Juggling Family Tragedy and Lupus

I am not sure I have had Lupus, diagnosed March 23 2021. I have had years of back and hip pain. Then 10 yrs ago, I spent a year taking care of my paralyzed son who had kidney cancer. I am a nurse and he would only let me do his care. I watched him take his last breath.

Several months after that, I was walking into the kitchen, everything went black and I fell breaking my back. I have had 4 unsuccessful surgeries on it and my activities have become limited. Then 4 yrs ago I blacked out again, busting up my front teeth, and had to have extensive dental work.

Joint pain

This year in January I was hurting in all my joints, my fingers, thumbs, elbow, my left knee. I was sent to an orthopedic who found Lupus with stage 3 kidney damage and elevated uric acid, it was a kick in the gut. I feel like I can never catch a break. I have a new great-grandson that I have on held once in 4 months. I feel life is passing me by.

I have always been a person that watched my weight and exercised, and I told myself, when I get to be a grandma I am going to be as healthy as I can, but you can't plan. Things don't always turn out as you think.

Seeing a rheumatologist

I have an apt to see a Rheumatologist in July. I pray that I can withstand this pain until then, and that my gout doesn't get flared up. I don't know what to expect, and it is scary.

Interested in sharing your own diagnosis story, treatment experience, or another aspect of living with lupus?