I’ve chosen “Despite, Lupus” by Sara Gorman as my guide to “Living Well.”. The quotes in this blog are from her book. I haven’t lived well since being diagnosed with Lupus in 1999. Everybody wants a good life and to live on their own terms. I want that life. The book tells me I can handle this disease and make my life better.
When I was first diagnosed, like many, I refused to be defeated by Lupus. I pushed myself hard, ignoring the pain, fatigue, and other symptoms of Lupus. I wanted to hold on to something normal. Normal people follow a path that includes finishing college, marriage, children, and a career. If I couldn’t have those things, I thought I would have nothing. I pushed myself, but the disease pushed back, stronger and harder. I had to stop. My body said no more. I was officially defective and defeated. I erased all the hopes and dreams I once had, never to replace them. Lupus was the sun and my whole life revolved around it. This story is not just my own, but belongs to millions of people suffering from this disease. We all have to hit rock bottom before we start listening to our body’s limitations.
What I did for eight years didn’t work and living in limbo for three more wasn’t the answer either. I am ready to follow another path in an attempt to live a more fulfilling life. Others have been down this road before; I’m using their map as laid down by Sara Gorman to guide me.
Part 1 of 2 – To be continued… tomorrow.
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