What It’s Like Being a Lupus WarriorMany people may wonder what it is like being a lupus warrior. It’s kind of hard to explain, but let’s give it a try. Below is a list of things... By Racquel H. Dozier2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
My Benlysta ReviewWho would have known that a drug that works for many others would start with me so badly? I tried Benlysta, and of course, the injection burns as you are... By Jokiva Bellard2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
To the Moms Who Have to Take Medications During PregnancyI don't have the patience to read one more post from my birth group about how someone won't even take a Tylenol during pregnancy. Or, how they did take one... By Ava Meena3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Building a Good Healthcare Team With LupusKnow thyself. In 2004, I secured a law clerk position with a judge in Fulton County, Georgia. I certainly felt blessed because it is a competitive and prestigious position. During... By Christopher Reed3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
New Flare, Bad DayHaving random flare-ups can be a pain in my behind. I just had one today. I found myself slowly fading away. I would tell no one what was going on... By Jokiva Bellard2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
It's Okay To Not Be OkayToo many times lupus warriors wear masks. They wear masks to hide how lupus disfigures them. Yes, disfigure is a strong word. But honestly, that is what lupus does. It... By Racquel H. Dozier2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
My Experience With the Mirena IUDMirena is a hormone-releasing IUD that prevents pregnancy for up to 6 years. It is also prescribed for women who have heavy periods up to 5 years. The pro, of... By Jokiva Bellard2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
Support Groups"I don’t think it’s a benefit to talk to other people and post my business online," is what I hear others say. Sure that is their opinion. But some people... By Jokiva Bellard2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Navigating High-Risk Pregnancy During COVID-19Adding a child to your life with lupus is a big responsibility. And facing a high-risk pregnancy can be very intimidating. But COVID-19 has put even more weight on these... By Ava Meena3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
The Diets I Have Tried For LupusThe diets I have tried dealing with lupus always worked for me, and most of the time they were issued by my gym coach or by my doctor. The first... By Jokiva Bellard2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
The Challenges of Driving With LupusDo you like to go for a relaxing drive in the country? Ten years ago, as a junior in college, that was one of my favorite ways to unwind. But... By Ava Meena2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments5 comments
Cold Weather and Lupus: How To Be PreparedThe cold winter months are hard for many people, especially for those living with conditions like lupus. Sadly people who live with lupus are quite used to dealing with flares... By Amber Blackburn, RN3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments8 comments
Is it COVID or Lupus-Related? How to Work With Doctors to Really Get Proper CareIt can be difficult to determine what is lupus related and what is a sign of COVID. Let’s take shortness of breath for example. Many lupus warriors have experienced shortness... By Racquel H. Dozier3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Friends, Support, And Lupus AwarenessWhen I returned to school in the fall after my diagnosis, some of the teachers and students knew about my experience in the hospital. I had nothing to worry about... By Christopher Reed3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Difficulties And Time Management With SchoolStarting school and being a mom has been a lot. It is like I did not know things at all years later. Some of my classes made me feel as... By Jokiva Bellard2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Be Gentle With Yourself As You Battle LupusLupus, some days are harder than others. Some days you have pain with every breath. Other days you are on top of the world feeling great. Every day, you have... By Racquel H. Dozier2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments3 comments
Amplifying Black Advocate Voices: How Bias Has Affected My Patient JourneyBeing diagnosed with an autoimmune condition like lupus can take years. Many people report their early symptoms were dismissed by doctors or they were misdiagnosed. This delays treatment, which lets... By Lupus.net Team6 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
How It All Is Meant To Be: My Friendship With Stevie, Part 1I was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus in 1990 at the age of 16 after 4 to 6 years with unbearable and sometimes untreatable headaches. For years, my parents consulted... By Christopher Reed3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
My COVID-19 ExperienceI had the scare of my life and I felt I should definitely be more cautious. I went to Atlanta for Christmas and New Year's to visit my mutual family... By Jokiva Bellard3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Reflecting on My First Skin RashWhen I was first diagnosed with lupus, I was just a kid. Being diagnosed with any disease is not what anyone would want. What is even more hurtful is the... By Jokiva Bellard2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments