# 2

It all started towards the end of March.  I had fever, sore aching body, exhausted/tired, rash, swollen face.  All symptoms one would associate with a viral disease, and Glandular fever was what was suspected.  I had several blood tests and spent two weeks off work. Banging headaches, mouth ulcers and nausea symptoms started.  I was prescribed steroids, allergy tablets and told to continue on the pain killers.  The tests were fine and the GP put it down to a severe allergic reaction - to what he didn't know.  I was back at the doctor several weeks later still not well, and had lost loads of weight.  He took further blood tests, and referred me to a specialist (Dermatologist). The Dermatologist took further blood tests and put me on antibiotics. They still had no clue

In June I travelled to SA, still feeling relatively unwell. My eyelids had started peeling and the night I arrived, under and around my eyes were swollen. I developed the rash again, and what seemed like all the symptoms I'd previously had. I went to see a GP there who sent me for two blood test. They suspected after examining me that it was either something with my kidneys or immune system. The doc gave me more steroids, antibiotics, allergy tablets and painkillers, which all helped. When the blood test results came back, my kidneys were fine, but the other test was positive and the GP told me he suspected I had something called Lupus. He explained that it was not contagious, was not curable but was treatable. He also told me I'd need to see a Rheumotologist when I got back. I don't think I handled the possibility of such well that night.

When I returned with the blood test results I went to see the GP. The GP I'd seen, one that I had not seen before, disregarded the tests, told me I couldn't have lupus, told me it was an allergy which I probably wouldn't ever find out to what, and told me to keep a diary of what I ate etc. I asked to be referred to a Rheumotologist.

I saw the Rheumotologist a few weeks later. One of the tests the Dermatologist had done was the same as the one done in SA, with the same positive results. The Rheumotologist had me do a chest x-ray, a scan and several other blood tests. I saw the Dermatologist for a follow up appointment and was diagnosed by the Rheumotologist with mild Lupus. Medication was explained to me, a drug used with Malaria but also effective with people with mild lupus of skin and joints. He explained that the lupus could spread but with treatment the chance of that were reduced. He also said he'd write to the GP with the recommendation and that the GP would prescribe the medication as I had to be monitored for the first few months to see the medication agreed with me. Finding out what I had was a relief, but dealing was something I think I avoided doing. I was happy that I would get treatment soon and begin to "heal".

# 1

I was diagnosed here in the UK with Lupus of the skin and joints 9 weeks ago, suspected by GP weeks before in SA. It's been a nightmare trying to get treatment, because I'm allergic to sulphur and what's been prescribed to me has this. (Quinoric. Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate). My brother suggested I keep a journal, not only as an account of the different tests and GP visits, but also as a means of release from the frustrations all this causes. I thought it a good idea, because I've always found release and strength in writing.    

So much has changed in the last 7 months, too much I think at times, but I'm here and I'm surviving, through the highs and lows.  I thank God for my blessings daily.  My faith, and the support of my family and close friends is what gets me through.  One thing this has taught me is who my true friends are, it's also shown me the importance of positiveness, and "living" life.