Diana T. - Diagnosed at age 26

My name is Diana, and I was diagnosed with SLE lupus in 2024. I believe I have had lupus since 2017, but I did not have access to healthcare or the finances to get the appropriate diagnosis. My initial symptoms started off with hair loss, stomach ulcers, and body rash. In 2022, it later became migraines and excessive hair loss. By 2024, the malar rash, or butterfly rash, began to appear on my face along with the joint pain, photosensitivity, and continued migraines. It progressively grew more permanent and has not left my skin since. After getting treatment my symptoms have subsided to joint pain, fatigue, facial malar rash, periodic hair fall out, and migraines.

I would love others to know that having SLE lupus is an inconsistent chronic condition. You can feel perfectly fine and healthy one day, and the next be bedridden from fatigue and joint pain. Compassion and patience for your loved ones with a chronic condition make the entire process a lot lighter. Lupus impacted my daily life and future in positive and negative ways. I have always been into fitness and started powerlifting in 2020, but lost all my strength starting in 2024. It became difficult to keep my mental and physical health up when my body was always in pain. I had to learn habits like checking the UV index, ensuring I had as much sun protection everywhere I went, incorporating long breaks in my days to battle fatigue, limiting my activities in minimal sunlight, getting used to the rapid changes my body underwent with new treatments, finding accommodations at work, and advocating for myself to my colleagues and friends. I try to remain positive through it all. I think having SLE lupus has taught me to take things day by day.

I managed my lupus with my amazing rheumatologist and dermatologist. I feel so seen and understood by them which I know not many people unfortunately are able to say. The Lupus Foundation of America's resources have been my golden light through it all, helping provide answers to my questions. I just completed the 2026 Los Angeles Full Marathon, which fueled my hope by continuing to lead, inspire, and support others facing any health condition they feel limits them.