Hello Mitch
I don't post much. I'm a lurker because of pain, which makes typing difficult
most days.
My uncle had lupus, my brother might have it.

I just stopped by to say hello and welcome.
I don't know what ACM is.

If you see Shelagh post, she has a map on her website, where each new poster
can situate themselves, as to where they live.  Point at the others first to
see what they write and don't reveal too much about your personal details
(address etc)

andy's website should mention "The Lupus Book" by (I forget now). It's the
lupus "bible",
If your GF doesn't have it, you might want to buy one.

I hope you'll stay and get to know everyone. You'll learn about coping by
reading previous posts, as well.
This is a great little quiet newsgroup with wonderful people.
(and please don't reply to crossposts, if any occur). Thank you.
Best wishes.
I'll be reading...
J

Welcome to the group Mitch.  I hope both you and your GF hang around and
take advantage of the knowledge many on this group have, the caring
shoulders when you need one, and share with us!

Sherry

Here's some info that'll help
please go to the Lupus Foundation of America site www.lupus.org and read all
the information they have.  It is the most current information available and
you will learn a lot!

Also, either buy or go to the library and get Dr Daniel Wallace's "The Lupus
Book" 3rd Edition and read it cover to cover.

Dr Wallace explains in layman's terms everything you need to know.... just
as the LFA does.  The LFA also offers a magazine called Lupus Now which is
full of great info.

The Arthritis Foundation www.arthritis.org also has a lot of helpful
information, a magazine Arthritis Today.  There are over 100 forms of
arthritis so there's a lot to learn.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
offers FREE publications.  Take advantage.  http://catalog.niams.nih.gov/

There is a wonderful lupus booklet which is completely free.  There are many
other pieces of great info also.

Medline: Lupus

offers links to news and resources about the chronic autoimmune disease in
which the immune system, for unknown reasons, becomes hyperactive and
attacks normal tissue.

www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/lupus.html

Glean your information from reliable sites such as those listed above.

You have to be your own health care advocate.  Your doctor is not going to
sit down and educate you in regards to lupus, fibro, etc.  He/she doesn't
have time and most likely doesn't even know where to begin.