Teri P. - Diagnosed Age 44

It took me 8 years to finally get diagnosed. It started in 2000, but main symptoms didn't flare up and cause all kinds of major problems til January 2011. I saw 3 rheumatologist who basically said I was crazy and nothing was wrong with me. My primary cardiologist and pulmonologist we're my advocates. A friend of a friend referred me to her rheumatologist (who is awesome and loves to figure out complicated patients). When my blood work came back and he went over my complete history, it was confirmed that I definitely have lupus. I was scared and relieved at the same time.

Lupus has been the source of my still birth, my emergency C-section, my heart valve issues, lung issues, asthma, the off and on pain, the miscarriage, the chronic pain I've had for the last 6 1/2 months, the chronic inflammation. Most people didn't know that I cried myself to sleep so I could stay strong for my family. In May of last year my epileptic seizures started. Thank you Jesus for sending me to the right rheumatologist! Thank you for my husband and kids who have stood by me even in my worst moods and love me anyway!

I have had 2 open heart surgeries – one in 2011 to repair, then replace my mitral valve, then 7 years later I had the TMVR to replace my valve. Now it’s very possible that this year I may have to have the mechanical valve put in.

It's been a long journey to get a final diagnosis. I have read and researched the best way to help with inflammation...eat strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries and oranges, so I have invested in supplements and now I eat my fruits when I can or get a smoothie with all the berries in it. My doctor put me on Lyrica, so I believe the inflammation has gone down some! I know God won’t give me anything I can't handle and I also believe there is a reason or purpose for it!