you'd like to chat with contact close to your area, please let me know what area you live in and I can send you some contact details privately.

If you feel that you need additional emotional support, it may be worth chatting with your GP to see what they can offer. We have a leaflet about lupus and depression which also includes information about other support services that are available - lupusuk.org.uk/lupus-and-de...