Hurricane in Heels — a Column by Kellie McRae

August 17, 2020August 14, 2020

The Mantra ‘I Have Lupus but Lupus Doesn’t Have Me’ Is Nonsense

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

A while back, I shared a mantra I learned in the military years ago that’s been echoed by many. I had realized that the phrase I’d been indoctrinated to ... Read more

August 10, 2020August 4, 2020

Revisiting the Plans I Had Before the World Went Mad

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

Last January, my visit to the U.S. turned into one of my longest hospital stays since my lupus diagnosis. I associate a lot of fear with that stay. Once ... Read more

July 27, 2020July 23, 2020

Your Opinions and Advice Are Now Considered Garbage

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

I research every medication I am prescribed. I have doctors explain my test results as if I am 6 years old. I ask questions and when doctors don’t answer ... Read more

July 13, 2020July 9, 2020

These Feelings Can’t Be Real

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

There are days when my life feels like a Milli Vanilli song; it’s being faked, but it’s known for the part that is fake! Unfortunately, lupus is very real. ... Read more

June 29, 2020June 25, 2020

Remembering the Time I Thought I Could Find Some Normalcy

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

I was awake for half the night. This is not unusual, but often I am coming up with topics to write about in this column or speak about on ... Read more

June 15, 2020June 11, 2020

I Am Battling Lupus but I Am Not Fragile

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

I am slight in build. I am a woman who is bald. I am battling lupus. I am not fragile. If you were to stop and look at me, ... Read more

June 8, 2020June 4, 2020

Remaining Hopeful Is Hard, but I’m Trying

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

I often remind myself that worrying isn’t helpful, especially because stress is a lupus trigger. In my past life as a well person, I always thought I handled stress ... Read more

May 18, 2020May 14, 2020

I’m Learning New Skills as I Adapt to Change

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

I was hospitalized the first month of this year, and I hope it’ll be the only time this happens in 2020. After the hospital, I was sent to a ... Read more

April 27, 2020April 22, 2020

A Different Kind of Connection

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

The lupus life can feel seriously lonely. Supporters surround me, but I know they can’t understand the things I endure. Lupus can create a whole lot of problems, mentally ... Read more

April 13, 2020April 10, 2020

Remaining Optimistic During Times of Uncertainty

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

Lupus is unpredictable. If you have it, you might wake up feeling it’s a good energy day only to end up in the hospital. Now, in addition to already ... Read more