Fighting Lupus: An Internal Battle

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to spend time with an amazing friend of mine who battles lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease. Despite knowing about her condition for some time, it wasn't until then that I truly understood the extent of its impact. Witnessing it firsthand was eye-opening. While many people can freely enjoy the sunshine, she faces significant challenges with it. Unfortunately, spending too much time outdoors proved to be too much for her, leaving her ill for the following days. Moreover, she shared that she often wakes up to excruciating skin sensitivity, which adds to her daily struggle.

During our conversations, she shed light on the multiple symptoms she experiences due to lupus. Muscle soreness is a constant companion, making even simple movements painful and challenging. Water retention is another thing mentioned, leaving her bloated too often. Additionally, she battles anemia, which leaves her feeling weak and fatigued. The fatigue is unlike anything most people can comprehend, as it is prolonged and extreme, frequently leaving her bedridden for days. It's heartbreaking to witness her being hindered by the limitations imposed by this condition.

As if the pain, fatigue, and anemia weren't enough, she also mentioned the distressing issue of rashes and open sores. Lupus often manifests in the form of skin rashes, causing further discomfort and self-consciousness. These rashes can appear anywhere on her body, ranging from mild irritation to painful, inflamed patches. Seeing someone that you care about battle both physical and emotional pain as she navigates the challenges of lupus is disheartening.

Spending quality time with her allowed me to gain a profound understanding of the myriad challenges lupus imposes on her life. It highlighted the importance of empathy and support for individuals fighting this condition. Witnessing the toll it takes on her well-being, including muscle soreness, anemia, extreme fatigue, rashes and liver problems, has further inspired me to educate myself about lupus and become an advocate for raising awareness. Together, we can work towards a more inclusive and accommodating society that recognizes the struggles faced by those living with lupus and offers them the support they truly deserve.

Being with her has taught me some things. It is a powerful reminder that we never truly know what someone else is dealing with behind closed doors. Like many other invisible illnesses, Lupus doesn't outwardly reveal the immense pain and challenges it inflicts on its sufferers. It serves as a humbling reminder that we should always approach others with empathy and compassion, for we never truly know the battles they face.

I'm excited to share some of the modeling images we've created together over the past couple of years. Maren is truly amazing, and I'm eagerly anticipating our future endeavors. While she has struggled with self-confidence in the past, we've made significant progress in that regard. Together, we will continue our fight to raise awareness for Lupus sufferers and shed light on the challenges of depression. Keep an eye out for what we do next.

Thanks - Mic
www.offbeatimagry.com