And Then Came Lupus

By Padp123

1 min read

After many years of getting ill even as a child, lupus should not have been a surprise dx.

Getting diagnosed

Fast forward to when I turned 59, still a Clinical Special Education Teacher at that time; I developed Epstein Barr Syndrome, had a silent stroke, and within no time I was dx with Lupus & Sjogrens and Fibromyalgia. Also at one point, Giant Cell Arteritis…

Support matters

All of this cut my career short, but that’s ok, I sure have plenty to care for. I’m so very blessed with a supportive husband, daughter and “ son” in law. My medical team is just as wonderful and knows my “every lupus fingerprint.” But, it is so difficult still to let go of “what was” and accept “what is.” It’s a work in progress and I’m fortunate to have Lupus friends who help me “ warrior” through too

Yup!! And Then Came Lupus …

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Lupus.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

Ava Meena Moderator & Contributor
I love what you wrote so much. "And then came lupus" is a great way to describe my story as well - and I imagine most people could relate to that. Thank you for your work in special education; I have a child with extra needs that's currently in a public preschool program for exceptional children. I also love the term 
1. Padp123 Member
 <inline-mention username="Ava Meena" user-id="2042408"/> thank you so very much for your supportive comments, this was my first post 😀 how kind of you to recognize Special Educators, truly blessed to have that calling And I’m so happy that your son is getting assistance at a young age.. because no doubt He is “ exceptional” in the best way.
2. Ava Meena Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Padp123" user-id="8317920"/> you're very welcome! And I'm glad you've joined our community. Thank you so much, he is very special. I'm sorry, a big chunk of my original comment got cut off for some reason, here's the rest of what I wanted to say: I also love the term “every lupus fingerprint". I've never heard it used before and I think it's a great way to describe lupus - I'm going to start using it for sure! And what you said about letting go is so true; I often find myself longing for "what was" and trying to get back to the old life I had, when it would really be better and more helpful to accept "what is" and focus on the day I'm having now. So glad you have supportive friends and family! Wishing you the best. -Ava, <a href='http://lupus.net' target='_blank'>lupus.net</a> team
Padp123 Member
<inline-mention username="Ava Meena" user-id="2042408"/> I’m so glad you like my “ lupus fingerprint” just something that helps me too. I appreciate being part of this community. Thank you so very much

Community Poll

Do you read through your insurance policies and ask questions?