Does anyone know of a natural stimulant that is not caffeine? Or a
food you can eat in the morning as a pick up? I am such a dead head
especially in the mornings. I am really not supposed to have caffeine
because of the fibro-cystic stuff in my boobs. It makes them hurt.

I lived abroad until recently, where I was successfully treated for
cutaneous (discoid) lupus for the past 6 years. Having now relocated
to the U.S., I am looking for a dermatologist in Chicago,IL to
continue treatment. Would you have someone to recommend? I know about

I am new to the list however have had systemic lupus for for 38 yrs with a
16 yr complete remission.
However, it did come back about 19 yrs ago.
? for the group - has anyone had retinal toxicity from hydroxychloroquine??

Bay got her sutures out yesterday from the second ear surgery.  Seems to be
holding up well but we're keeping her in the e-collar for a couple of more
days while some lingering inflammation is taken care of.  She remains on
pred though - at least for a few more days.  :(

Deb here, feeling better- antibiotics finished a week ago c/o pleurisy but
now left with a very dodgy stomach. If I eat anything I can guarantee that
I'm on the loo 2-3 hours later, severe pain in my stomach then whoosh!!!
then ok until I eat again; probably just the antibiotics ...

Well they did yet another ua and they found the same thing as before,
blood, and lukeosites.  This time she is sending it to a lab to be grown
and will know the results in about a week she said.  She also said that
my body was resisting the cipro so she started me on this ...

I have been taking the cipro now sense the 20'th of this month.
I was having a lot  of painful pressure when I would start to go pee,
now my lower back hurts to the point last night I had to have a heating
pad.  I have been running a temp of 101-102.

So does anyone have any suggestions for an alternative to VIOXX.
My wifes rheumatologist suggested Bextra, but wanted to hear some
other users opinions.
Thanks

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/panniculitis/ (Yahoo support group)-
if you join, I would suggest giving a throwaway email, instead of your
"home" email, in case they share emails. Yahoo.ca is good. They have a
spamtrap.

a symptom of the autoimmune disease
or of depression?
or am I just a slug.
sigh.. i think I've been on-line 4 times today and done next to nothing.

Just home from the Dr. ; I have a lot of subcutaneous wasting, on my face,
top of both arms; this has been gradual and all Dr.s have said it is nerve
involvement of some sort??  Now I find out it is lupus profundus ; at least
now I know what it is and there is treatment; however ...

Well I'm hobbling back and the wedding took its toll. I think I may be in a
genuine flair since 25 years of remission. I hope not but the signs
are there. My nose is tingling and red, dark circles and I'm exhausted.
Sleepy all of the time. I have gained a ton of stress weight for ...

Hello, I said something clod-like to Bev last weekend. I think I hurt her
feelings.
I feel very bad about that and want to apologize to her and the group.
I hope she's doing well and will come back soon.

So better vote for George W. Bush to destroy it forever!
B U S H !

Happy Birthday to Shelagh!
Mair