Divya R. - Diagnosed Age 25

It’s been 5 months since my diagnosis. I have accepted my new normal.

On June 18 2019 I was with my friends enjoying my bachelorette. It was scorching heat of the desert but being used to that type of climate I noticed something unusual, I started developing rashes on my cheeks and nose, and later on my arms and chest. A few days later I was laying down on the bed not able to move a muscle. Anything I ate, I threw it up.

I made trips to doctors, a dermatologist and physician, and had my urine and blood checkups done. Results showed I was anemic and there was an infection in my urine. The doctors assumed initially that it must be drug-induced infection. Later based on my urine they assumed it must be a Urinary Tract Infection and I started medication, I still did not recover. This lasted for two months. My father was already occupied with my dying uncle and mother was stuck between taking care of her ill daughter and supporting my father who was worried about my uncle and me.

A family doctor was consulted later, and after analyzing my illness he consulted me to see a rheumatologist. The first thing my doctor said is you have lupus just by seeing the butterfly rash on my face. My ANA tests were positive. As soon as results came out my medications started.

I experience morning stiffness. I am currently preparing to be a banker to earn lots and lots of money. It’s been 3 months since my marriage and hope to live healthy for him, Kuldeep,my love, and my mother who I owe my life to. I have the heart of lion and I won’t back down no matter how much lupus pushes me. Never let lupus defeat you. Pursue whatever you want to lupus doesn’t have the guts to stop you!