Crystal F. - Diagnosed at age 37

I began feeling ill the summer of 2017 when my family and I came down with the flu. I was the first to have cold symptoms along with nausea and vomiting. I eventually felt some relief, but was still very weak and did not have an appetite off and on for months. I then began losing weight and later began passing out.

After being sent home by the emergency room several times, my health continued to get worse and I lost my ability to walk. After passing out again, I went to the emergency room and at that time I began losing my ability to move my entire body and my ability to swallow. I ended up being in the hospital for almost 5 months with a tracheotomy and a feeding tube. I was diagnosed with lupus SLE in February 2018.

This illness has caused me to have frequent pain to my back, legs, neck and head along with permanent vision damage. I am now walking with some limitations.

Lupus has impacted my daily life tremendously. My whole life has changed. My husband has to do everything, along with taking care of me and our two beautiful kids.

God’s grace, the love and support from my family and friends has helped me in my recovery. Also, remembering how far I have come and my kids keep me going. I am so very grateful to be alive and believe that my story can save many lives.