Providing Answers, Support and Hope in Georgia

Thirty-One Faces of Hope: Angie Waters

The lupus community includes people living with lupus, friends, family and supporters across Georgia. For Lupus Awareness Month, we would like to highlight some of our lupus heroes and champions. 

Angie Waters

My name is Angie Waters . I am 48 and I am a lupus survivor. I have been sick since my early teens but was diagnosed at 28. For 20 years I have fought and advocated for my own health in ways most people never imagine. 

I had fatigue, rashes, migraines and joint pain that began around 13. 

What began as flares became more permanent after my first child at 20. I almost died with that pregnancy, but no one really investigated the whys. With my 2nd pregnancy at 28, I almost lost my baby and myself. I was diagnosed with lupus during that pregnancy. 

I have had multiple organ system issues. I had chronic pericarditis and pleurisy for many years. The use of steroids to control those led to adrenal failure and I almost lost my life once again. 

I have developed gastroparesis, Raynauds, Dysautonomia and Sjogrens. Vasculitis and Fibromyalgia were secondary illnesses that appeared. 

I have had a hysterectomy and foot surgeries, as well as numerous surgical tests. It almost seems to never end with tests and doctor visits. It can be exhausting and overwhelming. 

The little energy I have always went to my boys who are now 27 and 19. I am very grateful to be a mother as lupus takes that from many.

I had to stop my job as an engineering drafter due to seizures and have just recently begun redefining my life as a writer and artist. 

It is important to make the best life possible when you live with chronic pain and illness. Lupus will never take my spirit or my desire to make a difference in this world.

-Angie Waters