Dawn R. – Diagnosed at age 32

Hello! My name is Dawn, I’m 55 years old and was diagnosed with Lupus SLE at age 32 (long diagnosis). This is my first time EVER reaching out telling my story, why? Because I’m SO proud of myself!!! I’m still kicking Lupus!!! When I first got my diagnosis, I never thought what I was told would EVER happen to me. But it did and more.

I have Raynaud’s Syndrome, scleroderma, hyperlipidemia (amputation 2 pinky toes, removed left kidney, cancer, heart attack, myositis, weakening of my leg muscles, and couldn’t walk). Holy crap I can’t even text anymore conditions. You would NEVER EVER know looking at me, crazy. To say I’ve been humbled has been an understatement. Every time I go through something I come back stronger (sounds bizarre) but this disease will never get the best of me.

Through prayer, my great sarcastic humor, music and still dancing and taking care of myself (facials, steaming, hair done) I get through. It’s soo different for everyone. The fatigue is crazy. BUT WE are fabulous!!!!! I can testify!!! HE WILL DO IT!!! I am also not the type of person to talk about it. It makes me sad reading my own story, like who is this person??!!! The one main woman who got me through from day one, Darlene C., Rest In Peace my pretty Lady. I know we all had the hospital stays, ER visits and probably know the staff. I just again was in last weekend. I came home and got pissed again at Lupus for bothering me, that makes me fight even harder.

Keep your supporters close and those who are costing you your peace, let them GO. They are costing you too much!! Seriously!!!! Mental health has to be on point. Again, I don’t know what made me text all this, but I just wanted to shout out my Lupus Warriors that we are fabulous, resilient, strong, beautiful, courageous fighters. It doesn’t define who you are. Take care of YOU!!!!

Love, Dawn xo