To - Newly diagnosed

[Guest guest]

Welcome !!!

I'm happy to see you have found our family of which you are now a part of, but

sorry the dragon has sent you into a state of fear.

First, my name is Lori and I live in sunny California. I'm 26 years old and

fell ill when I was 22 years old. I too was extremely frightened regarding the

changes the disease caused in my life, and because I too am a " people pleaser "

and could no longer DO for others but needed constant care from others. This

was a confusing time that forced me into complete bed rest with tremendous pain

and stress. Not knowing what will happen or if you will get better is one of

the scariest things a person can face. But let me reasure you that there IS

HOPE! I was so bad I had to quit my job, drop out of school and lose ties with

many of my friends. I felt like my life had been stripped from me. Almost a

year later after first becoming ill, I was properly diagnosed and from there I

worked with my doctors to find the right combo of meds and treatment to keep my

monster under control. I am not in remission now, but am controlling the

disease well with a host of medications and

ample rest. It may take some time (and that too can be one of the hardest

things) but you can find strength again through the right treatments.

I take about 20 pills a day, three shots a week and MTX weekly. I just

graduated college and am enjoying many of the things I used to love to do in

life again. Please hold on through this tough time you are in now, and know

that not only do you have doctor resources and family, but you have us too, to

help with any questions you have. This family and the way they could relate to

my struggles is a large part of why I made it through. Stay calm, and try to be

patient and you will learn much about recovering and building your strenght

again. Life is not over, just altered a bit!

Please keep us up to date on all thats happening in your life.

BEST WISHES to you friend and new family member...

Lori B in Cali

Docken wrote:

I'm scared!

Hello Everyone,

My name is Tracey. I have been " Lurking by the way " for the past few

days or so and I feel very good about joining the group. I was just

recently diagnosed with Stills aka The Dragon. I battled with the

pain

and fever for approximately 2 mos. before a proper diagnosis was

given.

I'm scared because I don't know what to expect in the future. I am a

single 43 year old school teacher and student living in Houston. I

want to become an Elementary School Principal. At the rate I'm going

(with the Dragon) I don't know if I will even be able to begin and

complete

this school year. For the past three weeks I've been on a very low

dosage of methylprednisolone (4mg)and sulfasalazine(2000mg) daily and

there

are days when I feel like I am a prisoner to my bed. My greatest fear

is that one day I will have to depend on someone to take care of me.

I am

very independent and am used to taking care of others. I hope and

pray

that this disease doesn't " overtake me " . Has anyone

experienced " blackouts " ? Before I was PROPERLY diagnosed and even

one

time after that I experienced blackouts. It usually warns me about

60sec. before it happens. I get so dizzy and black spots appear

before

my face. I know what's about to happen and fortunately I have been

able to make it to a place where I can lie down. This is a very

frightening experience!!! There so much more I want to share with

you

guys but I'll end for now.

I'm glad to be a part of this family!!!!

Sincerely,

Scared in Houston