Living

It would be better if we never needed to advocate. Within my medical world, advocating is usually pretty straightforward. I usually advocate for myself by bringing up an issue to...

Infections and lupus can be a hurdle in the healing process. This recent flare up happened while being a parent to my beautiful kids. I couldn’t smell out of my...

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...

For months I've been struggling with the classic lupus flare symptoms, and I assumed that this was just a prolonged phase I was experiencing, although one issue that was new...

Over the last year, our community has navigated pain, fatigue, work challenges, medication side effects, support needs, mental health challenges, and more. Our community members have so much in common...

It can be intense and overwhelming in the motherhood land. Why? Because having an autoimmune disease like lupus can be troubling with little kids. When your kids get sick, you...

With its pumpkin patches, apple cider, and promise of comfortable weather, autumn is many people's favorite time of the year. The hint of crisp, cool air offers a reprieve from...

I've been living with lupus for over 19 years now, and I've heard a lot of unsolicited advice from well-meaning people. Some of it has been helpful, but a lot...

Getting any diagnosis changes your whole world. Chronic illness grief is a bit more complicated and hits differently because its like a rollercoaster that just never seems to end. One...

On my lupus journey, it took me a number of years before I received my official diagnosis. It was a very long road, with many twists and turns. When I...

In my experiences so far, I’ve only talked about sex with my rheumatologist as it relates to pregnancy. While it does matter, sometimes greatly, whether or not I’m planning a...

Having lupus has been the story of my life. Though life has been living me out honey, I have been hanging on for the best. My doctor recently told me...

I’ve spent most of my life living in between the lines; I’m too sick to work a full-time job, but not sick enough to qualify for SSD (Social Security Disability)...

As a lupus warrior with multiple diagnoses, taking care of my health is my number one priority. So, I try to do as much as I can to take care...

We all know living with lupus can be challenging. When you have to deal with unpredictable flares, symptoms and complications, I know from experience, can really cause some triggering issues...

Self-advocacy is something that has taken me a while to practice. When I first became sick with lupus symptoms I was feeling scared and lost, I didn’t know where to turn...

The opiate epidemic in the USA has really made it difficult for those of us who live with true chronic pain conditions. Whether it be from an old injury, a...

When I first became sick with lupus, my life changed overnight. Fatigue, pain, and endless doctors’ visits replaced school, my social life, and my plans and dreams for the future...

“I am just so over being sick and tired!” I want to scream but instead I’m sitting in my room, holding my breath, while angry tears silently roll down my...

Living with lupus can be very challenging. When I was diagnosed I had to learn so many things on my own. No one in my family had lupus or any...