Today I ask for help from all Lupus Patients, Friends and Families
15 Oct 2011 Leave a Comment
Today’s post is short and sweet.
Please go to the below link and register your outrage at the NICE decision NOT to allow Benlysta to be used in the NHS in Britain. I beleive the words used were SOMETHING along the lines of :” it is not a cost effective decision to prolong the lives of Lupus patients with this drug”.
Support out World Wide Lupus family…sign now please, and share the link.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/cover-Benlysta/
Thank you
Oh Dear!!
19 Sep 2011 3 Comments
NOTE TO PERSONS SEARCHING FOR INFORMATION ON LUPUS…THIS BLOG DOES NOT REFLECT EVERYONE’S EXPERIENCE WITH LUPUS. ONLY SOME PERSONS EXPERIENCE CNS INVOLVEMENT!! I AM ONE OF THEM. YOU MAY NOT BE.
I try not to allow Lupus to stop me doing things but oh my did I learn a lesson today.
You see I am doing my Certificate IV Associate Diploma Bridging Course in Occupational Health and Safety. As a precursor I had to do a rather large assignment last week, which I managed to achieve and it is all nicely bound and presented, if I may humbly say so, This in itself was a pretty good effort, as I filled a late cancellation and only had a few days to do it, instead of the month usually given.
This morning I planned to drive to the station and catch the express train to the City, walk the 3 blocks to the venue, and reverse the plan this evening.
So, I wake up, feeling not too bad, make my lunch, throw a yoghurt, a couple of pieces of fruit and my nibble mix into the bag, actually remember to take my assignment and a pen (miraculous) and head off to the station. Arghhhhhhh.
I got to the station and found I had forgotten my wallet, so NO train ticket. Too late to go home, I look at my fuel gauge, YES!! I have enough to drive in to the city….woot. So off I go. M1 on ramp at Loganlea Rd CLOSED..detour ….2o minutes of queuing on the service road to the next on ramp.
For once due to school holidays the peak hour traffic was flowing fairly freely so arrived in plenty of time. Parked in the allocated disabled carpark that I had previously teed up in case I was not up to the 3 block walk and in I go.
The morning modules were a breeze.
So to the AFTER Lunch Session………….Now I don’t know how many of you are familiar with Legislati0n speak, but the Act, Rules, Codes of Practice, and Guidelines are in legal Speak and in numbered Sections, Chapters, Clauses, subclauses ad infinitum.
I know I have real problems now with brain fog, but as soon I opened those books to start looking up relevant Clauses and things the numbers literally DID something to my brain. I could NO LONGER make ANY sense of the page, I could no longer write properly, and I could no longer think coherently. The pages swam before my eyes. I could not read the words after the numbers. In short I changed from a coherent, verbose and intelligent respondent to the sessions, into a total babbling nincompoop. This scared the crap out of me and I now wonder if my brain lesions have given me some sort of number Dyslexia (Is there such a thing?) as the difference was horrific. And noticeable. I could no longer read my own my handwriting. I could not think clearly, I could not reason.
Perhaps the fluorescent lights had something to do with it, or the fact that it had been 5 hours since I had taken my medications, but whatever it was, I had to approach the Trainer and ask for help. So tomorrow in the open book section I will be part of a four person group. Today the groups were in threes, and as there were two people left over it was myself and a person who had absolutely no experience with any of this, and had very poor english skills to boot.
Why did today scare me? I am a good student, a quick learner, intelligent. well read, totally GOOD at my job and can rattle off relevant legislative requirements at the drop of a hat. I can do a site audit, identify hazards, do a risk assessment on said hazards, risk rate it, and apply control measure to said risk assessment. I can write Safe Work Method Statements, design and publish safety posters and write instructions on anything Safety related. I have a very good knowledge of my job and achieve what I set out to achieve.
It scared me because I think my Lupus has affected some of my cognitive abilities quite severely, and I am so worried by today I will be speaking to the Immunologist about it when I see him in October.
Am I alone in this?
My Life with Fairytale creatures..I BELIEVE!!
12 Sep 2011 3 Comments
Saturday night I met a Giant. I didn’t see him, and I didn’t hear him, but I Know he was there. How ? He jumped up and down on my feet until he mashed them into painful, swollen lumps. I didn’t know he had visited till I got out out of bed and tried to walk to the bathroom.
