MY LUPUS STORY| Nathan S.
As someone navigating the challenges of lupus, I wanted to share my journey in hopes it resonates with others facing similar struggles.
For me it began with swelling in different joints and parts of my body. The swelling would come and go, and with it immense amounts of pain. It got to the point where my body felt like it was made of glass. I felt as if my weight was just too much for my body to be able to support. Shortly after I noticed my hair thinning and was admitted to the hospital. At this point I was barely able to get up out of bed and move without assistance.
When I first received my diagnosis back in 2014 after weeks of testing, I felt overwhelmed and scared. The uncertainty of living with a chronic illness weighed heavily on me at the age of 22. Will I live a normal life? Why me? So many questions and emotions came over me. However, amidst the fear, I discovered a profound sense of resilience I never knew I had and stand here today a much stronger man because of it.
One of the most hopeful aspects of my journey has been the incredible support from the lupus community. Connecting with others who understand the daily challenges has been transformative. Whether through support groups, online forums, or local meetups, sharing our experiences has helped me feel less alone.
I have my good days and bad days like anyone else, and when I do I lean heavily on my family who are always there for me and have become my rock when things get hard.
Additionally, I’ve learned the importance of self-advocacy and finding a healthcare team that listens and supports me. Educating myself about lupus and understanding my own body has empowered me to make informed decisions about my health.
Learning to live with lupus has definitely forced me to change certain aspects of my life, whether it be my diet or learning to listen to my body. These changes have also taught me an incredible amount about myself and patience.
While on this journey, I’ve come to realize that while lupus can be unpredictable, and different for everyone there is strength in vulnerability. I encourage everyone to lean on their support networks, embrace self-care, and remember that they are not alone.