Winning the Upward Battle Against Lupus/Myositis/Arthritis/Raynaud’s Phenomena
I have Mixed Connective Tissue Disease made up of Lupus/Myositis/Arthritis/Raynaud’s Phenomena. The doctors think I have had it since at least 3 months of age, but I was officially diagnosed in 2006 at the age of 21 after several hospital stays lasting months and losing muscle function in the trunk of my body (just one of the many problems that the flare was throwing at me). I am now on a giant list of meds, but am able to walk, eat and spend time with friends and family.
I use the experiences of my past and present to enable my future and I am studying Psychology through Liberty University's Distance Learning Program. I hope to help others deal and cope with critical and life threatening diseases because I know how important it is to have someone listen to you! That is one of the main reasons I started "Autoimmune Awareness Alliance"" on Facebook. I hope and pray that people are finding it a useful outlet for their emotions and troubles.
Thank you for giving them the chance to broaden the number of people that they are able to share their amazing stories with. Autoimmune diseases are so unrecognized and unheard of, and many of these people fight an uphill battle all of their lives.
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What you are doing is wonderful. Congrats on being such a positive force in other's lives. I give you a lot of credit.
Thank you very much for you encouraging words! It means a great deal! Have a wonderful day!
Meredith:
I praise your efforts in helping share information on this very important condition. I have a friend who has had many family members afflicted with this condition. I am going to forward your blog to her as I think you can help her greatly.
Kudos to you.
Thank you so much for your kind words Kelley! This is such an important topic that needs awareness! I hope that your friend is encouraged as well! Thank you once again! Have a great day!
Hi, Meredith:
I have lupus, RA, mild scoliosis and various related issues; but, am also a marathon runner. The good thing is that lupus, in and of itself, is not life threatening; but, other conditions that develop as a result of our compromised immune system can be. I lost my grandfather, a lifetime lupus sufferer, to colon cancer, and he had spent most of his adult life dealing with skin cancer. But, he walked several miles every day, planning his walks so that he was always on the shaded side of the street.
I run to not let lupus or RA control my life, a lesson learned from my grandfather.
You go, girl! :)
Hello Alysiak,
Thank you for sharing the story of you and your grandfather. Everybody has their own unique experience with these autoimmune diseases. Though each individuals disease affects them uniquely and everyone deals with their situation in their own individual way(s), the best thing we can do is be a help and encouragement to those around us! It is great that you are able to run despite your condition! Congratulations on working so hard! Have a wonderful evening!
Keep it up!
Meredith Reed