Unfortunately he brought the Goblins with him. Goblins are unsavoury little beasts with lots of sharp needle like teeth. They had a little chew in my hands and, for good measure, hit up my knees as well. Thanks guys! I did have plans for a beading day. uh uh, not happening now.
I also kissed a frog. He left me with lumps and rashes and bumps all over… not playing nice Froggie.
Then of course let’s include the Gremlins. Gremlins are a particularly nasty wee beastie. They like to break things and throw a spanner in the works.
If you read my last post, “Desperately Seeking Spoons – and a Makeover” you would know I had a big weekend planned. Sooooooooo to cut a long story short, not only did the wedding use all my spoons, borrowed, lent or owned (thanks Guys), it also took my Sunday spoons away and and partly used my Monday Spoons as WELL!! I did, for the first time ever barring holidays and trips away, manage to NOT attend a Lupus Event. I was so ill and rashy by 10pm Saturday night I did not know how I was going to make it through the night. So I missed the Lupus Diamonds in the 5km event in the Bridge to Brisbane 2011, AND the Recovery Brunch as well. Thankfully there are pictures, because I am SO proud of the team. GO LAQ Lupus Diamonds. You rock and I love you all.
I do feel slightly better today, and am back at work, but my agenda this week includes blood tests and a skin biopsy on the rather unslightly strawberry red Hive Rash on my tummy, back and thighs. And I say Phooey to that!
This brings me to The Big Bad Wolf. Oh yes, he definately exists, and he is a very nasty piece of work. Beware beware he’s out there and likes nothing better than to rain on your parade. I had a metaphorical Umbrella but next time I will be armed with deadly weapons..Wolf Skin Rug Anyone?
Desperately Seeking Spoons – and a Makeover..
09 Sep 2011 2 Comments
here I am, I have managed another working week successfully, although I definitely flagged by Wednesday. I have done a lot of sleeping yesterday and today. (Because I CAN as I live with my mother and she understands Lupus Fatigue).
Well, I’ve done it again! I need spoons in mega quantities. I am again OVERCOMMITTED.
I have a visit to the Vet today for my Pushka Kittie’s yearly check up and vaccination then I have to attempt a manicure on my rotten nails. Rotten because in conjunction with splits, my jewellery making causes breaks as well. Sigh…pre Lupus I would religiously manicure every Sunday Evening and I had lovely nails.
You see, I have a wedding tomorrow, an important wedding, a special wedding, as my lovely niece Michelle is getting married after what may well have been the World’s longest engagement.
Therefore I MUST try and look like I DO NOT have Lupus. I know it is an invisible illness, but for me at the moment, my pain and fatigue show in my face, my walk, and in the lovely Lupus holes in my arms and chin. Because Lupus just loves to rain on your parade.
Well I have news for Wolfie (to paraphrase my Lupie mate Kristel) !!! I have an Umbrella for my Parade!! I WILL look gorgeous. I WILL walk upright and gracefully, and I WILL survive the day. What is my Umbrella. It’s that inner strength all Lupies seem to have, along with the very delicate Art of saying “I’m Fine” and looking like you mean it. . This is possibly the most common lie we Lupies tell, but, you know, if you say it often enough you might even believe it. In addition to that, looking great helps you feel great so here I come World…
So, to survive tomorrow will be great. Then comes Sunday.
We Queenslanders are walking in the Bridge to Brisbane 5km Fun Run.
We will be slathered in sunscreen, wearing long sleeves and hats, and possibly someone will be carrying a walking stick in their backpack, Someone else may be wearing a bandanna due to hair loss, someone else may be covered in bruises due to ITP or Medications. We may have someone we don’t recognise this year as they have been put mega Steroid Therapy and now have different build and features. There is a good chance there may be a wheelchair in the mix. There was last year. Someone from last year may be missing due to major illness. But the “Lupus Diamonds” will walk proudly. We WILL !! And we will celebrate like triathletes winning Gold at the after Brunch.
I will get home around 3pm, but WAIT there’s MORE. A 45 minute drive to the Gold Coast for Dinner with the Lovely In Laws. My Mother In Law is visiting, and goes home on Monday, so Sunday night is my only chance to catch up.
So please all send, lend or give me your spoons. I think I may Need them. Happy Weekend Everyone.
I don’t like Sundays….Because Mondays are next!!
