Living

I 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...

We'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...

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...

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...

As 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...

After 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...

People 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...

For 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...

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...

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...

I 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...

Let'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...

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...

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...

Just 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...

A 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...

That 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...

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...

When 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...

One 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...