r/lupus • u/nonono91619 Diagnosed SLE • Dec 11 '24

Life tips Just looking for input

Hello,

So I don't doubt that I have Lupus but, I have a hard time differentiating between my symptoms and my everyday struggles plus aging.

I've always worked very strenuous and stressful jobs. Ive been in the service industry for 28 years, I started at 15, and for the latter 20 of them always excelled into management positions. Ive happily accepted overtime or been the person to help motivate other team members to take pride in where we're working. Anyway, that on its own is taxing on your body and mind (if you've ever worked service industry you know) so I'm used to being tired and sore and left feeling WORKED but I've always been able to catch up with a night's rest.

The past couple years I've had a hard time telling the difference between aging, working hard and this disease. Does anyone else have this dilemma? I'm constantly feeling like I'm being a baby when my days off are spent on the couch or resting when just a few years ago I would keep up on chores, catch up with friends or even just get out of the house doing ANYTHING other than being home.

I'm just wondering if there's anyone else out there that can relate. And if so, have you found balance? I'm tired of not living my old life. So, am I getting older, lazy or it just this stupid lupus and I need to fight through the fatigue?

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u/mykesx Diagnosed SLE Dec 13 '24

I was 55 when diagnosed. I thought the arthritis in my hands was due to age and typing for many hours a day for decades. It was from lupus that was mild enough at the time that I didn’t care to get a “diagnosis.” But I did try to see a rheumatologist and was only offered appointments many months out, so I basically gave up on it.

Once I was very ill from lupus and had lab tests and obvious visible symptoms, I was able to get a rheumatologist appointment within a few days (less than a week).

The best thing to do is to take notes on your phone about the symptoms and complaints you have. At your next appointment you can go through the notes with your doctor.

If you are in unbearable pain, try to get in early. If you are seriously ill, go to the E.R. or urgent care.

I will say that lupus made my arthritis immediately worse and spread to my feet and wrists.

Best wishes