Hi, I’m 22 years old, and I was diagnosed with lupus three years ago, around my 3rd year at university. It was around finals, and I was really stressed about my grades and maintaining a high GPA. Little did I know, my fate was about to change. I noticed some weight loss two weeks prior to my diagnosis, but I shrugged it off, thinking it was due to the stress of studying. Then, I started to develop this back pain. I thought it was my mattress, so I changed it, but it did not help. Suddenly, there was this terrible pain in my hands. I could not even bend my fingers. I told my mom something was wrong, but she said it was due to exam stress. One night, my knees were swollen, and I had an extremely high fever. My jaw was completely locked, and I felt so cold, I was trembling. The next morning, I could not move. That was when we decided to go to the family doctor. He ordered some blood tests, put me on some antibiotics, and told me to rest for one week. I went back to him the following week, and he repeated the blood test that showed my blood count was dropping and I was anemic.
He referred me to a rheumatologist who did the ANA test, which came back positive. Since I was diagnosed, I faced many difficulties, and I was in denial. The rashes made me self conscious, and depending on others to feed, bathe and clothe me made me feel helpless and weak. Not being able to do things that I’m accustomed to made me angry, but I decided to fight. I graduated with my degree in the allotted four years, and I’m so proud of myself. I’m expecting to complete my studies beginning in September.
Although living with lupus is a daily struggle, I’m happy to have life and a family who loves and supports me. People may not understand how hard it is to constantly keep fighting this daily battle, but hey, it’s ok that they don’t, as long as you know you are winning. #fightlikeagirl #lupuswarrior #nevergivingup
Dipika
Guyana
Submitted 05/27/2015
The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
This story is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
Keep the fight baba.. We love you
Aww <3, it's cause of extraordinary people like you that makes the fight possible.
Keep on fightn n never give up and alwys remember u have family and frens who love and care for u 🙂
Thank you, I’m never going to give up… <3
Yyeeaaahhhh. Keep them upper-cut and jabs coming. You are a born fighter and I noticed that since the first day of the UG life and our little chit chats. You don’t stand for the status quo and would give blood to change it. Winners have big hearts and unbreakable determination and you got that. I am at the finish line cheering you on as you win this race. Go 2′ feet…hahaha.
Love uu my best fren ! I’m happy ur feeling way better ,never give up Hun or I’ll beat u up <3 <3!
My daughter is 15 and just diagnose with lupus and the medication not working and she is getting worst.she been in the hospital .
Hi Debbie, I’m very sorry to hear but when I was diagnosed my doctor told me it may take time to find the right medication.