I write this in a state of disbelief and heartbroken shock. Not long ago I found out about the passing of someone whose presence merely graced my life, yet left a lasting imprint. I’d love to dedicate this column not only to one wonderful and strong woman,…
I recently was released from the hospital with more narcotics than a drug cartel, or at least that is what it felt like. Each one comes with its own issues and side effects. Instructions vary: Take after dinner,…
Though I openly hate it, I owe my good health to the prescription drug prednisolone. Anyone who has been prescribed the corticosteroid knows the love-hate relationship all too well. And while I can now look back and be grateful for its miracle powers of healing, there was…
Unbeknownst to me, there is a debate raging in online forums — and it has nothing to do with politics. The debate has been going strong for more than 30 years regarding whether birth control and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) causes flare-ups in Lupus patients. Most women are diagnosed…
As a lupus warrior, a hospital stay (or several) will be a definite part of the future. I am becoming an expert about making a hospital stay as pleasant as chronic pain will allow. Any hospital stay is a challenge for you and your whole family, especially if…
I remember the day I was diagnosed with lupus. And I remember the weeks that followed as I floated around in a haze of shock, not truly able to comprehend what was happening. I wasn’t in denial, but I hadn’t quite grasped what had occurred and…
I’ve always been a thankful person; expressing gratitude has never been an issue for me. When I was a child, my stepdad once told my mom that I was grateful even if I was given an empty paper bag. My gratitude caused my stepdad to do nice things…
There were times right after my lupus diagnosis when I longed for a relationship that was more than platonic. There were times when I felt I needed someone to hear out my frustrations and wrap their arms around me in a way that was different than a family…
There are situations where I know it would be beneficial for me to disclose that I’ve been diagnosed with lupus, but I just can’t. When it comes to my personal life, I’m all for being open and honest, even if it means stepping out of my comfort…
Before I got lupus, I had no idea what an anxiety attack felt like, let alone how to work to stave one off. I’d always used meditation for personal focus and professional clarity. Meditation and mindfulness are how I have accomplished a lot of goals over the years but…