Welcome sweetsuuu! It is nice to meet you!

There are a few things...When shopping, always wear your sunblock (reapply often!), wear long sleeves and long pants (easier now that it is winter, I know). Otherwise, I know *exactly* what you mean. I can barely make it ten minutes in a lot of very famous stores!
If you want to be proactive, send letters to these stores...The more that complain, the more likely to get it changed, you know?

Fatigue...Sleep. Take a nap if you need it. A lot of people get a lot of use out of 20 minute power naps. I have a really odd sleep pattern, myself. I either sleep 20 hours a day or none at all. I sleep when I can...

Also, since you have a while to wait for the rheumy...Keep a detailed diary and take that with you to the first appointment.

Do you know what tests they have already run? There is no one test for lupus, but rather a host of tests that hint at lots of things...

Sending you warm hugs,
ladybrannon

Thank you for the welcome and the advice lady brannon.
I had some good news today, strong memorial in rochester, ny has accepted me for a parient based on the test results that I had my doctor send them. I am very pleased about this as my appontment is for 12/5, worth a 2 hour drive in one direction. They are very fussy about who they will accept.
I don't know what tests were run by my family doctor, only that she told me I tested very high for lupus. :d

I would *not* go to the new appoinment on friday without knowing exactly what tests they did and what they are calling "testing high for lupus."

unfortunately, it has been my experience that gps are not up to date on lupus and what all the tests mean...I tell you this in the best of faith...Not to scare or frighten. Sometimes it works the other way. also keep in mind that several of the tests can change due to lupus activity or flares.

Please feel free to ask any questions in the meantime. There are a lot of us here who have dealt with lupus a long time and in many facets. We also are here to help if we can!

A little about myself...I am a 29 year old lupus patient. I can no longer work. I have been diagnosed for over 3 years and have spent those years in and out of the hospital. I was supposed to be a pretty mild case...Boy were they *wrong.* I think I have been a thorn in every single on my doctor's sides for years...Lol!

Hugs to you!
Ladybrannon

ps- you got a doctor appointment for this friday, 12/5. How weird! That is my 30th birthday! Small world, huh?

Happy 30 th to you! I hope you have a wonderful day. I turned 58 in september and have children who are in their late 30's.
I am afraid that I need to keep this appointment on friday. Strong will run their own tests and they specialize in arthritis diseases. I have not worked since 10/17 and need some answers very soon. My job can be filled by 1/23/04.
My gp cannot give me the answers I need to go for long term disability. My opinion is that I have reached the point that I can no longer work full time, but, if I can't get the supporting tests and diagnosis I will have to try and return to work. I am employed by a good company and have a wonderful and understanding boss that does not want to lose me. Of course, then if I do go back there is the fear that they will try and get rid of me so that in the future they won't have to pay long term benefits. No matter how good the company there is always that bottom line.
I go to the local hospital today for a discography for the c4/c5. I go back to the hospital on 12/9 for a facet nerve block at the l5/s1. I am well into 2nd stage degenerative arthritis of the spine from the c3/c4 to c7/t1 and l2/l3 to the l5/s1. Four years ago I had right lateral surgery at the l2/l3 to remove pressure on the nerve root from a ruptured disk. I have permanent nerve damage in my right thigh from that. My gp's response to these problems was to send me back to the neurosurgeon to see if I am a candidate for more back surgery and to a pain management Dr. Which I haven't seen yet. The neurosurgeon said no thank god and then the two Dr.'s fought over who was to sign my extended excuse to be off from work. After an extended phone conversation where I totally lost my temper with the gp's nurse I am now off until 1/2/2004. So you see why I need to see a rheumy as soon as possible. This in itself is not enough to qualify for long term disability and ssd.
It seems to me that I am in a damned if I do and damned if I don't situation.
I have read the posts here and I value your advice but this time I can't take it.

Oh! I did *not* mean for you to cancel the appointment...Do go! You are so lucky to get in so quickly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I simply meant that I would be sure to take all my tests results, diaries, etc.

Sorry for the confusion!

Hugs,
ladybrannon