How did you first realize something was wrong, and what led to your lupus diagnosis? 

In November 2021, after returning from a trip to India, I started feeling off. I had a low-grade fever almost every day and a strange, pimple-like sore on the roof of my mouth that made eating painful. I relied on ibuprofen to get through the day and began losing weight rapidly. 

By mid December, I saw my family doctor, who diagnosed a bacterial stomach infection. But the sore in my mouth kept growing, but by then, it was the size of a green pea. My dentist referred me to a specialist, who suspected it could be an oral lesion or even cancer. At the same time, my gums started swelling, and I could barely eat. 

With my energy fading and my almost 1 and half year old daughter still breastfeeding, everything became harder. My doctor scheduled a colonoscopy, but due to ongoing COVID precautions and my persistent fever, it was postponed. Eventually, we went to the ER, where I was admitted. 

After several tests, including surgery, cancer was ruled out: a relief. Doctors then diagnosed me with lupus. Oddly, I was relieved. They had feared lymphoma, and compared to that, lupus felt like a manageable answer. 

What was the diagnosis experience like? 

Once I was hospitalized, things moved quickly. Daily blood tests helped narrow things down, and within a week of being discharged, I saw a rheumatologist and started treatment. 

After discharge, I developed the classic butterfly rash. It spread down my throat and made eating unbearable. I lost the ability to walk unaided. My parents arrived to help, and we shifted our focus fully to recovery. 

What has been the hardest part of life after diagnosis? 

Without a doubt, parenting through it. My daughter was so full of life, and I could barely keep up. But she and my husband gave me the will to fight. 

I lost weight, hair, and confidence. I faced anxiety, depression, and lots of self-doubt. At just 32 years old, I wondered, Why me? I faced judgment from others about my diet or lifestyle, but my family never stopped believing in me. 

How has your understanding of lupus changed? 

I’ve realized that stress is powerful and dangerous. You don’t have to be unhealthy to get sick. I ate well, didn’t drink or smoke, but I neglected my mental and physical health postpartum. That stress took a major toll. 

Now, I understand the importance of mental health, self-care, and accepting help. Therapy is not a luxury, it’s necessary. 

What kind of support has helped you the most? 

My husband was my rock. My parents gave me strength. We trusted our doctors and stuck with their plan. 

I also found comfort in community, especially through online lupus groups like the BC Lupus Facebook community. I asked questions, shared feelings, and never hesitated to talk about my diagnosis. Staying positive and open, was a big part of my healing. 

How do you care for your health now? 

I stick to routines: healthy meals on time, proper sleep, and regular check-ups. I’ve fallen in love with working out and avoid staying up late. I do more of what makes me happy: gardening, crochet, and naps when needed. 

I’ve learned: your body comes first. Everything else can wait. 

What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed with lupus? 

Hold on. This will pass. Believe in yourself. 

Recovery isn’t instant. It took me over two years to regain normalcy and some things in my life are permanently changed. But that’s okay. 

Sleep is sacred now. I eat on time. I don’t ignore my symptoms. I follow my doctor’s advice, never skip medication, and I stay proactive. 

Create a routine and follow it, like brushing your teeth. With willpower and support, anything is possible.