Amy T. - Diagnosed Age 25

Many people might not be aware that I have lupus. This is my story.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease without a cure. I was diagnosed when I was 25, a few months after I got married and a few months after I ran a triathlon. Gradually, I found I could barely walk around the block, wear shoes or hold a pen. I knew something was drastically wrong. Doctors told me that I was young and just fine. I did not feel fine. And I was scared. After pushing for more tests and second opinions, I was diagnosed. I was lucky that they caught it early before it affected my organs. For me, it affects my joints and muscles. It is a deceptive disease because I look completely normal on the outside, but without medicine or during a flare, my body hurts all over and movement is painful.

It took almost a year before they found the right combination of medicine to make everything at ease. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to have kids. I am so blessed to have celebrated Mother’s Day and World Lupus Day with my two amazing girls. I did have some flares after each was born but other than that, I have been able to keep it under control with medicine. I am thankful that I am able to be active and find the saying “body in motion stays in motion” to be true.