I have been diagnosed with Lupus, any advise?

Question

I have been diagnosed with Lupus and it is attacking my lungs, my veins and the joints in my legs. I have also been diagnosed with rhumatoid arthritis which is also attacking the joints in my knees and in my back. They ALSO diagnosed me with Lumbar Radiculopathy and I am in extreme pain and some mornings I cant even walk. The doctor has me on Norco for the pain and it seems to help sometimes and I am on Soma for a muscle relaxant but that knocks me out. Can you recommend any medications that I should ask my specialist about for the pain and swelling? Something that I can take during the day that wont knock me out or any other medications I should ask about for the Lupus and arthritis and such. I am also on lyrica for the arthritis. I am just now learning about the diseases that I have but I do know that I am in extreme pain and have maybe up to 16 years of my life left. I have very good doctors and they test me thoroughly every time I see them. So this is no joke. Serious answers only please. Thanks

Answer 1

I also have Lupus. I have managed it for over 20 years. You did not mention any steroids.  That can reduce the joint inflammation and pain very dramatically. It does have side effects when used too long, but it feels like a miracle. If your doctor thinks it is OK for you, give it a try.

steroids are prednisone, dexamethasone, etc. Not the kind body builders and athletes pump up with.

Answer 2

Does your doctor tell you that there is no other type of medicine for relieving pain?

I don't know, but hopefully someone does.

I hope you take care of yourself fine.

Answer 3

Cheers!!!!!! Simply eat an apple or 2  a day.  Then think positive.  Do not despair.  Do not eat beef, pork and shrimps as well as nuts and vegetables with seeds.  

Take care and GOD BLESS!!!!!!!

Answer 4

Do you know that people with Lupus need to stay out of the sun?!

Have a read of a book written by an immunologist by the name of William Joel Meggs called "The Inflammation Cure" it is about PREVENTING inflammatory disorders and in your case from making them worse.  Chapter 9 of the book is about the foods to eat to prevent inflammation.

You could read it in Google Books on the Internet as well.

Answer 5

You should be seeing a good Rhuematologist. Most people with lupus are on a chemo drug like Imuran, Cellcept, methotrixate which slow down the immune system. These drugs are often used in the treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis as well Prednisone is another common drug which we refer to as the "dreaded pred' but does help greatly with Lupus pain (hate the drug...love the relief) As you probably  realise lupus flares can be pretty awful. Listen to what your body is telling you. Lupus is the boss so there is no good in fighting it..it only makes you worse. It loves stress so try to make your life as stress free as possible (easier said than done I know) Pain meds will help relief the joint and muscle pain but these opiate type medications will not help with the neurological pain. Diazapan can help with the muscle spasms. During periods of fatigue the only thing you can do is go with it and sleep. try not to over do things on your good days because you will pay for it in the long run..pacing yourself is important. Avoid foods like alfalfa as it can trigger lupus flare and stay out of the sun...will trigger a flare every time you get a dose of sun so cover up from head to toe. Join an on line Lupus support group like Lupus and Other Autoimmune System Support Group. You will learn, and get a lot of support from others with the same diseases.