Geeves C. - Diagnosed Age 17

After years of feeling ill & seeing doctors, from General Physicians, psychiatrists, to Neurologists trying to find the reasons for my symptoms. Finally a blessing in disguise happened. In my high school class a boy threw a pencil hitting my eye. The Ophthalmologist saw something other than the damaged cornea. She advised my parents to have me tested for lupus. Three more doctors appointments later, testing and retesting I was at a Rheumatologist with a confirmed diagnosis of lupus. My parents were devastated, I on the other hand was elated. Finally after all those years there was as an explanation to my symptoms.

Hair loss, butterfly rash & physical appearance of exhaustion are the most visible signs from the outside world. The damage to me internally was only matched by my emotional turmoil caused by not knowing or having a missed diagnosis.

I'm blessed that the eye injury changed my life. Medications, healthy lifestyle & incredible doctors have been matched by family support to keep me healthy.

My main message is my motivation to stay positive & happy.

I dance each morning if I’m able, I do yoga & meditate to keep me balanced. There is hope & I live each day to the fullest so on my flare up days when I can't dance or be out enjoying the world, I have incredible memories to keep me looking forward to being up & moving soon. Laughter & smiles. They are infectious & help me heal.