Tanesha R. - Diagnosed Age 14
My name is Tanesha, I was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 14. Life changed upside down in a blink of an eye. I was in denial and thought how could my life change so quickly at such a young age? I didn't know anything about this disease nor did I know where to start. I felt like my life was starting to crumble right in front of me. I was afraid to talk to anyone to get help and that could sort out my life. I was so young and had a full life ahead of me. I knew I needed to do something fast, so I started talking with my team’s social worker to help me deal with everything.
The rheumatologist I found was a great man. He was patient and very understanding. He worked at the pediatric hospital. I could not ask for a better rheumatologist who was so patient with me and answered all of my questions so that I could better understand this new change in my life. I am currently 26 years old and I'm dealing with lot of symptoms still, I have major migraines, fatigue, body aches, and most recently I started dealing with some crazy skin rash lesions, nausea, twitching, and numbness at times.
I’m proud of my accomplishments in graduating from high school and earning a bachelor’s degree. I have the support of my mother, brother and wonderful boyfriend. I could have not asked for a better support team. I still struggle with life day in and day out. At times I find it hard to get out of the bed and go to work but I push myself. I do follow a couple people with lupus on Instagram, and a lupus foundation support group.