I am 31 years old and was dignosed about a year ago with SLE and severe kidney involvement. I also experience typical lupus fatigue, severe joint pain, pain in my sides and back, and Asthma. This diagnosis was a long time coming, as I wonder if I was born with Lupus. After being told that I definately did NOT have Lupus by one doctor, my primary care physician finally ran the neccessary tests, and the results signified Lupus. I still wonder if there may have been a mistake... This is so serious.
When I was a child, I was very weak, health-wise. I am the youngest of eight children and my family attributed my poor health to being the "baby". I have always had asthma, and I don't know how much of my childhood illnesses were related to Lupus, but in the last year I've have started to piece it together. For one, I can see instances when stress has brought on illness. Last year my fiance had major brain surgery and right before the surgery my joints and entire body hurt so bad that I could not even lay in bed comfortably. I had to have help getting out of bed.
Although I have serious health problems, there are so many stories that I have read on this website that make me grateful to have the abilities that I do. I am currently being treated with chemotherapy drugs, Plaquinil, and Naprosen. I am finally off of that wicked Prednisone! I have done very well with these prescribed treatments and my doctor seems optimistic. My biggest concern is looking into the future and wondering where this thing is going to pop up next. I would really like to have a child but because of the severity of my kidney involvement I am discouraged.
Presently, I am a full time student, and a senior at California State University in Long Beach, studying Therapeutic Recreation. I work part-time with my mother doing home consultations for the developmentally-disabled, providing recreation therapy. After completing my degree, I will be able to take over my mother's business. Yet, I often fear that I won't be healthy enough to carry out the position and all her hard work in establishing a very successful business will go down the drain.
My lifestyle has changed drastically. A few years ago I was a slim, platnum blond, roller blading down the coast of sunning California. Now, I am white as a ghost (usually with circles under my eyes), I have gained 20 pounds, and have very little energy for any type of exercise. My hair has thinned significantly and I often do not look very healthy. I have fair skin and really felt like I looked best with a tan. My doctor suggested that I stay out of the sun even though I do not show symptoms of Discoid Lupus.
I find that with studying and trying to keep up the business, I do not have many hobbies anymore. I tend to just burn out and watch TV when I can't take life anymore. I love watching sports on TV with my fiance. I'm thankful that I have received good health care and that I have the support of my family. I have had to realize that there is nothing I can do about lupus, except take my medications, follow my doctor's suggestions, and try to think positive. I'd like for my family to understand that there is a reason why I have always been so fragile and sickly -- That I am not just a baby. I am doing the best that I can. I hope that others out there can be helped by my story. Now...back to reading more about you other women.
[ Living Room] [ Kitchen] [ Holiday Suite ] [ Den]
[ Sarah's Photo Album ] [ Wood Shop Designs ] [ Bathroom ]
[ Bedroom ] [ Personal Lupus Story ] [ Closet ] [ Top Shelf ]
[ Library] [ Patio ] [ Crafting Shed] [ Background Boutique ]
[ Lupus Survey ] [ Lupus Stories 1 ] [ Lupus Stories 2 ]
[ Lupus Stories 3 ] [ Lupus Stories 4 ] [ Lupus Stories 5 ]
[ Lupus Stories 6 ] [ Lupus Stories 7 ]
[ Multiple Sclerosis Links ] [ MS Information Center ] [ Win An Award ]
