Tuesdays we’ve decided to start a new weekly column. Remember me, Catherine? If not, read Catherine’s triumphs over lupus and homelessness. I have been living with lupus since 2004. Lupus is an autoimmune disease where your white blood cells are fighting off your red blood cells. You basically have no protection. Some days you’re really tired, some you’re in a lot of pain and others you feel just fine. With modern medicine, however, people live with lupus for many years. I am one of them. My hope is through this weekly column, I can help the rest of the world better understand the struggle that comes along with lupus.
“You never know how strong you are… until being strong is the only choice you have.”
― Cayla Mills
Living with lupus is …..
I never knew the capacity I had until my life depended on it, as my world was systematically being pulled apart. It was like nothing I have ever been through. Lupus came charging into my life like bull out of his pen.
My family was equally afflicted by my condition. Living with lupus is a lot like those group treatment programs for whatever abuse that person has. I mean to say that lupus has steps and stages.
Step 1: Bewilderment
Step 2: Confusion
Step 3: Depression
Step 4: Anguish
Step 5: Realization
Step 6: Contemplation
For me, I tend to bounce through the steps, not really staying on one and coming back to others. I would imagine, however, that it looks different for each individual. If you struggle with lupus or know someone who does, I want to leave you with these helpful tidbits: don’t blame yourself, have control over your lupus and don’t let it control you.
Stay tuned next week for humor with lupus style.
