Linda, I'm concerned that you're having a flare. Please see your rheumatologist ASAP!!! The headache sounds alarming since it's so severe. If your doctors (rheum or primary) can't see you quickly, please consider going to the ER!💜

Please be careful with the BC powder, Linda! I've treated patients in the hospital for bleeding ulcers from it! Try to stay with Tylenol instead for now, as it's far safer, as long as you don't have severe liver disease.

I actually have a appointment with my primary this month and was finally able to get in touch with my rheumy too. See him next month at the earliest. I've been taking BC powder, for the headache I know they say it's bad for you but it's the only thing over the counter that really helps me with it.

I'm on cymbalta. I'm taking 3 at night. I'm not sure if it's working. I have talked to a counselor about my feelings. I feel like a burden every time I try talking to family about how I'm feeling. I've been having a headache from hell so bad that I'm crying and wanting to knock myself out and I feel like a human torch especially at night.have been running low grade fever but nothing worth going to the hospital for

Linda, I'm sorry to hear you're struggling with depression and denial--emotions that I think most of us have had at some point with lupus. Do you have support from family/friends and access to counseling? We are here to support you and understand how hard it is. I have written a lot about coping with lupus, if you want to check out my story.

Please try to remain as calm and relaxed as possible, as stress and negative emotions can cause us to flare. An antidepressant may be needed if the other measures aren't working. And if you're having scary thoughts, it's critical to go to the ER immediately.

The "torch" feeling makes me wonder if you're possibly having hot flashes, if you're around the age of menopause or older. Some of us women (including me) have hot flashes for many years after the change, frustratingly. 😘🙏🏽