Diagnosed first w/fibromyalgia. slowly
Progressed to definitive lupus symptoms
Including positive ANA off and on. Have been on hydrocloroquine for 4 years.
Helps. Now seem to be progessing.. Have
Experienced GP scepticism and family
Denial when I seem okay often.
I think many of us here can relate to not being believed due to invisible diseases. Is this still the case even since you were diagnosed?
Sometimes--especially where omnipresent fatigue is bad but
i'not "blooming" with rashes.
Oh dear, I wish I could "look" well more often... or have enough energy to make someone doubt I have an illness.People see what they want to see, some rather label us as lazy or healthy so they don't have to show empathy and support.
Run from those individuals! 
I'm glad for you that your symptoms are very mild... I've read that the disease can go quiet for years! But it only means that your treatment is working, not that lupus is gone.
I hope you can find a better GP.
Sam
I am so sorry to hear that you are having such skepticism, I think a lot of people with auto immune diseases and other invisible illnesses experience that as well. I know I have a hard time getting referrals from my GP and my teenage daughter has actually told me I was just being lazy on a number of occasions. Hardly seems fair when they traipse about putting additional effort into looking nice etc when I can barely get up the energy to shower that day from working my bum off so I can pay bills etc. But I don't think I am alone in this either. It can give you such a feeling of isolation even when you are not alone, that is why I think online support like this forum are so important, they remind us that others feel the same and go through the same things and help us feel less alone.
I am retired fortunately but late in life diagnosis makes it
hard for some to understand that
I'm exhausted because I'm sick not just old or lazy.
Oh dear, unfortunately when people we aren't as close with express doubt at our conditions and don't want to know more there isn't much we can do. If those thinning you are just being "old and lazy" are interested or in a closet relationship with you there are lots of resources you can give them or show them our even go over them together so they can understand your condition more. I have noticed that when my eldest daughter gets most judgemental towards my limitations is when she is having a hard time dealing with her own stress and situation in hey own life. I try to be supportive and offer an ear or shoulder but to be honest we usually end up in a tense conversation or fight that leaves us both in tears or walking away angry, but wee usually have a closer relationship after clearing the air. Hope you can find a more comfortable solution to your own family relations. As for GP bring pamphlets, files, lists and be persistent.
You know what no I’m sick of it 🤬
I don't know what to do?
Lupus specialists in North West England. Know any?
Hello - so good to know I'm not alone!
When do you know when things are serious?
