Here is Angela’s story.

Lupus SLE is an autoimmune disease that basically attacks its own body tissue. It is like having an overactive immune system. Immunosuppressive drugs are usually what stops lupus from progressing. Lupus can also attack major body organs such as the heart, kidneys, liver, joints, and just about anywhere in the body. I was not aware of this debilitating disease until I was diagnosed with it in 2004. Most people with lupus are often misdiagnosed because lupus can mask itself, causing it to appear like many other illnesses. As my battle with lupus progressed, it was clearly evident that my life would never be the same.

Every part of my body was in complete agony. All my joints ached and I had inflammation throughout my entire body causing pain everywhere. The worst part of it was trying to deal with the intense pain. There was no pain medicine that could take the pain away. It made giving birth seem like a day in the park. I remember putting a towel in my mouth while screaming in pain in my bedroom, so that my kids wouldn’t hear me cry. The worst part of struggling with this disease, was watching the effect this had on my children. I tried so hard to hide my pain from them, but they knew exactly what was going on. I could see the fear in their face, and the pain in their eyes. It was killing me. I struggled in pain when I walked and had constant pain in my kidneys, but by the grace of God, my kidneys were never damaged. The lupus was out of control, forcing me to leave my job, because of this debilitating disease.

This went on for about 2 years, and at this point, my body stopped responding to the traditional treatment plan of chemotherapy, prednisone, and antimalaria medication so my doctor referred me to Boston for an experimental infusion therapy. This was an immunosuppressive drug (chemo) that seemed to bring hope in lupus patients that were not responding to traditional medicine. It took six long months of screening at the Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Ma. My blood was taken regularly to monitor the high levels of lupus activity. I was a great candidate for this program because of the poor conditions of my health.

Throughout my suffering, I never asked God “Why me?”. Instead, I would ask God what was he trying to teach me, and how could I become a faster learner because the pain was excruciating. I was stubborn and kept trying to control my illness. I ignored the signals in my body, and would try to taper off the prednisone because I hated how this drug affected me. This caused havoc and more harm to my body, pushing me further away from remission and God. I would bravely say that God allowed me to have lupus and that He is in control of this disease, as I continued to take back control of my life. As time went on, I started to see how God was working in my life through my sickness. I experienced many different breakthroughs during this journey of pain, as God began to heal me in many different areas in my life. There is no way that you can battle something as big as lupus, and not know God exists. I was alone, afraid, and broken, which is the best place to be when God is at work in you. I repented, and this time, I completely surrendered the lupus back to God.

It was just three days before I was to start the immunosuppressive experimental infusion therapy when I heard God’s voice telling me to trust him and that He was in control of the lupus. I decided to back out of the experimental program at Tufts, and put my trust in God. I went into remission once I made that decision, and it took me another two years to taper down off the prednisone and methotrexate (chemo). This experience taught me a lot about patience and endurance, and I still have a lot more to learn. I am not on any of that medicine anymore, and have remained in remission these past three years. My Rheumatologist was blown away because there have been no traces of lupus activity in my blood work for the past three years. My doctor states that my condition is remarkable. I know this is the hand of God in my life.

I learned a lot about Lupus through researching the internet and books. Most people, 80-90% of lupus patients will live a normal life span. There are different degrees of lupus and the intensity varies, there are some with mild but debilitating lupus, moderate cases and some with severe lupus, which is more difficult to control and treat effectively. A severe flare-up can be life threatening, which is why this disease is taking very seriously. However, the majority of people living with lupus can live a normal lifespan without complications.

Because of how God restored my life, I am committed to helping others who suffer from chronic illnesses or other diseases. I joined the Care Ministry in my church, and coordinated helping others who suffer from illness and are home bound. I have continued to volunteer for many different causes and non-profit agencies, which as a result, led me to go back to college to pursue a degree in Psychology. I look forward to my future and know that God’s plan for my life is far greater than my original plans.

I am grateful for all of the struggles that I have had as a result of being sick with lupus, because it made me the person that I am today. We don’t know why God allows people to suffer, but I know God is always working in the midst of it all, and in the lives of those around us for his greater purpose. I will continue my journey in helping others combat their chronic illnesses, and do whatever I can to make a difference in the lives of all who suffer.