Gotta Keep Fighting
I was diagnosed when I was 24, at the time my daughters were 3 and 5. I didn't know what was wrong.
Searching for answers
I went to doctor after doctor trying to get answers. I couldn't function, I couldn't eat. I had absolutely no energy and everything hurt. Finally, after months of this, to solve one issue, my GYN decided I needed an emergency hysterectomy. I freaked out, I was only 23.
Taking matters into my own hands
After that, I had more issues. Extremely high fevers, shakes, vomiting. Then a huge knot popped up inside my collar bone. ER doctors admitted me and ran a battery of tests. The knot was 3 lymph nodes so swollen they had conjoined. Tests were done and I was admitted. I stayed there for 3½ months. Finally, I signed myself out with no answers and started doing my own research on my symptoms and test results.
Fighting an endless battle
I started seeing an oncologist. He finally diagnosed me. I'm now 38 and I've had kidney failure for the last 7 years, which led to numerous rounds of chemo and self-injections of meds. I've also had a total hip replacement, numerous other surgeries, and procedures, degenerative disc disease, weight gain/loss, hair loss, and diminishing eyesight.
Lupus is definitely not for the weak. Every day is a battle, but I won't give up without a fight.
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