Nothing means more to me than my role as a mother. As any (honest) parent will admit, it’s a tough job on a good day; add lupus to the mix, and it can be a guilt-ridden roller coaster.
For months before my diagnosis, I was dragging in energy and spirit without explanation. I felt terrible that I was “failing” my children by needing rest and struggling to keep up with them. I had a toddler and twin babies desperate for my energy and attention, but I barely had the energy to move. Every day I was failing to live up to my own expectations, never mind my aspirations.
I wondered what was wrong with me and why I couldn’t snap out of it. My mysterious symptoms eventually led to an electrolyte crisis that necessitated a few days and nights in the ICU. A few months later, I was diagnosed with lupus.