28 Aug 2011 1 Comment
Today is a difficult day, as Sundays always are for me. Sunday is the day before my working week starts and I always mourn the un-done and the partly-done jobs, especially those I had promised myself I would attend to definitely, positively and absolutely. Sunday there is always a special meal to be made, as my husband comes home for his days off and I like to have a full on home cooked meal for him. I find that a sometimes difficult thing to achieve, even though I love cooking.
Today I did not sleep very late, so you would expect that would give more time to get “Stuff” done. First a cup of coffee and a handful of pills, then to a cheats breakfast of Cornflakes, a precious ($10/kilo)sliced banana, and a sliced strawberry, cold milk, all imbibed while sitting outside watching Kookaburras and bees herald spring (soon please?) in the gentle indirect sun…..there’s a rash coming somewhere on my body from that little indulgence.
Noooooooooope – no relaxing here ….today is Pharmacy Day…and hooray. Good News this morning. At LAST I have reached my prescription threshold., Instead of $280 – $300 a month on scripts I will now pay about $40 till the end of the year. I am now in a race to get them filled every 21 days at the reduced price till the end of the year, so I have a bit of a stash for next year.
A little teeny meander through Lincrafts and Riot looking at beads and findings, a teeny (I promise) purchase of more stock, then home.
To do……very damn little. I am TIRED, my joints hurt, my mouth is full of ulcers and my skin is red, blotchy and peeling and flaking. So I indulge myself (and the kitty) by brushing her for an hour…she is a Chinchilla and starting her spring moult. My hands and arms ache, but her purring is worth it. Let’s face it, MOST things make me ache or hurt SOMEWHERE. A long brush is for my sanity..those Kitty Bunnies breed like mad things and end up all over the house.
A long visit and Coffee with an expectant friend, a donation of 2 of my bracelets to her charity for lost and stillborn angels, and then home again to husband, who works HUGE and Long days, snoozing in his armchair whilst the TV blares on a Western Movie. No wonder Mum has retreated to her sitting room. BUT, bless him, he’s home safe and that matters.
So – my day is gone, I did Bugga all, and you know, I truly don’t care. I enjoyed it, and isn’t that what counts about days off.
Tomorrow I work, and my next day off is Thursday. I am sure I will manage to fill it with lots of nothing as well. Sometimes lots of nothing is actually a huge amount of work , because its healing time.
How do I feel today?
19 Aug 2011 5 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: diagnosis, doctors, fight, Immunology, lupus, MCTD, Sppecialists
I have a story to tell about why you need to constantly educate yourself about your disease, research it and document EVERYTHING! I started out trusting doctors and have since been totally let down by the Medical System.
I have spent the last 10 years knowing I had a positive lupus Antibody test in 2001 whilst experiencing possibly the worst flare on my life. I was swollen, sore, covered in rashes of all sorts, including in the scalp, and my face puffed up like a balloon, until I could no longer SEE through the slits that had become my eyes.
However, I changed GPs in 2006, and this was my Great Lupus Undoing.
Following my Heart Attack in 2006 the Cardiologist referred me to A Rheumatology Clinic at a Major Hospital in Brisbane. After Numerous visits, and only returning high ANAs, extreme Rheumatoid Factors, high C Reactive Protein readings and high Alkaline phosphatase readings, but no anti DS DNA, the Rheumatologist’s quote was “You have something Autoimmune happening but we don’t know what. Come back if you get sick”
Hello! I WAS sick.’
I was also losing feeling and control in my legs and arms. My GP referred me for testing and the Private Neurologist confirmed a Neuropathy. However the Rheumatologist had previously answered my inability to turn the car key, hold things, or open things with “You should see an Occupational Therapist”. This was for me the last straw. I KNEW how to use aids to make life easier. I wanted ANSWERS to both my neurological and All body disorder.
Following a series of episodes of blindness I was referred to a Neurologist at the same hospital. He was useless!! Ultimately given my fathers history I demanded a genetic test. This came back positive for hereditary Neuropathy with Pressure Palsies, meaning I have only the maternal copy of the pMp22 gene on Chromosome 17, so my body manufactures incomplete myelin, the protection on the the nerves. This causes progressive numbness and pressure damage in the nerves. SO, still no explanation for my other Neuro symptoms, blindness, balance problems,cognitive issues, white matter lesions on MRI etc.
I asked for a referral to an Immunologist as my problems were not being resolved, and it was obvious something was going on. I asked him for the results of the Gene testing. He of course had not read them. Once I asked the question it was a different story.
