Hi! I have had Discoid Lupus for 9 years. The 2 years prior to surgery I was taken off of Plaqunil and Celebrex. My Lupus was in remission until I had surgery. 3 months after WLS my Lupus came back with a vengence. I control the pain with Vicodin usually. My DR. wanted to put me back on Plaquenil but I won't go back on that right now. I am 30 and want to have kids in the next couple years and I know that it takes 6 months for the drug to kick in and 6 months for it to exit your system. I was told to use asper cream for my joint pain and possibly Advil liquigels. and the answer to #3 is obviously worse. Jess

Hijack! Great new picture Kristie.....nice to see you.... have missed you a bunch. You were one of the first welcoming faces I encountered on this site....thank you again for that! How are you and Mike? B

One of our fellow lupies has been readmitted to the hospital to ICU. She is battling a major infection -- something very strange apparently -- she could use all of your prayers and good wishes. We know how tough life can be with just lupus... but to add major surgery and major complications on top of that is a little overwhelming to say the least..... please support her in any way that you can! B

Hi Grace, lupus is an autoimmune disease where the anti-bodies that we have to help fight infection and disease goes awry and begin to attack healthy tissues and organs. The antibodies get confused and just go crazy and multiply because of what it is attacking. The main complications, some life threatening are when major organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys (most common) and brain are attacked. there are many symptoms that can lead to lupus such as a butterfly shaped rash, fatigue, joint pain, abnormal blood tests, etc. Lupus is found to be hereditary and is more common in hispanics and african americans. Women tend to have lupus more so than men but it usually affects men a lot worse. Anyway I have a lupus group online if you would like to learn much more about this unique disease. http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/sistahswithlupus Thank you for your questions. Madame Yess

Congrats Erin on your surgery.... will keep you in my prayers. If you find after surgery that you have much nausea you might want to consider Plaquenil as a possible source.... that was the main reason I discontinued it. Pain meds are tough.... I know I miss my 800s as well.... am presently trying every alternative method I know..... just had an acupuncture treatment last week..... and a therpeutic massage the week before that..... fatigue and pain are my major issues right now...... couldn't take the Advil (200 - liqui gels) without feeling some burning so Have stopped that. Good luck B