The first time I came across the term Lupus was in 2012 when my body showed signs of blisters that no one could explain. Before the blister could appear, there was an intense burning sensation that left me in tears. It sometimes felt as though a hot piece of coal was burning through my body. I would wake up in excrucianting pain, none of which could be explained. It sometimes left big burn spots on where it appeared, some of which I still have today.
After many doctor visits and biopsies of the blisters, doctors diagnosed me with stress and anxiety. But with the continued unexplained episodes, I was then sent for a Lupus test.
At the time I did not understand what that meant, however I was blessed to learn that I did not have Lupus. A blessing I did not understand then, until now.
Years later, I found myself doing research for a televison show and came across the medical condition, Lupus. And after delving a little deeper I knew that there was no way I could be silent on this topic when there were so many people suffering in silence.
WHAT IS LUPUS
Lupus is an auto immune disorder, meaning that your body’s own defence system creates anti bodies that attack your own tissue.
There are 2 types of Lupus
- Discoid Lupus
- systematic lupus erythematosus
Lupus can affect many parts of the body, but when it starts affecting the internal organs like the heart, lungs and kidneys it can become quite serious.
Some of the symptoms may include
- fatigue
- joint pains
- fever
- skin. rashes
- swelling of the lymph glands
The sad truth about this disease is that many patients suffering with this condition can not truly express what is going on in their bodies or their minds. After researching and interviewing people, many explained that for years doctors led them to believe that everything was in their heads.
I can’t imagine having to deal with this affliction daily whilst a medical professional tries to convince me that the pain I am feeling is created in my mind.
As I sat listening to their daily struggles, I knew that it was time to shed light on this oppressor, lets not be silent anymore.
For more information on Lupus https://www.webmd.com/lupus/arthritis-lupus#1
