Daniela G. - Diagnosed at age 15

When I was 14 years old, I contracted Zika. What seemed like a regular mosquito disease turned out to be the start of a long journey. They ran several tests and discovered that I had a high rheumatoid factor. They told me it was normal due to the Zika, that it wasn’t something to worry about. However, since then, I began to experience severe pain in my knees, and my hair started falling out, but no one suspected what was really going on.

They referred me to an orthopedic specialist because of the pain in my knees, and that’s where a series of misdiagnoses began. I was sent to physical therapy every week, they injected my knees with my own blood, and they even considered surgery, all without knowing what was actually affecting me. After more than a year of a treatment that not only didn’t help but made me feel worse, a pediatrician finally asked me the right questions. Thanks to her, I was referred to a rheumatologist, the right doctor for my condition.

It was a long process of tests, biopsies, and bloodwork, but finally, the diagnosis came: lupus. Since I was 15 years old, I’ve been taking daily medication to manage the disease. Now, at 21, I continue to face the challenges lupus brings into my life. I’ve been hospitalized multiple times and have had relapses, but every day I strive to keep moving forward.

I’m currently pursuing one of my dreams: studying acting. Lupus is not a game; it’s a disease with ups and downs that will be with me for life. However, I am not alone in this. Many people fight this disease, and we are all warriors. My message is clear: don’t let anyone minimize your symptoms or your struggle. Keep pushing until you find the right doctor and get the correct diagnosis. We can keep moving forward and live our lives to the fullest!