Angel J. - Diagnosed at age 43

My initial symptoms were very swollen knees, ankles, and feet. At that time, I was a package deliverer for The United States Postal Service. I got off work December 4th of 2020, and could barely walk because of my lower extremities so swollen! I called my primary physician the next morning. She had me come in and do blood work and examine my legs. The blood work came back showing I was ANA positive. I was then referred to a rheumatologist that tested me further and diagnosed me with lupus in February of 2021.

I kept returning to my rheumatologist for evaluation every 3 months and further testing. He was trying to get me the right medication that would help me with my symptoms. My worst symptoms that I struggle with daily is the swelling of my joints, chronic fatigue, chronic pain and depression. I have deep empathy for anyone else with this disease or any other that has to struggle daily to live!