Angela P. - Mother of Lupus Warrior

I don't know where to begin but here. My beautiful daughter Ashley was diagnosed with lupus in 2018 at the age of 28. I can remember in my daughters early 20's she would complain of fatigue and aches in her joints. We thought it was arthritis and maybe she was stressed and not getting enough rest. Close friends who had been diagnosed with lupus kept telling her that she could possibly have the disease. We were in denial.

For years we dealt with this until she really got sick this year in 2018. She had to be admitted to the hospital. Lupus is a hard to diagnose and tricky disease. The doctors could not confirm, eliminate or deny that she had lupus. For days, they ran tests and kept saying "possibly." After being in the hospital for a week she was released and referred to a specialist. It was confirmed that she had lupus.

I was unaware of the disease. I had only heard about it but never really thought about it until it hit home. I started reading about lupus and how to deal with it. We are still trying to figure out how to deal with the disease; what medications to take, foods to eat and activities that won't cause fatigue. My daughter is always tired, aching and sick. It's like she is always getting the flu. I am so mad because this disease seems to control a majority of her life! All I want to do is hold her, take care of her and let her know that everything is okay. I love my daughter with all my heart. She is my first born, best friend and a young woman with so much potential. I pray for Ashley and every person who has lupus.