((((((((( Stacy )))))))))))
So sorry about
your sister. That must be awful to lose your sister and then find out you have also have Lupus.
YES! Lupus is more prevalent in women of color!
I would believe the two doctors who said it is lupus. There is a link at the end of my signature (4 of 11) that shows the criteria for diagnosing lupus. Those criteria do NOT need to be met all at the same time. Your blood work CAN go positive and then negative and back again. Each blood test is only a "snapshot" of the moment. It would be like taking one frame from a movie . . . its NOT a complete story (per my rheumy).
I hope you find a good rheumy in your current
location who will treat your symptoms. Plaquenil is a great choice for a first med and it does usually help with joint pain and keeping things quiet. But it does take a few months to fully build in the system . . . so you won't get an immediate result . . . give it time.
Knowledge is power and the more you learn about
Lupus the better off you'll be. At first its scary . . . but then you'll get a sense of empowerment because you'll be able to understand more at your doctor appointments, you'll be able to give him/her more helpful information and get the most out of your doctor visits.
Remember when you are reading and posting at any forum that most of the active members have some severe or chronic issues they are dealing with. Most of the Lupus patients who are stabilized and doing well do not spend time posting on these forum.
Welcome to the forum and . . . Keep us posted!!
Blessings!
In His Grip
AlwaysRosie "We can't control the waves, but we can learn how to surf!!"
Psalms 139
Co-Moderator - Lupus Forum
UCTD, Inflammatory Arthritis, Diverticulosis, (recent dx - Sjogrens, Crohn’s 4/08)
Clickable Links: Lupus Resources Lupous.Org Lupus Criteria (4 of 11) Lupus Chapter Locator