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(reply to Anonymous)

Hi, Regan:

Sjogren's on top of lupus can't be any fun at all! I had kidney issues for several years prior to the lupus diagnosis. So many things fell into place with the diagnosis, now there was a root cause. Unlike your more serious situation, I had a kidney dysfunction, so I basically live with one fully functional and one that can be iffy. Fortunately, we can learn to deal with that (but, I still love coffee, LOL!).

As you well know, early diagnosis is key, but can be difficult. I was almost 40 when diagnosed and had been going through a myriad of health issues for decades. My first doctors chalked everything up to stress, as I was in a high-stress career.

The doctor who finally diagnosed lupus had first tested me for fibromyalgia. It took a physician who was willing to think outside the box and take the risk to test for something so evasive. He admitted that most doctors he knew at the time wouldn't have wanted to suggest lupus, as it was not very well understood, and that it was easier to treat stress. Right!

I agree with you about needing to raise awareness. The Lupus Foundation benefits from a few marathon/half marathon training programs and events across the country, but it's not nearly as far-reaching as the Team in Training for Leukemia and Lymphoma. I admit that, although I've considered trying to get more going in my community, I'm always stretching myself too thinly, LOL!

Take good care of yourself and keep up the good "fight."

June 16, 2009 - 7:16pm

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