Vanessa. 29 yrs. Chronically ill. Bi. Engaged. B.A. in Justice Studies
& Sociology. RI,USA :) I remember being diagnosed with Systemic Lupus.
I was 18 yrs old in the ARMY. I was hospitalized for 3 months, had a
heart attack, kidney failure, lung collapse, a blood infection called
Septicemia, tubes & IV’s from every angle of my body. I went through
endless procedures & surgeries, chemotherapy that resulted in major
hair loss, learning to walk & breathe on my own again. Dr.s told my
family to start planning my funeral. I pulled through thankfully & now
I live with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid Lupus, Lupus
Nephritis, Sinus Tachycardia, Pericarditis, Rheumatoid Arthritis,
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME, Raynaud’s Phenomenon, Onset Glaucoma,
Edema, Ulcers, Chronic Gastritis, Hypoglycemia, Hypokalemia,
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Melanosis, Microscopic Colitis,
Baretts Esophagus and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I have recently
diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, Positional Vertigo, Autonomic
Neuropathy & Stage 2 Endometriosis as well as Paradoxical Vocal Chord
Dysfunction with a slight left cord paralysis, Obscure Sleep Apnea &
Fibromyalgia.I also manage such conditions as Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar 1, Depression, a Mood
Disorder, Chronic Severe Insomnia, Borderline Personality Disorder and
a recovering Self-Mutilator for a little over 1 year. I am a Survivor
of Rape, Childhood Molestation, & Domestic Physical Abuse. A
recovering Bulimic. Doctors told me I wouldn’t live long. It has
been ELEVEN YEARS & I proved the doctors wrong. I am still alive,
fighting the fight, motivated and strong. You are not alone! Never
give up! I am here to give support, never ending hope and strength to
my fellow Warriors :)
