Cyclelops and Glenntaj, Yes, I do feel that there was a 'trigger' - probably the monoclonal virus. In terms of appearance, people have always made the comment "You look so healthy". Maybe the flushing helps my appearance in that regard. It does rather **** me off though if I am feeling poorly and someone says that. It seems condescending. If people ask what my problem is, I will usually tell them that I have a type of lupus that affects different parts of my body.

I do have fibromyalgia and have had that diagnosis for years, but I don't mention that to anyone because 'erveryone' now has fibromyalgia. If people are overstrssed or tired I hear "I must have fibromyalgia". Don't get me wrong... I am pleased that there is a new found awareness on FMS. But for crying out loud, some people can be so easily jaded into thinking they have a serious problem... perhaps after watching a Lyrica commercial and thinking "oh yes, I do have some tenderness in my muscle there (pointing)". I really don't think that FMS is as prevalent as is seems. I swear, just a few weeks ago my neighbor said she was a bit run down and tired and that she must have fibromyalgia. I wanted to laugh in her face and say "are you kidding?". My husband just looked at me and rolled his eyes.

Mere

Mere