Are you a woman of childbearing age?

Did you know:

Lupus strikes mostly women of childbearing age

On average, it takes nearly SIX YEARS for people with lupus to be diagnosed.

Lupus is known as THE GREAT IMITATOR 

This is because its symptoms mimic many other illnesses.

People with lupus can experience significant symptoms, such as pain, extreme fatigue, hair loss, cognitive issues, and physical impairments that affect every facet of their lives. Many suffer from cardiovascular disease, strokes, disfiguring rashes, and painful joints. For others, there may be no visible symptoms.

Lupus is a CHRONIC AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE

It can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs).

In lupus, something goes wrong with the immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs (“foreign invaders,” like the flu). Normally our immune systems produce proteins called antibodies that protect the body from these invaders.

Autoimmune means your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body’s healthy tissues and creates autoantibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue. ("Auto" means "self"). These autoantibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body.

Lupus is NOT contagious and is NOT related to cancer, although it can be treated with chemo.

Last week, as I sat in the doctor’s office, I learned something new...

Lupus and Shingles

People with lupus have a 70% increased risk of developing SHINGLES compared to those without inflammatory disease!

[Facts from lupus.org]

When I heard I had shingles I was both relieved and mad.

Relieved, because my mind had me worried the pain I had been feeling for several weeks was something never-ending, or worse, fatal. Mad, because shingles? Really!? 

This, too, shall pass. 

In the meantime, I'm searching for scriptures and songs to uplift me. If you've got something I need to hear, a song or word of encouragement, please send it to me! 

I know God's has a purpose and a plan for this pain. I'm trying to rest in Him while I wait for healing. Thank you for praying for me!

Friendship is the finest balm,
Kat