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Raquel’s Fight Like a Girl Story (Lupus)

Raquel's Story (Lupus)My name is Raquel and I was diagnosed with lupus SLE last year in May 2011. I am still dealing with understanding what is happening to my body. I am 43 and my doctor told me I more than likely have had lupus for awhile and I was being treated for my symptoms thinking they were other illnesses. I was always sick and seem to take longer to recover than others. I was having trouble at my job because of the time I was missing from work. The more I pushed myself the sicker I got.

I left my job in April of last year. I was at my job for seven years and I felt like my co-workers thought I was lazy, faking, or missing work for no reason. I am a hard worker and although I got my work done efficiently it was never enough. My excuse for feeling rotten was I had gone through a divorce in 2008 and just figured I was depressed and overweight.

I made the time in between jobs to go to the doctor/doctors to figure out what was wrong with me. I knew nothing about lupus and I was shocked when I was diagnosed. As I researched the disease I realized the signs were all there. The swelling, the rash, the aching, and the need to sleep alot. My mornings were and are the hardest for me.

It is good to know I am not crazy. I know what I have to do to manage my disease with medication and rest. I am not the same person and I have learned to say no more often. I get discouraged and wonder if a man will ever want to take on the responsibility of being with a sick woman. I date once in awhile but don’t let anyone get too close. My kids are grown and I am a grandma now. I find my joy in the time I spend with my grandkids. I like this site. I see myself in a lot of these woman. It is good to know I am not alone.

Raquel
New Mexico
Submitted 1-24-12

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 article is intended to convey general educational information and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

6 comments

  1. mo

    Thank you for sharing your story.
    mo

    • Lila

      You’re an amazing women! Love ya sister!

  2. Michelle Gifford

    Your a very strong women may god bless I always.

    • RAQUEL

      So are you Michelle. You are always in my prayers.

  3. Marissa Santistevan

    You are a wonderful person, auntie, mother, grand mother, wife and friend. I am praying for you. You are one woman that gives me even more strength in life and resilience through the hardships life throws at me. You deserve a wonderful life and endless happiness. I look up to you so much.

  4. Margarita

    Beautiful women you are i meet you at home depot and now reading your story make me think the you are a wonderful women dont give up ad thanks for been and a example a strong beautiful lady??my name is margarita ?

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