Diaries of a Lupus Chick — Marisa Zeppieri

I get pretty excited when the new year is upon us, as it offers a clean slate and an opportunity to start fresh. The beginning of a new year is an empty vessel we can fill with new desires and goals. For those of us with chronic illness, our…

Fa la la la la ―I can’t believe the holidays are here again and another year has come and gone. Fall and winter are my favorite seasons, not only because of the cool crisp air, snowfall, holiday decorations and hot chocolate, but also because we can connect with friends…

I knew I was supposed to be doing something important, but for the life of me, I couldn’t remember what it was. For many of us who struggle with brain fog, this is a common scenario. But brain fog can go beyond just forgetting what you were supposed…

I remember the first time I learned about photosensitivity and how the blazing South Florida sun was affecting my disease state. For more than 20 years of my life, I lived in Fort Lauderdale, where almost every single day is hot and sunny, and often humid. Though my…

Over the years, sleep has become one of the most-discussed topics in the lupus community, and with good reason. How long we sleep, and the quality of our sleep, may often have the greatest influence on how our day will progress. Personally, I didn’t pay much attention to how…

Can substantial support, or lack of it, affect outcomes for a person living with chronic illness? Simply put, yes. Study after study is showing that support has a direct impact on disease outcomes for patients. After learning how important support was early on…

Ask anyone with a chronic illness, such as lupus, about some of the biggest challenges they face on a regular basis. One of the biggest issues you will hear about is employment. Working is tough – on one hand, we never know when a flare is going to occur…

A few years ago I returned to New York, my birthplace, in search of colder weather. That may seem strange, but for me the heat and sunlight of South Florida literally was putting my body in a full-time flare-up. And while some spoonies relish the warmth (and actually feel…

Do you have someone in your life who doesn’t understand why you are always “sick and tired?” Is it hard for them to fathom that the illness you have won’t go away after a good nap or latest diet fad? And are they confused as to why you may…

Despite my chronic illness, some days I feel like a rock star. No brain fog, no body pain, no fever. It’s these rare days that often trick me into thinking I am invincible and can do just about anything. I have a habit, though, of wearing myself out in…

Work and chronic illness is a tricky combination; for many of us, our minds are often raring to go, but our bodies can sometimes stop us in our tracks. Over the years (through LupusChick), I have met thousands of lupus patients and people with other illnesses who are having…

A select number of family members and friends have been integral to my well-being and sanity since I was diagnosed with lupus in 2001. I’ve realized over the years that some people are truly compassionate and helpful, and will put in the effort to maintain a…