Hello,
Had a strange occurance this weekend and thought perhaps some of you could
provide some insight.  Im a 32yo female and was dx'ed with selective IgA
deficiency when I was about 6.  It hasn't affected me a whole lot as an
adult (as a kid, I was sick all the time with every respiratory problem,
colds, flus - you name it) - sore throats and colds more often than most
now.... if there's a bug floating around, I'm the first to get it.  However,
I was also given a heads up on a few things to watch for because I was more
susceptible.  One of them was lupus.  I never really gave it much thought
until about 7 or 8 yrs ago when I started developing a rash on my face.  My
dermatologist dx'ed it as rosacea but said I should get checked for lupus
just in case because sometimes the two mimic eachother.  I didn't really
care, I guess.....I didn't have any other symptoms so I never saw my doctor.
Since that time, I've changed my eating habits entirely and maintain a
fairly constant exercise routine.  My face is 98% clear and the days that it
isn't, it's very mild and makeup does the trick - I also take a few
different supplements which promote skin health.  Anyway, in the past weeks
I have had some dull pain arising in my joints.  Mainly my hips and knees.
I rarely drink and when I do, it's a glass of wine or maybe ONE beer.
However, friday night I went out with some friends and went to the extreme.
I was fine all night until I came home and went to bed.  Both of my hip
joints were just SCREAMING and I couldn't get comfortable enough to fall
asleep for some time because they hurt so bad.  Eventually, the alcohol took
over, though, and I zonked out.  It's sunday night, though, and I'm still in
pain.  I've also been feeling feverish on and off.  I read that people with
lupus shouldn't consume alcohol but for the life of me, I can't find a
website or a newsgroup entry that explains why.  Does it make the pain
worse?  I'm definitely making an appointment to see my doctor this week.
Whatever I'm experiencing doesn't feel normal at all....  Anyone's input is
appreciated.  TIA.

~V