My Lupus Advocacy JourneyI thought when I got diagnosed with lupus I would receive a "welcome packet" at the doctor's office, like you do when you get accepted to college. I thought my... By Geri Rodriguez3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Doctor Said It's Nothing, But My Body Tells A Different StoryWe've all been there. You sit across from the doctor, relief washing over you as they finally give you a diagnosis. But as you leave the office, a nagging voice... By Racquel H. Dozier2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Please Tell SomeoneContent 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... By Amber Blackburn, RN4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Are You Guilty of Doomscrolling About Lupus?I recently had a flashback from the first year after my lupus diagnosis: I was lying on the couch with high pain levels and I had read an extensive list... By Ava Meena4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Struggle of Being a Teacher with LupusAs a teacher, the beginning of the school year is usually the most hectic time of the year for me, even though I teach privately (one-on-one violin lessons) rather than... By Meghan Bea2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Friendships After DiagnosisAfter my lupus diagnosis, it really opened my eyes to see who really were my friends. When I got diagnosed I was met with an assortment of emotions, ranging from... By Geri Rodriguez3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Things You Need From Family and Friends For SupportPeople often don’t understand how a person with lupus (or any autoimmune disease) could need different kinds of support from loved ones. A prime example, I needed the medication for my... By Jokiva Bellard2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Silent Battle Beneath My Pretty PolishFor most women, a pedicure is a pampering ritual. A chance to unwind, choose a vibrant new shade. Additionally, to leave with toes and hands that feel as good as... By Racquel H. Dozier4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
My Benlysta JourneyWhen 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... By Amber Blackburn, RN3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments4 comments
How Has Lupus Affected My Dental Health?Before lupus I rarely had any dental issues. But, after getting lupus, my dental health has progressively gotten worse. Lupus can affect any part of our body including our teeth... By Geri Rodriguez3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Mental Health with Chronic IllnessI had a situation recently that really triggered me. I was browsing some forums when I stumbled across a very sad post from a person that had been severely struggling... By Charlotte Barnett3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Scratching the Surface: The Itching Lupus BattleLet's be honest, lupus likes to throw shade at every aspect of our lives. We all know the fatigue, the joint pain, the brain fog that makes you forget why... By Racquel H. Dozier4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments14 comments
How Are You So Positive?One question that I get asked a lot is how am I so positive after everything that I have been through. Especially when I meet people for the first time... By Geri Rodriguez3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Signs Of A Heart AttackWe’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... By Amber Blackburn, RN3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Don't Catch It If You Can: Lupus and Contagious ConditionsJust recently my daughter had her fourth birthday party. Being an autoimmune disease mother who tries to be so careful, I do not know how I end up getting sick... By Jokiva Bellard2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Lupus Diagnosis Anniversary: Do's and Don'tsA lupus diagnosis anniversary marks the date on which an individual was diagnosed with lupus. This anniversary can be a time of reflection on the journey with this diagnosis, acknowledgements... By Geri Rodriguez3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments10 comments
Questions to Ask Your Doctor at Your First AppointmentThat first doctor’s appointment with a new rheumatologist can be stressful, no matter how long you’ve lived with lupus. You might be a veteran lupus warrior who is switching doctors... By Meghan Bea3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
I Have Lupus…….What Now?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... By Amber Blackburn, RN3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Grief and Chronic IllnessWhen living with a chronic illness like lupus, intense emotional experiences like grief can have an impact on health. Just recently, I lost someone so dear and loving to me... By Jokiva Bellard2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Say This, Not That: What Not to Say to Your Friend With LupusOne of the hardest parts of being diagnosed with an invisible chronic illness like lupus, is that your friends and family might not understand your illness. Often, they might say... By Meghan Bea3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments