Introduction

This is my blog to talk about my daily (weekly, monthly, however often I update it...) life with lupus. I am a college student dealing with a chronic autoimmune disease called systemic lupus erythematosus. I was officially diagnosed in September of 2008, although I had been sick for years before that. It wasn't until my left hand decided to swell up one day and I had some strange blood work that the ball really started to get moving. Before I had been told that I was flat out crazy or just making things up.
Lupus effects everyone differently. For me, I have an extreme sensetivity to heat and the sun. My joints are also effected, mainly the ones in my legs and feet, but also in my back and upper body. In October of 2008, I started getting horrible migraines, and I still continue to get them frequently. I think these are associated with the lupus. I also get canker sores far more frequently than most people. They can also develop on the rims of my eyes, my scalp and my nose.
When I got the lupus diagnosis I was happy to learn that I was not crazy. But after having years of people telling me that I was, I doubt myself very often. Even when I know something is due to the lupus I think I am making it up in my own head and maybe push myself or not take care of myself as well as I should. I also am a 20 year old college student and dont want to miss out on stuff because I am sick.
Anyway, I am starting this blog over my summer break, so I'm not in school at the moment. I have a great internship, but need to find a job that pays me ASAP. So, I'm off to go hunt Craigslist some more.