Ronida K. - Diagnosed at age 25

I was diagnosed with lupus shortly after my grandfather passed away, before my birthday and the holidays. Personal life stressors/traumatic events triggered a flare up, and it got worse over a short period of time. I had the iconic butterfly rash, joint pain, rashes on my body, Raynaud’s, malaise, fatigue. Another symptom was alopecia, and at one point I wanted to shave my head. My heart felt like it would beat out of my chest, and after some scans scars were found on my lungs. It hurt so much to eat and drink each time I tried to swallow due to rheumatoid arthritis. I couldn’t even walk down one step of the stairs without feeling excruciating pain. 

It not only affected me physically but took a toll mentally. I couldn’t relate with others anymore. They didn’t understand. I began to stop eating and lost 30 pounds. I was becoming anorexic. Severely depressed, I couldn’t accept it. Being diagnosed with a chronic disease at 25. Losing my independence. I had so much more I wanted to do in life. One day I fainted on the ground three times. It couldn’t get any worse. I was rushed to the hospital and found out my kidneys were also affected after tons of bloodwork and a biopsy was performed. I also had to go through an MRI and CT scan to check if my brain was being affected too. I thought it was all over for me…. but I found someone special who guided me along with my doctors through an anti-inflammatory raw vegan diet, and I stuck with it as long as possible hoping to help alleviate the pain. Which it did. I also met a mentor who taught me how to meditate, and now I practice Nichiren Buddhism. 

The commitment and devotion to things that are good for me helped me thrive. I ended up putting my lupus nephritis into remission in April of 2021. When I heard the news from my nephrologist, you bet I cried high tides. These days, my lupus is stable for the most part. But under stress and other environmental factors, it does get hard sometimes. However, I’ll continue living my life with resiliency and gratitude that I’m still here. My advice would be to prioritize self-care/healthy lifestyle, remember that you are loved and supported from those who care, and don’t let lupus stop you from your plans.