Hi melanie..I am very sorry that you are so worried about your mom. I am 49 and was diagnosed with lupus over 20 years ago. I also have fibromyalgia, and sjogrens syndrome and a host of other autoimmune problems.

You need education and support where your mom is concerned. Sometimes parents want to shield their children to prevent them from worrying. We just forget that our kids are in tune and worry too.

Would your mom consider allowing you to attend a doctor's visit? Sometimes when our questions are answered, it can put our fears at rest. I think this would be helpful for you. The medications that you mention are some meds that people need to be on.

Try not to worry, and see if your mom will talk to her. Maybe tell her that you would rather know, than not know.

Many, many people live with this disease for a normal life span. It can be very difficult at times..But we don't want to just think the worst. I wish you the best of luck, and I hope your mom will have a chat with you. There is a wonderful book that you could buy. It is called the lupus book, by daniel wallace md. He has another new edition coming out in march. In there he covers all autoimmune diseases. It is a wonderful book, and it helps to explain alot.

(((hugs)))
hopefloats