My name is Karen, and my journey with Lupus began about 15 years ago. At that time I was a nationally ranked swimmer who was within tenths of seconds of qualifying for the Olympic Trials. My life was only about speed, racing and competing. Suddenly, however, I became unable to perform. My coaches were furious, my teammates gossiped, and overall I thought that I was a complete failure in life. 

After 2 years of struggling to understand what was happening to me, I quit. I was completely lost, but somehow managed to graduate from college and start a high-paced job in public accounting. I figured that as a former college-athlete, keeping up with the stress and schedule of a 60-90 hour per week job would be a piece of cake. I became very distressed when even my job became unmanageable. I tried to get answers from doctors, but the diagnosis was either too much stress or sinusitis. 

After years of struggling with constant joint pain, extreme fatigue, hair loss, sun sensitivity, constant migraines, brain fog, Raynaud’s phenomena and bouts of losing consciousness, I eventually left the work force to attend law school full-time.  I had always dreamed of being a tax attorney at a large, high-paced firm. However, about half-way through law school my symptoms became unbearable. I started researching diseases and realized that I had almost all of the symptoms of Lupus. I went to see a rheumatologist at U of M who was convinced that a young person who was a former college athlete could not possibly have Lupus. He called two days later with the results of the blood tests and told me the bad news. I had Lupus, and I would have to make some significant changes in my life. 

I cannot verbalize the thoughts that constantly swirled through my head. I worried about dying, about how I would support myself when I chose two high-stress careers, how I would find a partner willing to put up with the difficulties I faced, and whether I could have kids. I received a brochure from my doctor that helped to ease my mind. The brochure was provided by the Lupus Alliance. I contacted the Lupus Alliance of Michigan/Indiana and received support in every aspect of my life. I was provided names of rheumatologists, information on receiving disability, and information on counseling services; I attended seminars by top-rated rheumatologists, and even joined a Lupus Alliance support group. Without the Lupus Alliance, I would still be struggling to find peace in my life. I now know that I have a safety net to catch me if Lupus gets to be too much. 

Lupus has changed my life in every way imaginable. But I think that I was misguided in my life before Lupus. I was only concerned with success and never stopped to think about the importance of friends, charity, family and being thankful for what I have.  Life is not easy with Lupus, but thanks to the help I have received, I have finally found peace.