Finally from being considered a depressed menopausal hypochondriac I was taken seriously on the other matters.
I got copies of every blood test I had ever had, and gave them to the hospital. However no one even READ them.So I fed those to the Immunologist too.
Suddenly I now have a Re-diagnosis. Mixed Connective Tissue Disease. This is a Lupus like Disease with many shared feature of lupus, however without the proof of the Specific Lupus antibodies. He believes I have Lupus, but have not yet been lucky (??) enough to have the antibodies at time of blood tests.
SO how do I feel today?
Vindicated!! After years of steering people in the right direction, making sure they HAD the information to hand to assist in diagnosis, and Spoon Feeding them the information I am on TREATMENT!
I am not too pleased to be told I have Vasculitis, Sjorgrens Syndrome, and Reynauds Disease as secondary illnesses, and I shudder to think of the damage that has been done by lack of treatment previously, but now I can at least see a little light at the end of the tunnel.
I think the most frustrating things are:
Once a doctor, (Any doctor) says you do not have a certain disease it is the only thing they see.in your file and they fail to listen or investigate.
If you get a label as a hypochondriac, or research your own symptoms because they won’t you are again labelled.
I don’t know if my Immunologist was having a good day when I saw him last week, but if I had not once again asked him to LOOK at my bloods for the last 10 years, WITH all the Lupus/MCTD markers highlighted I would still be untreated.
Perseverance has finally paid off but it should NEVER have got to this Stage. The Medical Profession has a long, long way to go.
An Open letter to a Doctor/Specialist or Health Practitioner..an Oldie but new to my Blog
29 Jul 2011 2 Comments
Dear Doctor
I am dropping you a line to let you know a few things about me. I am not a nameless patient. I have LUPUS, but I am not LUPUS. I am an individual . Please do not roll your eyes and give me that “here we go again’ look. Try getting to know me. You might learn something.
Please do not give then take away my Lupus diagnosis without looking carefully at the history. One spotty young interns comments do not a diagnosis take away. Oh and NEVER say to a patient, “Well you have something Auto Immune going on but we don’t know what, come back if you feel worse.”.. SO do some investigations already..MORON. I have LUPUS.
Please do not trivialise my symptoms without investigating them. That WILL come back to bite you AND me in the arse..I have LUPUS, the Great Imitator.
Please do not poo poo my comments, opinions, and remarks. I HAVE been right, OFTEN! It WAS hereditary demyelinating Neuropathy with LUPUS CNS Involvement. Sometimes the informed patient DOES know better than the doctor. I have LUPUS but I have to research because YOU won’t.
Please do not presume I am making up my symptoms just because they are not present at examination. I AM keeping photos and a diary now!!! HA!! I have LUPUS..things come and go..
Please do not feel it is necessary to inflict maximum pain in a procedure like an EMG just because you can. The test results are the same with smaller currents. It measures the speed of transmission NOT the strength..you sadistic henna-ed frizzy headed hag. I really DID NOT enjoy having muscle spasms in my legs for the next 4 days. I have lodged a complaint. Oh and please learn some bedside manners. A smile WON’T crack your face. Oh and shave your pits or learn about d-e-o-d-o-r-a-n-t. I have LUPUS, I am NOT a lab rat.
Please take note of my comments about drawing blood. I’ve probably had more blood drawn than you’ve EVER seen you snotty nosed pimple faced geek. I have LUPUS you FOOL!
Please do not gloss over my questions or ignore them. I am a “need to know “person and I have the right to understand what you are are saying. I have LUPUS, if you don’t know about it I have to!
And Doc, If I present at your office and say I need help NOW, I am right..I am strong but I have LUPUS, I know my body, my disease and my capacity for recovery . I am not a NUT, a hypochondriac, a schizophrenic OR a fool. I have LUPUS.
In closing Doc, thanks for all anguish, the tears, the frustration, the self doubt and the grief. I have LUPUS. Listen, learn, educate, and support. It’s not hard.
Yours,
The Crazy Old Lupie who helps put your kids through private school and University.
Missing in Action on FaceBook …or are you just off getting a life? Not with Lupus unfortunately.
23 Jul 2011 4 Comments
When you don’t hear from a friend normally, you expect or believe they are busy, and will be around again soon.
With Lupus friends it’s quite the opposite. They could be in Hospital, or just travelling not so well, as I discovered recently.
It is always a shock to find out a friend is in hospital, or so badly affected by their Lupus they are incapable of posting on line.
