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1. 

   GabbyFormica Community Admin

   <p><inline-mention username="CommunityMember2a3903" user-id="8532494"/>, First, welcome to our community. I&#39;m happy you found us. The early days after diagnosis can be especially overwhelming. This article has some tips and advice from community members of things they wish they knew when they were initially diagnosed: <a href='https://lupus.net/living/newly-diagnosed-tips' target='_blank'>https://lupus.net/living/newly-diagnosed-tips</a> It may be a good place to start. We are here to help you answer other questions along the way. You are not alone!<br> Gabby (team member)</p>

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   CommunityMember2a3903 Member

   <p>Thank you Gabby</p>

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3. 

   Racquel H. Dozier Moderator

   <p><inline-mention username="CommunityMember2a3903" user-id="8532494"/> Welcome to the community. Happy belated birthday. It can be scary dealing with everything when you are first diagnosed. We are all here if you have any questions. What type of different issues are you experiencing? ~Racquel~ <a href='http://lupus.net' target='_blank'>lupus.net</a> team member</p>

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   CommunityMember2a3903 Member

   <p>Hi Rachel,<br/>Thank you first, swelling on my hand and arms, itchy skin which is really bad, sleepless nights, headaches, I just started experiencing cramping joints not sure if it&#39;s associated. Some hair loss.<br/>Please help</p>

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   1. 

      GabbyFormica Community Admin

      <p><inline-mention username="CommunityMember2a3903" user-id="8532494"/>, Joint pain and swelling are some of the most common symptoms lupus warriors face. You&#39;re not alone! Here are a few links to articles about a few of the symptoms you described: (cramping joints) <a href='https://lupus.net/symptoms/joint-pain' target='_blank'>https://lupus.net/symptoms/joint-pain</a>, (hair loss) <a href='https://lupus.net/living/managing-hair-loss' target='_blank'>https://lupus.net/living/managing-hair-loss</a>, (sleeplessness) <a href='https://lupus.net/video/sleep-tips' target='_blank'>https://lupus.net/video/sleep-tips</a>, (headaches) <a href='https://lupus.net/living/headaches' target='_blank'>https://lupus.net/living/headaches</a>. When it comes to the itchiness, have you had a chance to speak with your dermatologist or medical provider about steroid creams? Some people have found them helpful in easing the itch. I hope some of this helps!<br> Gabby (team member) </p>

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   2. 

      Racquel H. Dozier Moderator

      <p><inline-mention username="CommunityMember2a3903" user-id="8532494"/> the swelling and itching can be overwhelming. Honestly I have to say I do a lot of cold showers that helps both. For swelling and pain for me tiger balm helps and really can settle down my pain in my joints quickly.<br/>For the cramping, I hydrate hydrate hydrate. Water is your best friend to combat that cramping. At night I would get really bad cramping and I would get a tablespoon of mustard and that would really quell them. It’s the turmeric that does it.<br/>Hair loss is so hard to deal with. I stay in protective styles like braids and when it gets too bad I usually just cut my hair short. A dermatologist can tell you more with an evaluation of your scalp.<br/> What medicines are you on? Sometimes that can have those effects as well. Have you talked at all to your doctor about the new things popping up? ~Racquel~ <a href='http://lupus.net' target='_blank'>lupus.net</a> team member </p>

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