Well, now I know...

[singinalong]

Hey guys and gals, Just thought I would let you all know, I am no longer a limbolander. I have Lupus. I was just told today, after two weeks ago losing my eyelashes, and barking loud enough to my doctor that I needed some specific tests done. NO I DO NOT HAVE SOMATOFORM, was the first response I gave him after he told me... lol - I don't know how I am feeling... but I am glad I have a start.

[Sarahsmom46]

You are not a limbolander anymore because you were so proactive in getting answers.  Good for you.  Not good that you are now facing Lupus. That is such a challenging disease like MS.  But you sound like a strong lady and this won't get the better of you.  

There is so much more that our docs know about Lupus.  Just like MS it has a very strong patient community and I hope when you are ready that they will be there to help you and your family with everything you need to know about how to take care of yourself.  IT is good to have answers, isn't it.  

I hope you stick around the MS forum to so we can keep updated on how you are doing.  Take good care and thanks so much for sharing this important news with us.

Love and hugs,

Julie

[singinalong]

Well, thats the thing, I finally had to go to another doctor, and have my husband get upset, and then I got all this blood work done, and three days later, I have an answer. ?? Crazy. I pray that everyone in limboland will get answers, will be praying for peace and comfort. :)

[summerluvr]

At least now you can finally get treatment!  I went to so many dr's and they kept telling me I was healthy before getting sick enough they had to figure out what was wrong with me. I saw the specialist today and she confirmed that I have been sick for at least 2 years, probably longer, and all my weird symptoms that everyone kept telling me were stress, or whatever were in fact related to my illness. Her words were, didn't the other doctors do blood work? I can't make excuses why this went so long, but it shouldn't have!  She said I came into diagnosis through the back door. I didn't have textbook symptoms, but they were definitely there.   They though I had lupus but turns out I have blood cancer.

[Lulu54]

Hi Shari,
You can stay as long as you want. The Lupus dx stinks, but at least now you know the enemy and can wage a fair fight.  

So now you have a new normal - it will take some time to adjust to putting a name on what you have been experiencing for so long.I hope you get to that point quickly.

be well,
Lulu

[singinalong]

Thank you for your support, and kind words. I am speechless, last night I was on the high of finally having a diagnosis, and kinda happy about it... Sound wierd eh? I was happy I have Lupus. I am just happy that I have a name to put to these symptoms, and can move on to the next chapter.
Folks, there is hope. We know our bodies, and know when there is something wrong. Unfortunatley it took me changing GPs (after having the same one for 15 years) I had to dump him, and move on. I was really blessed, to have a doc that cares, and puts all the pieces together, not just treating the symptom that I come in with and ignoring that they might all be related.
Now, I am in shock, and have moments of devstation, and hurt, because I Lupus. but God is greater than anything , and will give me the strength I need to get through the challenges, and valleys. I am not leaving MS community, I have so many great friends, and support here. I hope you dont mind if I stay? :)
Love you all.
There is hope.

Shari

[HVAC]

Glad you got an answer sorry it is Lupus.

Alex

[PastorDan]

Would you mind talking to my docs?  Somebody needs to bark at them.  Guess I'll wait until I'm sure of my insurance status before I get that going again...

God be with you as this new perspective sinks in.  We are all still here if you need us.

[steph74]

Glad to hear you received a dx.  It's so much better to know what you're actually facing and dealing with.  I'm sure there will be trials with this dx, but now you know what it is.

Good luck on the treatment path!!

Stephanie

[supermum_ms]

Whooo hoooooo, you dont have somatoform! Bugger you've got Lupus :-(, a REAL problem not one imagined, have you written a letter yet to the ignoramous who said it was all in your head. You've just earned your badge of honor, for persistance in the face of adversity, well done for believing in your self!!

A new day and new beginings, learn all you need to know, and take some time to digest the news. I'm so so pleased you didn't give up on yourself, it makes other limbo landers like me, not give up on themselves.

Cheers........JJ

[Quixotic1]

Well, there is it.  I'm sorry about the diagnosis, but there are ways to keep Lupus under control usually.  At least you know your enemy and can move ahead.  We both knew you didn't have somatiform disorder.

And, again, it shows that arthritis (real arthritis with swelling, warmth, redness and pain) points away from MS.

I'm sure you will go through the whole rollercoaster of emotions like any of us do with a major diagnosis.  I recommend that you stay with us here along with finding people who share your diagnosis - like the Lupus forum here.  We're already your friends and can commiserate with all that you go through after leaving Limboland.  I found that losing the unknown status was like leaving home - a nasty home, but home nonetheless.   For a while your feelings may be all over the place.

Congratulations on the success of getting the medical profession to find the answers, but sorry it had to be anything.

Quix