@ShannonGreentheConqueror

Tough diagnosis. Blood clotting is frequently associated with cancers, especially lymphomas like multiple myeloma. I assume your taking warfarin or another anticoagulant.

Your doctor should also check to see is you have antiphospholipid syndrome. It's often seen in patients with lupus. If I may ask, what other lupus meds are you taking?

Our gut microbiome is critical to overall health. You're obviously aware of that. You may benefit from taking a probiotic as well. You should speak with your doctor about IBS as well. Stomach cramps, bloating, explosive diarrhea are often associated with IBS.

How's law school going? Be well and hang in there. Real cures for lupus and other autoimmune diseases are coming soon.

Tom

@A MyLupusTeam Member,When lupus is first diagnosed and you begin treatment, it's a good idea to have your blood/urine tested every 4 to 6 weeks. Once you've been on your meds for a year or so, testing can be extended to every 2-3 months. Your doctor should schedule your tests far enough ahead of your appointment to have the results available for your appointment.

If your doctor changes your treatment, you need to go back to a more frequent schedule again.

If you're not feeling well, set up an appointment. The doctor should request blood/urine testing for the appointment.

Mentioned Users

A MyLupus...

I dont have insurance currently-- so I go when ever I absolutely have too. I lost my insurancewhile attending graduate school/preparing to enter laws school to obtain my MSW/JD--right in the middle of being treated for blood clots and having been sent to the cancer research center for an unidentified blood dysplasia (we now know as SLE Lupus) And I have to go to the free clinic here in slc which can only refer me out to other charitable doctors who are willing to assist. Utah is one of the States which has refused to expand Medicare/Medicaid & refuses to implement the fraud/waste and abuse funds recovered to pay for the expansion. And yet, Utah is always in the top 5 percent of corrupt states--white collar crime inpart due to the LDC church affinity group(s). :( Otherwise I have my annual check up with my regular doctor (GP) and she works with me on managing my pain. She cant get me my ultra sounds or MRIs required or blood labs--or any labs for the reasons I dont have insurance & I cant afford the costs associated. The free clininc did do my blood work. I finally broke down and went to the free clinic out of desperation, as I had had blood in my urine for apprx3-4 years (was told it was possibly a kidney stone by a ER doctor when I was being monitored and treated for multiple blood clots in my thigh and calf--this was prior to the sle lupus diagnosis) & the next three years I began experiencing sever bloating, horrible cramping and horrific abdominal pain--which drops me to my knees at times, and I could not sleep on either side or stomach--had to sleep on my back only. But what drove me to the free clinic was I began experiencing lots of rectal bleeding and very irregular vaginal bleeding anytime I exerted myself to any degree. my doctor at the free clinic was very concerned about anemia and he ordered the blood tests. In combination with these tests, my blood bank donation history (inability to fill a full sack of donatable blood--clot too quickly [identifying platelets and red and white blood cell levels]), family history and medical records I was given the diagnosis for SLE lupus. I was at first relieved to have the diagnosis--but upset at the same time. I had thought I had cancer. Was happy to have the diagnosis, but after doing the research on LUPUS am heartbroken at times-- because come cancers can be removed & lupus tends to always be present--and cause problems. I have come to accept that possibly God and I agreed that I needed LUPUS to teach me how to become --slow to anger; slow to judge and quick to forgive, as the alternative negative emotional repercussions cause sever LUPUS flares and lots of pain and sickness. I have found relief in eating 80/20 diet 80 percent raw veggies and fruits and 20 percent protein(s). I try to avoid too much sugar--salt--gluten--unhealthy starches--dairy. So in short, keeping a healthy gutt & eliminating anything that is "white" from my diet--as these products can cause inflammation.

Thanks a bunch! I'm not diagnosised, however think it's important to do frequent check ups. Got one tomorrow! Yuck! Wish me luck.

Hi Sweetie,I go every 8 weeks for labs and I see my rheumy every 4 to 6 weeks.