Hi I am new to this group!!!

[naysmommy]

Hello, my name is Elaina and I am 21 years old. I have not been officially diagnosed with Lupas but that is what my doc thinks I have. There is also a possiblity it might be MS. I started getting sick right after I had my first baby 3 months ago. The fatigue is so bad and the joint pain and muscle weakness have me in tears. It is getting to the point now that I cant sleep anymore because I toss and turn all night with pain. I feel like I am going to have a break down. Its hard because I have not been able to take care of my baby. I feel like such a horrible mother. Any encouragement would be great right now. Thank ladies!!!

[Dee1960]

Elaina, please know that you are not a horrible mother. You have a disease which make things difficult for you. I sounds like you are having a flare. When you have a flare you have to give into it and rest. Please know that you are not alone.  You will find a tremendous amount of support here.  Please feel free to email me at any time.
I have been dealing with lupus for several years and am now on disability. Luckily I have a wonderful husband who takes great care of me and my children are grown.
I don't get to do the things I want to because of the pain and fatigue and that is frustrating to say the least.  My husband is only 52 and I am 47. We will not be able to have the retirement and travel the way we wanted due to my illness.
I do however, thank God for everyday that I have that is good and pray like crazy during a flare for help to deal with it.
I also bought an air bed. It is called a Sleep Better System. It has been a God send. I am able to adjust the air to whatever firmness or softness that I need on a given day.  It has been very helpful with the join pain. Also I have the insomnia but when I do sleep I rest much better. I think it is something every Lupus patient should have. It has made a great difference for me.
Please write back and let me know how you are doing.