May is Lupus Awareness month. Lupus an inflammatory disease caused when the immune system attacks its own tissues. Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs. Symptoms vary but can include fatigue, joint pain, rash, and fever. These can periodically get worse (flare-up) and then improve.
One of the weirdest things about lupus is the fact that it varies person to person. This is one of the biggest reason there’s been no cure discovered for it. I, personally, have lost 3 people due to this disease. Two of those were friends around the age of 30 and the other was grandmother, 79.
This disease is more common in women than men and they say the average age lupus patients live to is 22 years old. I was blessed to see my friends live longer than that. But it wasn’t without a fight.
Growing up I remember one of my best friends being diagnosed at age 17. It’s like it came out of no where. She use to have different days and different problems. Some days she had lots of pain to the point she couldn’t even walk to the bathroom. She had to crawl. Other days her body would swell up. Sometimes her complexion would change in certain spots of her body. She bruised without reason.
I remember she had a few strokes, even one that caused her to have to relearn to speak and walk. She use to visit the hospital almost weekly. It truly was a sad time for years.
My other friend was very weak. She was diagnosed at a very young age. Her bones were very fragile. Lupus affected her stance and posture. She also went to the hospital often. She visited so much she decided to start her own business, making clothes while in the hospital bed. She was very creative and innovative. Her clothes were featured in Milwaukee fashion shows and events. She fought with her mind until the day she left.
My grandmother was diagnosed at 72. This is extremely rare for this disease. She was diagnosed and from then on everyday was different. Certain days she had more strength than others. Sometimes she needed help walking places and found it hard to breathe. She would get tired from going to the bathroom and coming back. She drank lots of protein to stay healthy. Lupus affected her voice and how she functioned.
Because the effects of lupus vary to such a wide degree, I’m not sure they will ever find a cure. Many times lupus patients feel like test dummies because they know the doctors have no idea of how to cure them. Treatments work differently for everyone. Some people with lupus have skin issues more so than functional issues. It’s a tricky disease.
Being close to people who have lupus has taught me a lot. It teaches me to remain humble in life because living with a disease like this is not easy. I’ve gained a special place in my heart for people who fight lupus and other illnesses.
I’m truly inspired by those that fight for their lives everyday. I understand that it’s far from easy. I have much love and respect in my heart, as well as prayers. If you’re reading this and you are fighting this disease, know that you’re a champion. You deserve a trophy. You are amazing, a true super hero on earth. I’m praying you’re uplifted. I’m praying you continue to fight with everything in you.
Happy Lupus Awareness Month. Let’s make some noise about Lupus!