Hurricane in Heels -- a Column by Kellie McRae

I was recently reading comments from one of the support groups and just kept thinking, “exactly,” and “I know that’s right,” and “YES!” So I decided I would share. It seems the more we share about our illness, the more people have a need to feel sorry for…

When I got divorced many years ago, I had to figure out who I was as a single woman. But at that tough time, I had to figure out only that one aspect of who I was. When I got downsized prior to starting my own business,…

Hear ye! Hear ye! A cure for lupus has been found, except no one bothered to tell the medical community. I will be honest: I am not the biggest fan of the bedside manner of many of our healthcare professionals. The U.S. healthcare system needs an overhaul. But that said,…

I am always grateful for the encouragement and support I get from friends and family, but sometimes I just want some space. Then I remember that some people don’t have nearly the level of love and support that I have. I have had to curb myself at…

May is Lupus Awareness Month, and walks and awareness campaigns are well underway. I am taking over the Instagram for The Lupus Foundation of Northern California, and I’m excited about it! It made me wonder about this month’s festivities. Last year I did my very first walk…

Sushi is one of my favorite foods, and I used to indulge in a great steak every so often. Surf and turf was something I truly enjoyed, especially if lobster was involved. All of that changed once I was diagnosed with lupus. One of the first things…

What does sick look like? I often have wondered why people think they can tell just by looking at you what you are experiencing. Then they will try to tell you what you are experiencing. How many times have you expressed not feeling well, only to have someone say,…

When I first started getting sick, the fatigue was overwhelming and I didn’t move very far off my sofa or bed. Some days just sitting up, or getting out of bed, felt like an accomplishment. I often push myself a little harder than I should, but before I…

I sometimes think the old-school way is the best-school way. I want the technology, research and all that comes with making progress with lupus treatments. However, when you are dealing with medical professionals, a little old-school goes a long way. Doctors with great bedside manners seem to be…

I grew up in a pretty tough neighborhood and was reared by a single mom. She was tough, and she wasn’t overly affectionate. We never heard “I love you,” but we knew she did anyway. She would fight for us with fierceness. Sometimes — a time or…