Help Gladys Fight Systemic Lupus and Hip Operation For Avascular Necrosis

It has been a year and a month since I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus (SLE). It was a shock since I am a health conscious.

Last January 2016, the symptoms started appearing to be just simple sicknesses. It started with muscle cramps to which I was first diagnosed with high uric acid. Not so long after this, I was given medication because of too many sores in my mouth. Just when my mouth sores started to heal, I was diagnosed with anemia. From then on, it has been in and off.

One time, blood analysis has gone too low that I was taken to the ER. With tests ran down, I was confirmed to have SLE.

Since then, I am taking medications and had been undergoing laboratory tests monthly and especially during some flares.

It was really a big bump in my life that started even before my son turned two years old.

My husband and I had a lot of plans before, but my illness took it all. Most of our savings were spent only for my medication.

Also, I cannot spend my whole time in raising my son because of many health restrictions.

Since then, every day became fearfully unpredictable, knowing that my illness will be with me for a lifetime.

Even so, I was trying to be optimistic for my family especially my son, and tried to maintain a normal life by keeping my day job, I am a professional working in a technology and engineering company.

However, another pain hit me last April, just right after my son turned three.

I underwent MRI and was diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis on both hips and was advised to undergo an operation as soon as possible.

The surgeon said it would create further complications and might lead to hip replacement of not taken cared of.

It was very devastating.

Again, I am trying to be hopeful that the operation will go well despite the challenges in our finances since we're almost drained from my medications alone.

My doctor said I have always had high pain tolerance that I make it through aggressive flares with a smile.

I know I can take the pain. What pains me is the fact that I will never be a normal mom to my son because of my illness.

I am praying that inspite of this, I will be able to overcome my Avascular Necrosis. I wish that I will be able to walk my son to school someday, as simple as it may seem, and it might not be very soon, but I am praying that this chance won't be taken away from me as well.