<p>For those of you who have shared your kind words and prayers, I thought an update was appropriate. We were back at the doctor's on Monday, and it appears my daughter does NOT have lupus. There are clear indications of an auto-immune problem but no definitive answer yet. She has outpatient surgery on Friday (arthroscopic) to draw some fluid from the most inflamed joint on her hand, so we're hoping that will provide some answers.</p>
<p>She has had to give up playing her French horn for the time being (too much joint pain to press on the valves), but she did audition for a musical at a community theatre (and was cast!) So she's pressing on, despite all the pain and stress (brought on by the uncertainty). She did ask me to thank you all for the prayers and concern; she wanted to type something herself but even that is becoming problematic. I can't begin to adequately thank you all for the feeling of being embraced in warmth and kindness.</p>
<p>Mezzomom, Thanks for posting. I've been watching for an update. Good luck to her, and stay positive! The waiting is very difficult. Took my doctors 5 1/2 months for a definitive answer, and even though it wasn't good news, it took a lot of stress off just knowing and moving forward. My prayers are with you both. Keep us posted as you learn more.</p>
<p>I am glad you posted. I am also glad your D does not have lupus. I realize you do not have a definitive diagnosis yet but I think it is very positive that you are getting to the bottom of it and she will be helped. I am sorry for her going through it and any stress on you as well. Hoping for a positive prognosis and all the help she needs. </p>
<p>Also that is just great that your daughter got cast! As a theater mom, am interested....what show is it? I hope she enjoys every minute of the production. She deserves it. Am grateful there is some happy news too. </p>
<p>Mezzomom, that's wonderful news! I lost a counsin to lupus and was disheatened when I read your mention of it several months ago. Your D is in my thoughts.</p>
<p>...is so much better than "stage mom", isn't it? My daughter will be in a production of "Two By Two" playing the role of Rachel. She also tried for Goldie, since the role calls for a legit voice and Goldie's solo was do-able for her (huge range within one very tough song). She's thrilled with Rachel. It was her clear favorite, and she won't miss the vocal gymnastics required for "The Golden Ram" (Goldie's solo). She found out she had the role just hours after she was told she had to go for surgery on Friday; it brightened up her day considerably and gives her something to look forward to that doesn't include doctors!</p>
<p>Mezzomom, thanks for sharing. And that WAS great timing for your daughter. She's a junior, right?</p>
<p>And here I thought I knew of most musicals but this time, nope! I have not heard of Two by Two! So, I do not know those characters. It sounds like a big big role. Very cool. I'm sure she will be a shining light on stage and it is something to look forward to. And yes, you are right about the "stagemom" connotation! </p>
<p>We are heading out your way in a month for the auditions. Just made reservations. </p>
<p>Keep us posted about your daughter. Congrats to her in being cast!
Susan</p>
<p>Susan, at the risk of starting another MT thread :) Two by Two is a retelling of Noah and the Ark, with creative license, of course. I believe it was one of Richard Rodger's last few shows; Danny Kaye played Noah when it opened on Broadway many years ago.</p>
<p>It sorta does ring a bell now you describe it....but it is not a musical ya hear about much! Kinda neat that the theater took on something more unusual.</p>
<p>Mezzomom, May they find out soon what the problem is, and may it be something that's easily taken care of. There's tons of information about auto-immune problems on the internet, though I don't know how helpful it will be at this point.</p>
<p>Mezzomom: So sorry you and your D have to deal with this. I will just throw this out to you--I have a chronic health problem and have been truly helped with acupuncture. Just something for you to consider for the future, not in lieu of regular medical treatment, but in case you might want to try something in addition to that. It seems to work well for many hard-to-treat conditions.</p>
<p>Sister-in-law has lupus, which I guess is similar to what your daughter has, and she finds many alternative health options very sound. Obviously not a cure, but she feels it alleviates some of the symptoms. Accupuncture, reflexology, chiropractics, she even tried 'cupping' ala Gwyneth Paltrow.</p>
<p>I figure your daughter might as well give it a try...so good luck to her, and I hope she feels better!</p>
<p>(I apologize if I am resuscitating old postings, but I find them interesting and I'm on a CC kick today)</p>