Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Life changing words

"Your daughter has Systemic Lupus Erythematosus" 

Six words that dramatically changed a young families life.

I believe all parents have dreams of how their young child is going to grow up in this world. Will they be good at sports or singing? Will they be tall like their mother or have their grandfathers cheeky smile?

My parents would have NEVER imagined that they would be sitting in a specialist office being told that their three year old daughter has a chronic illness that will dramatically change her life path.
For one the odds of not being diagnosed with Lupus were dramatically in my favour. Research indicates that lupus is commonly diagnosed during the ages of 15-35 and is more common in those of non European descent. Of course I have learnt now that I seem to be the exception of that rule.

My life so far has been anything but easy. Every day holds a new challenge to overcome and Lupus always has a tight grip on me. From age three I had to learn to start taking many medications and my innocence of being a child was replaced with the uncharted  territory of the medical world. Where my wellness and ability to function was based on blood results and the movement of my joints. Where learning my ABCs were replaced with learning about SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus).

Twenty years on and lupus is still throwing its battles at me. Every day there are new obstacles to over come but these always bring new learning and continue to shape me into the person I am today. Through the tough times there are always blessings and I am blessed with the most incredible people to share my life with.  
So why start blogging? I want this to be a place where I can come and truly express how I am feeling. A place where I don't need people to fix me or feel sorry for me. But rather a place that I can freely let out what is burdening my heart. A place where I don't have to fake smile and say 'I'm Okay' just to please other people. I want to take my experiences and challenges and share them in the hope that I may help one person to not feel so alone.
So welcome to my blog and thanks for stopping by,
Livvy xxx



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