Dear Lady Elaine,
I am so sorry to hear about this.  MY aunt had it, and several others I know have it too.
I deal with Fibro, Osteo and Rhumetoid arthritis among other crap so I know about the pain.
You are in my thoughts and prayers to the Goddess...
Soft Hugs!!! (I am having a "flare")
Swampy

I know all about flares Swampy, I am having one as well....take care of yourself!! I am finding that warm baths and trying not to stress works mopst of the time...but being a very high-stress person, sometimes it is hard...lol...I hate when every muscle in your body is sensitive to the touch! I try to keep my mind occupied with a book, or typing here at Pagan Living...if I concentrate on something it tends to help withthe pain.

My thoughts are with you!!

Blessings Bright and Dark,

Dear Lady Elaine,

  Next time you head to a warm bath try adding a handful or two of epsom salts, with a cup or so of hydrogen peroxide and a drop or two of lavender oil.  This helps skin and muscle to detox and relax, making a good nights sleep just a little easier. Don't be suprised by the nasty ring around the tub, its just proof that its working! (shower)
  I like to add geranium oil and clary sage for pain relief, but do try a patch skin test just to make sure you not overly sensitive to these oils.
 I have also found that addind a drop or two of rosemary oil my hair while shampooing helps to slow down the hair loss stuff.
  Its nice to use natural remedies to cope with some of the everyday problems of SLE.

Blessed Be
         & Gentle hugs!

Venifica