Amber Blackburn, RN

A while back, I shared as part of my lupus journey how I've also gone through a journey with my weight and body image. My weight is something I have...

Content Note: This article mentions abuse and addiction. If you or a loved one are struggling, consider reading our Mental Health Resources page. Growing up, we all had dreams of...

When I was first diagnosed with lupus in the summer of 2012, the first medication my doctor started me on was hydroxychloroquine. I was on that for about nine months...

We’ve all seen the TV show or movie where a man suddenly clutches his chest, gasps, and falls to the ground. To which we later learn he has had a...

When you are newly diagnosed with a big life altering disease, like lupus, there are so many  things going through your head. So many thoughts, so many feelings. You’re thinking...

It seems like every time I go into the doctor anymore they want to order more testing. Blood work, X-rays, CT scans, etc. Half of which I haven’t heard of, and...

When you think of summer, what  do you think of first!?! For many people they think of vacations, time at the pool, outdoor barbecues, baseball games, and just being outdoors...

When you are signing up for Medicare there are so many options out there and it’s very confusing. Especially when doing it alone, and if you have little knowledge about...

Years ago something happened where I missed an event of some kind due to my health and lupus. I felt down in the dumps for far too long. So long...

I interviewed Angelia Owens, a licensed insurance agent in the state of Missouri. Why did I choose Angelia to interview? Because not only does she understand the ins and outs...

How many times have you heard these words? “If you would just lose some weight?” If I had saved even a nickel from the times I heard this in my...

I feel like I am not alone happily saying ADIOS 2023. If last year was a person, I feel quite confident that I would be throwing them and their belongings...

I’ve been thinking about some things that I’d love to get off my chest. I know you’ve heard these, probably just as many times as I have, living with lupus and...

You’ve been waiting MONTHS for an appointment with a rheumatologist. During those months you’ve diagnosed yourself with every possible rheumatic disease. The day of your appointment has come and you’re...

They say jealousy is the green-eyed monster. Which is pretty much correct. However it is a NORMAL human reaction/feeling. So why am I talking about jealousy here? Let me give you...

Traveling is stressful for anyone. Making sure you get everything in your bags. Even though you know you will inevitably leave something at home. Usually something that’s important. Even after making...

A vacation sounds so wonderful, so dreamy, like so much fun. Until you come back to reality. Remembering vacations aren’t so easy and you aren’t as free spirited as they...

The last thing we want to do when we are sick, or hurt is going to the ER or urgent care. We see so many doctors, so the thought of...

When you are in the hospital, all you can think about is going home and crawling into your bed, putting on your clothes or jammies, and loving your pets. You...

I recently experienced many medical issues, a 7-day hospital stay, and being discharged on IV antibiotics 3 times a day for 6-8 weeks. More doctor appointments and visits from home...