Often with Lupus it is hard to find the energy to post, and keep your spirits up if you are feeling like Hell. Also remember Lupus affects family dynamics too and can cause that “Black Dog” of depression to bite hard.
Keep an eye on your friends, try to notice someone who is “missing”. They may have been admitted to Hospital, be having a Major Flare, having problems at home, or just be downright SAD.
So……………….what can you do?
Be there, and care! It’s not a huge thing to do.
What not to do however, can be a bit harder.
We ALL know how it is, we’ve all been there. They don’t want your sympathy, rather, they will be “Back” when they are able.
When someone is struggling, often the LAST thing they want is the world at large to know.
Don;’t bombard them with wall messages. Don’t put their personal stuff out there in Cyber World, it’s the equivalent of gossiping, and can be hurtful as well. If they wanted the World to know they would have taken out an advertisement.They will let you know or not, depending on how they feel, when they are ready. because, let’s face it, some of these Lupus People are Strangers to you, and you are a stranger to them.
Some however, are as close to your heart as Sisters, but you KNOW who they are, and can rally around them as much as you like.
Rest assured, unless you are a personal and close friend, your posts can be intrusive. Be a little sensitive too. There ARE people out there who DON’T want posts of the “God Bless you and heal you” type. Likewise the Get well Soon type of post.I’ve deleted a lot of people who feel because I have Lupus I am the same as them, or have the same beliefs.
With Lupus you don’t get well, just a little better, or if you are extra lucky, a remission.
Don’t bombard them with cures, remedies and treatments. If it worked our Doctors would DO IT. I’ve also deleted a lot of THOSE recentlly. Truly, does taking a bio balancing ionic salt cure Lupus. Get A GRIP.
Tact and diplomacy are all. Try and remember how you would feel about having your life at it’s worst out for all to see.
However, be ready to respond when they are “back”. It’s easy to tell. Their posts start to “sound” like them again, and it’s time to swing back in to action in that Wonderful World Wide Circle of Mystical Magical Lupus Friends.
THAT’S when you can change your Gentle Lupie Hugs and thoughts into great big Lupie Warrior Roarrrrr Fighter Bear Hugs………..
Inspirations
17 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: Debra Freeman-highberger, Kim Possible, Kristel Godspeed Correa, lupus, Tiffany Peterson
I have been fortunate enough lately to meet some of the most inspiring people, and to have them become part of my Lupus Life.
So I think it is time to introduce you to them.
Firstly, my saviour at a time I was in need. While searching for support for my sister Cathy, who also has Lupus, and far more severely than I have, I met Gail C., who introduced to me to The Lupus Association Queensland, and helped me create that Magical Mystery Group of Lupus Friends.
My next Insiration was The Editor, the lovely guy who started The Lupus Magazine, henceforth known as TLM, which I would wait up for on the first of every month, in order to DEVOUR the articles.
And THIS introduced me to my next Inspirational Lovees.
The TLM writers…WOW what a group of brave and dedicated people. And talented!! You won’t believe how talented these people are.
The Artist..who travelled half way around the world to meet LAQ and others. Her work is Stunning. And I had the pleasure of entertaining her for 3 days and nights. We toured and drove and took snaps and just oohed and aahed at scenery and aspects. Nights were easy. We collapsed in a Lupus Stupor..Stoopid Lupus. But in showing her my world, I saw it all again with fresh eyes.
The Pommie lass, a reet mint type of lady, with an amazing vocal talent and a skill in writing funny, poignant, and often downright crude articles, that unfortunately often provoked a back lash against her. Get over it people, she’s a dedicated Mum with the art of seeing life and people as it is, warts and all.
My Gymbastically challenged marshmallow sister, (an insider joke far too long to explain, although it is related to unfullfilled wishes and typographic errors), who sees humour and challenge in everything, and manages to juggle a daughter, cats,a racing walking frame, and who has a family who have the BEST sense of humour EVAH!!
Little Princess Tiff, who never fails to look gorgeous, and who twitters away for Lupus each and EVERY day.
Ms Nothing is Kim-Possible, who writes a Blog full of humour, and who joined me in “Suessing” more than once. Perhaps one day I may post a few “Suesses” when i feel more inspired.
Lady Crystal Charlatan Killer, with her unerring ability to oust a Charlatan with one Click, and who wears her wolf with humour and dignity, yet fights him every day.
