Columns

August 15, 2019August 13, 2019

I Don’t Believe Your Product Will ‘Cure’ My Lupus

Columns, Learning to Live with Lupus - a Column by Darla Gay

Sometimes when people learn that I have lupus, they tell me about someone they know who was cured by taking a “magic potion.” Multilevel marketing companies are the worst ... Read more

August 12, 2019August 8, 2019

Being Strong Is Knowing When You Need Help

Columns, Hurricane in Heels -- a Column by Kellie McRae

I pride myself on being a strong person. Over the years, however, my definition of strength has changed dramatically. When I was growing up in Chicago’s inner city, being ... Read more

August 9, 2019August 7, 2019

My Experience Is Better When Doctors Discuss My Concerns with Me

Columns, The Girl Who Cried Wolf - A Column by Kristi Page

I don’t trust doctors easily. The team of specialists at my nephrology unit who have overseen my treatment for the past three years are the only medical professionals I ... Read more

August 8, 2019August 6, 2019

Could the Medicine I Take for Lupus Affect My Eyes?

Columns, Learning to Live with Lupus - a Column by Darla Gay

I’m going to see a new doctor in a few days. This time, it’s for my eyes. I wasn’t born with good eyes, and it’s just gotten worse over ... Read more

August 5, 2019July 31, 2019

How I Keep Holding On to My Optimism

Columns, Hurricane in Heels -- a Column by Kellie McRae

I think that whenever someone gets a life-changing medical diagnosis, their attitude is, “I’m going to beat it.” I could be wrong, but all the movies I’ve watched back ... Read more

August 2, 2019July 31, 2019

With Lupus, Tired Is a Constant State of Being

Columns, The Girl Who Cried Wolf - A Column by Kristi Page

It doesn’t matter how little I work or how much I might sleep, there is no way for my body to catch up with my fatigue. Sleeping for three hours or ... Read more

August 1, 2019July 30, 2019

Dealing with Questions from a New Specialty Pharmacy

Columns, Learning to Live with Lupus - a Column by Darla Gay

My insurance company changed my Benlysta (belimumab) prescription to a new pharmacy this week. So, I had to answer all of their new patient questions. First, we worked through ... Read more

July 29, 2019July 25, 2019

Battling the Loneliness Brought on by Lupus

Columns, Hurricane in Heels -- a Column by Kellie McRae

Learning a new skill is not easy. But you have an incentive to practice if it’s something you enjoy or find to be beneficial. I’m working on coping with ... Read more

July 26, 2019July 24, 2019

When You’re Chronically Ill, Self-Love Is a Rebellious Act

Columns, The Girl Who Cried Wolf - A Column by Kristi Page

I love my body. It’s far from perfect — in fact, it’s imperfect in more ways than I can bring myself to count. But it’s beautiful and it’s mine. ... Read more

July 25, 2019July 23, 2019

Could Swimming Be the Answer to My Exercise Dilemma?

Columns, Learning to Live with Lupus - a Column by Darla Gay

I am not a natural-born exerciser. No one in my family is athletic. There were no evening walks and no one played sports. We didn’t run unless we were ... Read more