I was diagnosed in September 1997 with Systemic Lupus Erythmetosis. Prior to that I had spent most of my adult life staying too busy for my own good. But I always had periods of "collapse" where I felt like I had a horrible case of the flu. Sometimes these were every few weeks. I now know, and my Doctor agrees, that these were likely symptoms of Lupus.

After being diagnosed, my previous life was no longer an option. I had made some changes prior to diagnosis anyway, due to two car accidents in 1996. But from 1981 until 1995 I was busy. I went college while raising my daughter as a single parent. I worked at the same time. I worked 60 hour weeks from 1990 through 1994. Working as a Psychotherapist, this was a guaranteed recipe for burnout. And I did. I burned out, turned 40 and went through the empty nest syndrome all in late 1994, early 1995. So I packed up and moved to Southern California. This part, I have never regretted. I love the ocean. I love the climate. But even though I had slowed down, my recovery from the accidents in 1996 and the onset of the worst lupus flare in 1997 have left me to reorganize my life, to reflect on what is important, and to make changes in my life.

I appreciate little things now. I do little things for myself to pamper myself. I'm trying to learn to live on less. And I've started a home business. This gives me a sense of competency that the months of being immobilized by fatigue had robbed me of. I am fortunate to have good doctors who have found a combination of medications that leave me with more energy.

I have Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Raynaud's Syndrome, Srojgrens Syndrome and lupus involvement in my brain and CNS. I experience joint pain, fatigue, memory loss, bone loss and degeneration that leaves one of my feet feeling "broken", but inoperable due to the Raynaud's. If I engage in too high a level of activity, I "pay" for it. I sometimes choose to do so anyway, knowing that the benefit can outweigh the cost. I took a recent trip halfway across the country to see my family. I am still flaring, but it was so very worth it.

I encourage you to look at the links provided on the home site. I encourage you to look at your life and realize that there are good things there. I am grateful for all that I have, for the people I know, for a loving husband and a delightful daughter and son-in-law. I have received a gift: Lupus made me stop and take stock. I even collect stamps, a hobby that brings me a great deal of fun and pleasure. I've learned to give myself manicures and pedicures and get excited when I find a new color of polish. I love bubble baths, and they help my pain level. I probably spend too much time on the internet, but I have learned so much. Having a laptop has enabled me to "work" from bed if necessary. And starting the business has been the biggest gift. I have learned so much and know that I will continue to learn. I think that is the nature of life for all of us. But it took Lupus to make me aware of the gifts life gives us every day. Sometimes they are disguised as crisis or disaster or illness. But these are the very life events that bring us the greatest gifts.