Lupus Foundation of America Greater Ohio Chapter Logo
GREATER OHIO CHAPTER

Toll Free: 1 (888) NO-LUPUS
Phone: (440) 717-0183

Help Us Solve The Cruel MysteryTM

Donate To The Ohio Chapter

PATIENT STORIES

Natalie’s Voice

My name is Natalie, and I have had lupus for about 20 years. Through no genetic correlations, over the years I have developed type 1 insulin resistant diabetes, Hashimoto’s thyroid disease, gastroparesis, nerve damage, fibromyalgia, gallbladder issues, and heart conditions requiring a pacemaker, along with other miscellaneous malfunctions as I like to call them…I am not the average 30-year-old; most do not understand my daily struggles or fears of not being able to wake up one day. It is a hard and lonely path for those with “invisible” illnesses. A cure feels unlikely after all these years and I begin to question how functional I will be in the next 10. We shouldn’t have to feel this way though. We need answers and we need hope to sustain us in our journeys. We need good medical care and insurance that doesn’t require a fight at every step. Not every day will be easy, but every day shouldn’t have to be this hard. On the outside all seems well, but on the inside, I fight every day to appear healthy and get through the day so that I can get through the next.

Want to share your story?

Your stories are what help bring comfort, empowerment, understanding and light to others who may also be suffering. If you have a story you would like to share, please send in your story to us our story form.

Discover Other Patient Stories


Tim’s Story

Tim’s Story

My lupus story started well before I was officially diagnosed in May of 2013 at 32 years old. I was suffering from joint pain and couldn't understand why, at such a...

read more
Ashley’s Fight

Ashley’s Fight

My journey actually started at 16 when I was diagnosed with Raynaud's disease. I wasn't diagnosed with lupus until age 21. Since then, it has been an up and down...

read more
Skip to content