NiCraisha M. - Diagnosed at age 16

Hi, my name is NiCraisha and I was diagnosed with lupus when I was in high school. My symptoms started out with me having red blisters on my fingers and the tips of my toes. I started out with a pediatrician rheumatologist until I was 18, then I transferred over to a regular adult rheumatologist.

I was put on a high dosage of medication to try and get my lupus in control, plus other lupus meds.

Stayed on the meds for 2 years until I started experiencing allergic reactions; then my doctor changed up my meds and she wanted me to try self-injection for the first time. We talked about the side effects it has on African American people, but my mom and I prayed about it, and I took a chance on my life by trying something new.

From me being on such a high dosage for many years, my bones started to deteriorate from the medication which caused me to have avascular necrosis. I've had one right hip total replacement, and two total knee replacements and I wasn't even in my 20s yet. Some of my family and friends called me the biontical woman.

Yes, lupus may be hard to deal with but with family and God and the doctors I have by my side, I will always fight and I will never give up!!!