I am a 59 year old female and I was just diagnosed as having Systemic Lupus. I have had joint pain (hip and ankle), ringing in ears, numerous cold sores ,yeast infections, Shingles (twice) insomnia, butterfly rash, hair loss, panic attacks, anxiety, headaches, dry eyes, sores in mouth and colds that last for weeks. I spent the last year in the doctors' offices and it wasn't until I went to the dermatologist with the hair loss that he ordered the proper blood tests to confirm my condition. I live in Deland, Florida and wish I could find a support group in my area.

Joint pain - ankle very bad (previously sprained) and had pain and difficulty walking; first diagnosed by orthopedic surgeon as plantar fasciitis. Then had extreme shoulder and back pain, and a swollen middle finger that persists. Finally, very sick with a cold and suffered extreme fatigue. Internist ordered ANA test and positive result. Many more tests to eliminate possibility of other problems (gout, diabetes, thyroid), but as symptoms persisted and worsened, lupus dx stuck and began medication, plaquenil after seeing rheumatologist for first time.

I have sore and swollen hands, fingers and wrists, sore arm muscles, shoulders and elbows. I experience weakness in the upper body. I have a sore throat, ear ache, one side of neck and head sore and swollen in the back, fatigue and chills.