Dear Friends,
OK so here’s my very first personalized (autobiographical) article / story. My name is Regan, and I am a lupus patient. I was diagnosed several years ago and am doing really well. I used to be really –bleep–ing sick. I’m actually in D.C. right now advocating for more doctor-education dollars. (Being a loud mouth is fun!) This education helps med students learn about the symptoms of lupus so that it will be in the forefront of their minds when looking at a patient that says, “I feel sick, but I can’t exactly pinpoint in what way”. Or patients who have a lot of pain and fatigue, both of which symptoms are indicative of many other illnesses. Lupus is real prevalent – it affects more people than does MS and AIDS – combined. Out of all of its recipients, Lupus affects mostly women, and mostly women of color.
Lupus is an auto-immune disease where overactive B-lymphocytes produce long-lasting autoreactive antibodies. The auto-antibodies, for short, are just that – anti-self. In my case, the lupus manifested itself by way of my kidneys. I was in danger of losing my life and was given effective treatment. I took chemo (a breast cancer drug in those same concentrations called Cytoxan) for 2.5 years. Today I’m in excellent shape (literally – I’m fit, and feel good mentally). This was quite an effort and a hell of a journey. I’d like to share it with you.
We’ll get into it as time goes by. Right now my Grandpa refers to me as a lupus survivor. That’s nice and it makes me feel good. So here’s to hopefully exchanging enough tips that we can all feel better and continue with productive lives. I’ve got a lot to be excited about and want to share – I found that certain diet and exercises have drastically reduced my pain. Less pain, less grouchy, happier life. And my well-deserving husband should have a happy (not bitchy) wife. But that’s for another article (or ten). My husband and parents are extremely supportive, and are encouraging of all my endeavors. Me and my man like to travel, argue over science and God and stupid politics, and constantly have kick-ass loads of fun! Life is good. It was earned, and given. We’ll have to explore all the confusing, frustrating, and maddening times that come with lupus. Sigh, such is life.
Until next time, I hope you love the day you’re having and kick ass.
Love,
Regan
