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I met my Lupus on a sunny day of April 2003 when I was 23 years old.

A year ago, I was hospitalized because I fainted with seizures. At the time, the doctors told me that anyone can have such episodes once or twice during their life. However, a neurologist in training thought that I was suffering from Multiple Sclerosis so I went through a lot of blood tests and other examinations, until my diagnosis was confirmed. It was early Spring. Everything in nature was colorful and vivid, but my body was going to have a “roommate” for the rest its life. My doctor told me that I didn’t have MS but “Systemic Lupus Erythematosus”. “What is it? What do I have to do?”, I asked naively. “If you follow my instructions and have a healthy diet, everything is going to be o.k.”, he said. Unfortunately, my lupus was more aggressive than we could imagine at that time.

It started with intense epilepsy. I had several seizures, one after another. I felt like I was dying and reviving, over and over. I had pain all over and it was very hard for my family to watch. I had to quit my job. Eventually, after a lot of drugs, my epilepsy started to stabilize.

Two years later, my lupus decided to attack again. Myositis! My whole body ached. I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t comb my hair, I couldn’t even get dressed! 40 days in hospital, many drugs and a biopsy which confirmed that my muscles were affected. I was desperate! My fiancé was understandably anxious about our future. At the same time, my kidneys were affected too! That made things even more difficult. Yet more new drugs and a lot of nights which passed by with me watching drug infusions drop by drop. I had to learn to walk again, like a little child, one step at a time. I was so weak! During this period, doctors and nurses stood by me, always with a smile. I was their “Barbie” because of my pink pyjamas and my colorful blanket which they always let me have. During those years, I had several infections, most of them indefinable. I was prone to almost everything! That flare lasted for about two years. There was an ongoing problem with my CPK, which was always high! New prescriptions and new restrictions followed. I was always a disciplined patient, like a soldier. Every word the doctors said was law for me. Finally, with a lot of trying, many prayers and a strong will for life, we managed to get my flare under control.

Two peaceful years followed until the end of 2008, when I got pregnant for the first time. So much happiness, so many dreams and then, in the seventh week, I had my first miscarriage. Tears returned to my eyes again but this was a different pain. Another try five months later and I dared smile again. I was pregnant for a second time but unfortunately that pregnancy also ended, this time at nine weeks. Five months later, I was pregnant for a third time and I went through the most painful experience so far when I gave birth to a still born baby in the seventeenth week. I wanted a baby so much! I wanted to see my husband happy! After four months, we decided to try in vitro-fertilization with pre-implantation diagnosis in order to increase our chances. We were defeated again in August 2010, in the ninth week of my pregnancy. I was crying non-stop, my heart was broken! I couldn’t stand seeing babies and it broke my heart when I was invited to children’s birthday parties.

All these bad thoughts provoked another lupus flare, the worst so far. Summer of 2011, I was exhausted even by a tiny effort. I had a severe cough and I was breathless. This time I had pulmonary fibrosis. I was devastated. No, it couldn’t be true. My lupus was slapping me again and again, stealing my oxygen. I couldn’t even speak! My doctors were insistent: chemotherapy! I refused because I really wanted to have a baby. I asked for alternative medication. That led to a lot of prednisolone and many hospitalizations. My spirometry result started to improve from 18% to 25%, even 35%. I was happy and ready to try again for a baby, despite the high risks. On April 2013 my fifth pregnancy ended in the eighth week and my dream went away. My fibrosis got worse and I finally accepted chemotherapy. My doctors prescribed me injections in order to protect my fertility and even though I was terrified, I started. It was really hard for me to accept my situation and I started to suffer from depression. I didn’t want to see anyone, I cried non-stop and I lost a lot of weight without controlling it. I decided that I needed to see a psychologist. Right from the very first visit, she made me see things differently, she was really helpful.

Since October 2013 I have been on Cellcept® and things are getting better and better! My spirometry result is up to 60% and my doctors are proud of me.

Over these years, I have learnt to love my lupus, despite so many difficult moments. I know that I need to relax and be as happy as I can. My lupus has made me strive to always try my best. We live together in the same body. When I am content within myself, it is reflected in my body. I have been lucky to receive so much love and tenderness from my doctors, nurses and everyone who is involved. I have learnt from all this that we should always be positive thinkers and never give up. After all, what counts in life is not how many times you fall, but how many times you get up!

Anna from Greece

Anna is a member of the Hellenic League Against Rheumatism – El. E. AN. A

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1 day ago
LUPUS EUROPE

🔴 People with #lupus are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease as healthy people.

👀 Learn more about cardiovascular risk management in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) with the EULAR recommendations ➡️ ➡️ buff.ly/46nDCWT

🔴 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗸𝗲𝘆 in RMDs Like #lupus.

