Lifescript: The Post I Cried Writing

This is a sponsored post by me on behalf of Lifescript.com.

Though I do get personal on my blog from time to time (especially lately with the nightmarish date recaps) it is rare that I broach the topic I am about to now.

Eight years ago I got the news that changed my life forever. 

I remember that Summer like it was yesterday. I was working at Victoria’s Secret with friends, going to the Cape on our days off and looking forward to heading back to school that Fall.

August of 2006 is when I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus.

I rarely talk about it with people that do not know me well. There is a stigma that surrounds “sick people.” They are often pitied or may be doubted when it comes to everyday expectations. I have always made sure no one can tell I am sick just by looking at me.

I do not usually blog about my my chronic condition because this is my happy and introspective place. The thoughts that go through my head about my own illness may not always bring happiness to others and I cannot expect anyone to understand.

There are many difficult situations that I have faced with my illness, nights laying in the hospital by myself, wondering why something like this happened to me, so young. Chemotherapy infusions, minor surgeries that had to be performed while I was awake and so scared. 

I often wondered what I did wrong to deserve it all.

It was not until later that I realized it was the best thing that has ever happened to me. With any difficulty comes strength, character and eventually, hope.

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I do not take a second of my life for granted and I realize how important it is to live in a manner that people remember the way your words and actions affected them, positively.

I have a plethora of specialists at Brigham & Women’s that keep me healthy and hopeful.

My “team” I call them, I am of course the captain.

One of my “teammates” is a rheumatologist who I see for joint pain, inflammation and several other Rheumatoid Arthritis indicators.

When I was diagnosed, I did not know of all the online resources available to me, I remember  after hearing preliminary thoughts from the first doctor I had no idea where to turn.

Lifescript provides medical information from experts, physicians themselves and professional health writers along with tips and even advice. Lifescript also provides information on a wide variety of other medical conditions, especially for women.

Everyone deals with difficult stuff everyday, life is tough man.

It is important to remember we are not alone in whatever it is we are going through and 

utilizing supports systems, online or not, are vital to us overcoming or at the very least coping.

Articles you may find helpful or at least interesting:

(If you’re as much of a germaphobe as I am): 

The 8 Germiest Public Places & How to Avoid Them.

8 Things You Do Not Tell Your Doctor (But Should!)

Debunking Popular Weight-Loss Myths