My
Life, My Story, My Journey with LUPUS
My name is Kelli Black-King originally from Spartanburg,
SC, but now I reside in Richmond, VA. I am a 34 years old wife to a wonderful
husband, a mother of two phenomenal boys, a daughter of great parents, a sister
that would give me the world and a friend to people that treat me like family! I
have lupus.
My Journey: It all began in the summer of
2007, with a fun family trip to the beach. I didn’t realize that my life would
change that day. We spent all day at the beach enjoying the sun, water, and
each other. As the days went on I noticed a rash developing on my arm. I
thought it was something I had eaten. I tried the topical creams and it did
nothing, so to the doctor I went. He gave me steroids when he realizes the
topical cream wasn’t working either. The steroids work until it was time to
stop taking them. I went to a dermatologist to find out that I was allergic to
the sun (photosensitivity). Great! I was starting to experience some joint
pain, but nothing that was alarming. I just couldn’t get a grip on this rash. I
went to my doctor after having a talk with God and asking my doctor to check me
for lupus. Lupus was not new to me. My aunt had lupus, so I was very familiar
with lupus. I didn’t really understand at first all she was going through until
I got older. She developed lupus nephritis (kidney) and God called her home
Dec. 2000. I love her and was able to spend time with her before she left to
become my “Guardian Angel”.
My doctor did not hesitate to check me
for lupus and my sedimentary rate (sed rate) came back elevated and he refer me
to a rheumatologist. During this time I have a cardiac catheterization and
chronic migraines. I did not have a good experience with this rheumatologist.
My blood work stayed abnormal, yet he told me there was nothing work with me
and come back when I had new symptoms. I did and he wanted to start all over
again. Needless to say, I found someone else and I love him. He saved my life. He
was very detail. He taught me believe that there are good doctors out there and
to not settle for anything less. I was formally diagnosed on Jan. 21, 2011.
That’s my lupie birthday. I am two years diagnosed and three years progressive.
So, total 5 years battling.
Yes, I see a
rheumatologist, cardiologist, neurologist, and gynecologist! Yes, I take a lot
of medicine. Yes, I take chemo shots once a week. Yes, I take infusions every 4
weeks. Yes, I’m ALIVE! Yes, my story could go on and on. Yes, I have cried. Yes,
I have screamed and cursed! Yes, I have laughed. I will not give up. I will
keep fighting.
I am what lupus
looks like and I am BEAUTIFUL!
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