1️⃣ Always talk to your physician about preventive measures.
2️⃣ Work to minimise risk factors ⤵️

- Don't smoke🚭
- Practise exercise🏃‍♂️
- Have a healthy diet🍏

#WorldHeartDay
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🔴 People with #lupus are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease as healthy people.

👀 Learn more about cardiovascular risk management in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) with the EULAR recommendations ➡️ ➡️ https://buff.ly/46nDCWT

🔴 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗸𝗲𝘆 in RMDs Like #lupus. 

1️⃣ Always talk to your physician about preventive measures.
2️⃣ Work to minimise risk factors ⤵️

- Dont smoke🚭
- Practise exercise🏃‍♂️
- Have a healthy diet🍏

#WorldHeartDayImage attachment

7 CommentsComment on Facebook

This 7 years since Dr. abacha transcendence, his presence is missed now more than ever. Dr.abach was known for his profound wisdom and inspiring messages. Below are some of his insightful statements that continue to be true today. These quotes reflect Dr abacha emphasis on the importance of natural healing, alkaline living, and the significance of a plant-based diet for overall health and wellness. His timeless messages continue to inspire and resonate with individuals seeking a holistic approach to health. The message is loud and clear, and we will continue to share the message of love, healing, and growth. We celebrate the life, work, and teachings of Dr.abacha today and always. We hope his words resonate in your hearts and give you the willpower to continue on your Alkaline Healing Journey. On Health and Healing🌿🌿🌿 Drabacha0442

Accolades to my best doctor, Dr abacha Home of Cure , I have so much respect for how much positivity you put out while curing my herpes infection, I want to use the moment to appreciate you, God will continue to bless you ………….. Drabacha0442

For every disease in the world... restore 100% health. That's the only way I could do it. Through what? An intra-cellular cleansing... whether AIDS or blindness... cancer, sarcoma... lupus, sickle cell anaemia, diabetes, sexually transmitted diseases... there is only one diseases. There never have been two disease in the world. There is only one disease: the compromising of the mucous membrane. And the mucous membrane of the Afrikan has been compromised 400 years now.🌿🌿🌿 Drabacha0442

I was cured of herpes simplex virus by a great herbal doctor called Dr Ehicokya home cure with the use of different combination of Africa herbs contact him via drehicoky@gmail.com or whatsapp +2349035812786 Facebook page https:https://www.facebook.com/Dr-Ehicokya-home-spell-101978635749222/

big congratulation to Me ♥️♥️♥️I just get rid of my herpes the herbal treatment really helpful am now free from herpes www.facebook.com/Dr-Ehicokya-home-spell-101978635749222/

Finally I have been cured of my Herpes disease after suffering from the virus for over 6years with several out-breaks, thank you Dr abacha for curing me from Herpes for this I'm going to continue sharing so other people can be cured too. he also has cure, HIV, DIABETES, LUPUS, PEPTIC ULCER CANCER, HPV, ZODIAC INFERTILITY, HSV, FIBIORD, WARTS, KIDNEYS 👎👎👎 Drabacha0442

There are illness drugs and injection can't cure, l have seen the great important of natural remedies and the wonderful work they have done in people lives, I have read many testimonies online on how they were cured from various illness and virus, so I decided to contact a herbal specialist, I found herbalist dr abacha a great healer, I ordered medicine for diabete2, Hernia and HBP, I used them as he prescribed and it work perfectly for me, Today I am healed and living a healthy life now, Thanks dr abacha you are the best. Every one needs to use this natural remedies for healing🌿🌿🌿🌿 Drabacha0442

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2 days ago
LUPUS EUROPE

🌺Thank you for your active participation & enthusiasm, which has made our webinar truly exceptional.

We hope that Dr. Bosch has provided valuable knowledge & shed some light on the incredible possibilities technology can bring to healthcare.

Stay tuned! More webinars to come soon!
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2 days ago
LUPUS EUROPE

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If you have any questions or any points you would like to raise, please feel free to do so here! 😃

3 days ago
LUPUS EUROPE

Only one day left for the great day!

🌟 Don't miss our webinar on digital health & patient care! 🌟

⏲️ Time is running out to secure your spot at our transformative webinar.

💻 In this rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, digital health is the way forward, and we want you to be at the forefront of this revolution.

Here's a glimpse of what awaits you:

✅ Engage in enriching discussions led by the esteemed Dr. Philipp Bosch.
✅ Explore the boundless potential of technology in advancing healthcare.

🗓️ Date: September 28th (tomorrow!).
🕗 Time: 20:00 CET.

This is your opportunity to be part of a digital health revolution that's shaping the future of patient care.

Join us and empower yourself with the knowledge that can transform lives! 📱🏥

The webinar will also be streamed live on Facebook. 🎥

Secure your spot now by registering:
📧 Email: secretariat@lupus-europe.org

If you have registered for Zoom already, please ensure you attend via Zoom 🤗.

See you at the webinar!
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LUPUS EUROPE Uniting people with Lupus throughout Europe
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