Learning to cope with two chronic illness

Are you seeing a rheumatologist? They will be able to treat you for both diseases. I also have both and it takes a while, but eventually you will be able to tell which illness is acting up at any given time.

Plaquenil is more of a disease-inhibitor, you don't really see any change in Lupus symptoms you already have but it helps keep you from getting new symptoms. It has to build up in your body, you may begin to notice effects after 8-10 weeks. (Plaquenil isn't known to have any effect on Fibro.)

Naproxen (Aleve, right?) may have some effect on Fibro but isn't usually used for Lupus and I doubt it will help you any.

Have you had an ANA test? How are your inflammation numbers? What is your rheumy thinking? Or if you haven't seen a rheumy, please find one asap - they are the specialists in both Lupus & Fibro, other Drs are just not nearly as well educated in these illnesses.

You probably need something for inflammation (if you have inflammation, that is the Lupus). One of the ways they differentiate between Lupus & Fibro is that Lupus responds to Prednisone (anti-inflammatory) and Fibro does not. Otherwise it's impossible to tell the difference.

Are you getting good sleep at night? Sometimes we don't sleep well and need a sleep aid and that ends up helping with the fatigue. Eating well? Maybe add some B12 to your diet.

As you can see from my tag I have quite a few immune system illnesses. It seems every year or so something new comes along. I've just accepted that my immune system doesn't really like me very much and it's like trying to keep a group of squabbling kids happy. When ones happy the others kick off, a lot of the time it's a balancing act and am determined that it isn't going to beat me - yet.

Most rheumies will focus on the more serious condition first - so I have no argument with your Dr treating the Lupus first. It's symptoms, in my experience, far overreach those of my fibro.

If you really don't trust your rheumy, find another. It's a collaborative effort and it takes both you & the Dr to make things happen.

If you can't take vitamin supplements then augment your needs with the appropriate vitamin-rich foods. Or keep trying supplements until you find what works...they have vitamin-rich shakes & drinks now rather than pills that might be easier on you.

Lupus flares joy?

Hi Hailie! I have both fibro and lupus as well. It all came out after I had my son. Things have been hard, but over time (six years now), I have learned how I need to live. I am still active. In general, the fibro is harder to deal with and a constant companion that is on the verge of showing up, or rather getting worse. But, I am doing it! I rest when I need to, I do what I can, and rejoice in the good days. The first two years were a getting to know you phase. I just didn't know what to expect, now I know how things will go more and I can deal with it better. I have also learned to tell the difference between the two, for the most part. I'm sorry that you have this diagnosis, but be sure not to let yourself think life it over. Life has just changed a bit, and there is still much to be enjoyed.

I would find a new rheumy. My first one was not so good, the second one has been wonderful and compassionate. It makes all of the difference!

Post Edited By Moderator (Lynnwood) : 2/2/2015 3:38:38 PM (GMT-7)

Ashaline,

I removed the angry little guy for you.

(If you edit your post, you'll see a bunch of icons at the top. Somehow you had the little guy selected, I just unselected him for you.)

ashaline! thank you for shedding some light for me and knowing your living a good life gives me strength. its such an adjustment faze...its like i have to learn who i am again, look at career changes and delay some things in life. getting comfortable with excepting all of this has proven difficult. i'm getting there...feels nice to talk to others in my shoes.
:)!! thank you