lupusfightermichelle

Greetings all. Today is the first day in a week I haven’t had a debilitating migraine. So, I apologize for not posting. I considered writing while on my “natural migraine remedy” given that my entire week last week consisted of pain, followed by excessive laughter and eating, but was unsure it would be coherent. The migraines had been hitting everyday by about 9-9:30 am and hanging out all day. I’ll be glad when the evil party demons finally end their migraine march in my head. It can last anywhere from days to months. I use to be able to whip out the Imatrex from bags, bras, socks, a secret compartment in my underwear, whatever. I was ready to combat those little demon bastards and kick em out before I was laid out. Um, well, a lot of the time anyway. That was four or five years ago. I haven’t been able to get back into the doctor’s office yet to get ahead of this nonsense, so I’m stuck with my Washington approved “natural remedy” until tomorrow. Honestly, my “assets” can’t afford to ...

I asked my 14-year-old to give me one of my Lupus symptoms that affects him most, other than my fatigue since I wrote about that already. He said, "the arthritis". Asking him helps me because it shows what he knows about Lupus and it lets me know what bothers him the most about my disease so far. These boys see me in pain on a regular basis and two of the most terrifying events for them so far were when I was in the wheelchair in 2012, and when I lost the use of my hands last year. Side note - I know how I feel because I live with Lupus, but I tend to get so wrapped up in my own issues; I forget the impact Lupus has on the rest of my family. So, it’s good to check in with how they’re doing here and there. The pain in my hands started gradually. It started February of last year and I thought it had something to do with my Reynaud’s. At first it sucked, but was manageable and only lasted a couple hours. Over the next few months, the pain in my hands gradually got worse,...

Well all, my mother left last night and we're all pretty bummed about it. My mother and I have a great relationship and she's so wonderful with my kiddos it's just heartbreaking to see her go; but, getting to see her more than once a year was pretty phenomenal. My mother has Graves Disease, an autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid gland; however, we think she has Lupus too because her symptoms are just like mine, apart from the Graves. She hasn't been diagnosed with it because her Rheumatologist doesn't believe in Lupus. (REALLY!?!) I learned a lot from my mother's disease when I was younger. I knew that I could end up with Graves because of genetics so I did a lot research and reports on it. Knowledge is power. Who knew I'd end up with Lupus instead? Being sick and/or disabled has a huge impact on those around you, and it's not all bad. As much as it sucks for us, my being sick and disabled at times, has made my kids better people. My older two...

Good morning all! It's been over a week since I posted last. I promise I won't go without making two or more posts a week often. My mother is visiting from out of state and I rarely get to see her. Having her here has been so motivating and we've been showing her all sorts of places from the, Pacific Science Center in Seattle to the Ape Caves lava tubes in Southern Washington. I've had my mother participate in my cardio classes as well. I have been enjoying every minute of her being here and it makes me think of how integral social interaction is in helping people with illnesses and disabilities.  When I was in the wheelchair in 2012, I had little to no friends; especially nearby, and though most of my family lived between two to three hours away, none of them came to visit or help me. My husband was gone for the better part of two weeks a month, 10 months a year and I had three kids (one being a toddler). I ...

Hello Everyone! Ok, what is Lupus? People ask me this all the time and it can feel like such an ominous concept, as are all diseases; it becomes scary and uncomfortable for many to discuss. It is serious and can be deadly, but more often than not, it isn’t. It is; however, an asshole to live with. Lupus is an autoimmune disorder. In contrast to HIV where your immune system is underactive, in Lupus, our immune systems go hyperactive. No, there is no way anyone can contract this from me. There are those who’s overactive immune systems “go hero” and attack illnesses with “extreme prejudice” (thank you Major Payne) but I don’t have a high speed immune system like that. My immune system is like a blind dog that smells the female in heat but humps the pillow next to her. Moreover, if I get strep throat, my “special needs” immune system attacks my kidneys, brain, joints and/or causes me to lose my hair. So, I don’t have tonsils anymore. I was going to write about Lupus arthritis, but...

Greetings everyone,   My name is Michelle Scheeland and I have SLE Lupus. I was diagnosed with Lupus a year ago but we don’t know how long I’ve had it. We know it’s been years but how many is a mystery. What I do know, is this last year has been the first year I’ve experienced a cluster of “typical” Lupus symptoms such as; fevers, fatigue, migraines, joint pain (to include loss of limb function), hair loss, skin issues, temperature regulation problems, and a barrage of neurological issues. I’ve had many of these issues before but not all of them at once and no one put it all together until last year. I haven’t had a break from most of these symptoms since they began well over a year ago. Of course, if you have Lupus you know how long it can take to actually get diagnosed after the symptoms present. Before these symptoms hit, I was an amateur kick boxer and had competed in a couple Jiu Jitsu tournaments. I’d found fighting later in life so I was 34 when I fought last. I am...