Welcome, Judy!

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group, Judy!

Sorry that you aren't feeling well and that your diagnosis is uncertain.

It's very common to have problems getting an accurate diagnosis, even

for a number of years. The tests aren't very good, and many rheumatic

diseases share the same symptoms.

One thing is for sure - stress doesn't help. The more you can do to

reduce the amount of stress in your life, the better. I know that isn't

easy considering your own problems and those of your husband.

Exercise is very good for relieving stress and for strengthening your

body. Many people here really enjoy water exercise. Can you start going

to the pool or water classes again?

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

Re: [ ] RE:

> Hello everyone..I am new to this list. I test positive for autoimmune

disease

> and positive for lupus. However my rheumatologist feels I have more

symptoms

> for RA than lupus.

> I also have fibromyalgia and degenerative disk disease. My husband has

been

> fighting serious health problems for the past 4 years and so the

stress is my

> life is unbelievable.

> I have a few questions for the group. First of all, has anyone else

been up

> in the air as to what disease they actually have? This has been going

on for

> many years and I just wish I knew what is going on with my body.

> Also, I have been getting worse in recent years and I wondered if

anyone has

> any experience with stress causing this or if it is just happening on

it's

> own. I was going to a heated pool for 4 years for an arthritis water

class and

> stopped a few years ago. I sometimes wonder if that has made me slip

back a

> little.

> I hope to hear from someone that can help. Thank you very much,Judy