Six years ago (I had just turned 40), I began going downhill. The list of symptoms that developed over the next several months included: painful joints and muscles, weakness and fatigue, sores in my mouth and on my lips, Sjogren's (dryness of the mucous membranes), and Raynaud's (poor circulation in the fingers and toes triggered by cold). My balance was affected so that I had to be careful to not fall. I began swelling in my face, feet, legs and hands. There was extreme thirst, headaches, memory loss with cognitive disfunction, and moodiness. The last symptom was to break out in hives when I got too warm or was in direct sunlight (the itching was terrible). I had to spend time every day in bed and would even fall asleep trying to teach school. My children were my jar and bag openers and my older girls had to do most of the care for my littlest girl. I always had to take one or two children with me to get groceries because I could not carry much. They would even have to buckle me in the car. I would go to bed as soon as I got home and the family would have to put the groceries away.

I had been reading some medical literature trying to figure what was wrong with me. It really shook me up when I realized the symptoms indicated Lupus. The doctor I went to was sure I had diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis instead, but when my tests came back positive for Lupus, he sent me to a Rheumatologist. This doctor agreed with me that I was dealing with Systemic Lupus. He wanted to start me on massive doses of steroids but I was not ready for that after 18 years with no medications. I was directed to a doctor who was associated with a vitamin company. He suggested certain doses of anti-oxidants (vitamins A, C, E) and EPA (an omega 3 fatty acid found in fish oil) for three months. Within that three month period, I was functioning 75%, up from 25% and could be in the sun without reaction. I later read in a couple of Lupus books that EPA shows anti-inflammatory properties and even reversed kidney involvement - at least in mice.

Two years later, after the death of a son, I had a flair that involved my heart and GI (gastrointestinal) tract. I was placed on prednisone for six months. It was wonderful to be able to run and ride a bike!! But...I have always had a weight problem and ended up gaining 60 pounds. The doctor wanted me to be off of prednisone in six months and I chose not to use anything else to see how I could get along. He was upset that I could not lose any weight and offered me diet pills -- which I declined.

Over the next several months I could only lose five pounds so a friend recommended a medical doctor who also used nutritional therapy. He adjusted some of the vitamins and minerals I was taking and added other nutrients. He did several tests including a more thorough one for thyroid function. The test showed that my thyroid function was way off and now I have lost 90 pounds in 15 months since beginning thyroid replacement therapy (the thyroid is one of the organs that can be affected by Lupus). I am also taking DHEA and B-12 because those levels were too low. DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a naturally occuring hormone that is being used in controlled Lupus studies. B-12 is a vitamin that aids in blood cell production and has kept my blood counts closer to normal. Delayed food allergy testing showed I reacted to 19 foods which puts additional stain on the immune system.

I function reasonably well and I am thankful for every day I have been able to stay off other medications. My children are either in public school, college, or on their own. I am able to do volunteer work at the local nursing home as well as a reasonable amount of housework, provided that I pace myself. My family has been supportive although it has not been easy for my husband and it is harder for my youngest children to understand my limitations.

People often comment on how good I look but my least favorite question is "How are you?" To say anything but "fine" makes it look like I am a liar. I am thankful for the times the Lord has lifted me from despair and helped me to go on when things were especially rough. He is my daily encouragement.

Gayla: I am sorry you had to go through so much before someone believed you. When I worked as a nurse, I had to do double duty on my attitude concerning people who appeared to be "hypochondriacs". I would hope that I would be more understanding now. At present I am not working since I might forget something, I can not lift, or be on my feet for long periods of time. It is hard when people think I am just lazy or not applying myself. I hope this response will be of help to those who feel as if they are out there all alone.