Ms Pirate Queen, who at a very young age has suffered some of the worst indignities and ailments Lupus can throw at her, but still manages a hearty arr arr arr at Lupus, and who is slowly but surely getting HER life back, not allowing Lupus to conquer her.
My little red haired Circus Queen, who has in fact really run away to join the Circus, Lupus not withstanding, and is not allowing Lupus to interfere with her dream.
Far more numerous to mention is the World Wide Lupus Enclave, who come out to fight Lupus every day. They make me laugh, make me cry, and keep me sane.
Thanks Guys for everything. YOU know who you are.
When is Lupus NOT An Invisible Illness?
16 Jul 2011 2 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: lupus
When you work and juggle Lupus and Coronary Disease with a Genetic Neuropathy , Lupus ceases to be an Invisible Illness. There are many times I cannot hide my Lupus away and just get on with the job.
I have been employed in my current job since late 2006, following a major heart attack, and the progression since then has been insidious and increasingly visible. From staggering on the stairs, to losing the plot, to looking like hell, to falling asleep at my desk, it’s all been on the agenda.
I’ve previously managed sales figures, written company publications, balanced stock and ledgers, designed macro spreadsheets, juggled team dynamics, controlled debtors ledgers, and processed payments for thousands of stock items on a monthly basis. However as my Lupus progresses, I can no longer do these things. My cognitive abilities have decreased and I think I’ve probably lost at least 20 IQ points in the last 2 years. However I have gained a great job with a great employer ready to give me the boost I need.
I‘ve been fortunate to have my Employer tailor my current job to my physical limitations.. As a Rehabilitation Return to Work Coordinator, and a Workplace Safety Officer, I can use my people skills, and my medical background to the utmost, AND self pace my work load. And they’ve given me a three day week, which allows me to juggle those Clinic Appointments or just those “Lupie” can’t get out of bed days.
The joys of going to work knowing that if you are not up to par there are no deadlines to meet, is a tremendous help. However, I think my Employers are Saints. They’ve put up with so much and seen so much I think they know as much about the physical manifestations of Lupus as I do!
Going to work whilst having most unattractive rashes is not a great boost to your ego, and I appreciate that they hide me away in an office away from public view – well not really, but it’s nice to not be in public view when you are sitting at a desk (under fluorescent lighting) wearing a baseball cap and trying desperately not to cry your eyes out because you can’t remember the word/phrase/slogan you want to put on your latest Safety Poster ,or the correct terminology on a Plant Hazard Assessment.
Then there’s the fumbles…when you land your coffee/lunch/other on your uniform and walk around with odd blotches and stains all day, looking for all the world like a walking bag lady. This dropsy also applies to pens, rulers, sheets of paper, paper clips, scissors and general stationery.
And don’t get me started on memory – try the Confidential File you can’t find because you’ve already filed it and forgotten you did, or worse, forgotten WHERE? Or knowing you had something planned for today…and forgot to write it in your diary. My best friend is the calendar in my email. And I have never found the scissors I took to the storeroom in August 2010. Or in fact the tape dispenser that went with it!
The Staggers also play a prime role in my job, my office is up one flight of stairs inside a rather large and draughty shed full of vehicles, equipment, tanks and asphalting kit. I can risk assess a Flocon Truck or an Excavator, but can’t walk from here to there without wobbling, nearly tripping or otherwise endangering my poor body with bumps, scrapes and tumbles. And don’t let’s talk about stairs…when you can’t feel your feet, they can be more hazardous than walking a tight rope. I cling like death to both hand rails and shuffle off the landing until I am safely in my office, only to trip on a piece of nothing in front of my desk.
Lupus makes you TOUGH. I fell over forklift tines in January of last year. Two teeth knocked out, a broken wrist, split face,grazed knee, sprained ankle, and shoulder Impingement , but I was back at work the next day. However whilst completing the paperwork at The Emergency Department I was asked my position. When I lisped through my split Lip “Workplace Safety Officer and Return to Work Rehabilitation Coordinator” the ED Clerk burst out laughing, as did the Intern behind her eying off the nasty (but subsequently well done) suture job coming up.
Lupus shows it’s face at my job everyday, but you know, I have a job, I love my job, and I’ll be damned if I don’t smack it down every time it dares show itself. I will work as long as I can, and I will enjoy every moment, because I take Lupus to work every day, but I’ll be damned if I’ll let it rule my job.
