Diane,

Welcome to the group!  I think that this is a great place to unwind, get it
off your chest, laugh, cry, share and learn!

Hugs,
Sherry

I was diagnosed with Lup[us in 1993 I had always been a very active
person.. Classical Ballet, Swimming competively, Horse Riding and
Yachting.I was a very happy person with loads of self-confidence.
In about 1998, I started to get aches and pains in all my joints and
muscles along with constant fatigue  My husband eventually left me for
some one youngerr I started to feels as though I was a hyphchondiac! At
last one lady suggested I go to see and Immunoligist and after a few
Blood Tests , I found that I had, at last a name to put on why I was
feeling likeI was. Mind you, ignorance is bliss. I had no idea what was
to come!
I have had 4 joint replacements, 2 fused joints and a Laminectimy and
Disctectomy.I have lost the vision in my left eye and because it
continued to be painful, had to have the whole eye removed and I now
wear a Prostheseis. This hasn't done much for my self-esteem which was
pretty low anyway. None of my family or friends seem to understand my
spcecial needs and, I think, I use the name "lupus" to get of attending
vareious functions.
I have given them all "pamphlets" to read but they don't seem to be
very interested in reading them!
I know, quite well, that I sound as though I am whingeing. That is why
I thought a support programme like this may be of some help to me. I am
not unhappy all the time and it would be quite fun to share the
"miseries" of this affliction and to have a laugh about it. After all,
there are many times when I think to myself, "This would be funny, if I
didn't feel so alone."
Surely there are plenty of fellow sufferers out there who would like to
share heir problems and, perhaps, a chuckle or two about it all.
Hugs for Everyone Concerned
Diane
rwh81505@bigpond.net.au