Jamie W. - Diagnosed Age 21

I wouldn’t know how long it took to know I had lupus until I was told that I had abnormal gallbladder function which needed to be taken out. So when I went to my pre-surgery appointment to get everything ready they told my blood pressure and heart was abnormal and sent me to the ER. After that they took a lot of blood work, the doctor came back and told me I had an acute kidney injury – that’s when they admitted me to the hospital and went to go for my bone borrow biopsy which included some blood work. The doctor came back in and told me I either had leukemia or lupus. The second time he came back in he confirmed I had lupus.

I have had hair loss, trouble sleeping, chest/heart pain, bowel problems, weakness and lower back pain. I don’t wear same the size pants, tank top or shirts. It’s hard to deal with especially food wise. Find people and support in your community who have lupus so you can talk to them and learn from them.