I Won't Let It Stop Me

Enrike Grageda, Buckner Mansion, New Orleans

There are reasons you come up with in your head to not do something and talk yourself out of situations. You really want to take the next step forward, but you hold yourself back. Not only do I do this, but now health issues have become a problem. I started to notice that every morning I would wake up stiff and my joints would cause me a great deal of pain. After months of dealing with this I decided to see a doctor. They said they had something in mind, but they didn't want to jump to conclusions without blood tests. Well sure enough they came back with bad news that would change how I would live the rest of my life. In July of 2015 I was diagnosed with Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis. My mom has the same condition so I know the battle I could possibly be facing in the future. I'm not sure many know about this auto-immune disease, but it's horrible. You don't know when or how bad your flare up will be. There is also no telling how long it'll last. Lupus does damage to the major organs like your kidneys, lungs, and heart. It also targets things like your hair, mouth, and skin which can change your feelings about your appearance. You want to make sure you are eating the right things and canceling out certain foods from your diet. You have to protect your skin, especially in the sun. This disease brings on fatigue, depression, anxiety, and also a higher risk of diabetes. I haven't even mentioned the fact that weekly, sometimes daily, you have to take a lot of medicine. Living with Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis is very difficult. I don't let this disease stop me. I still go out and do all of the same things I love while I still can. I continue to go on adventures and live life out in the sun. One day my luck will run out and my symptoms will get worse. I don't think at this point that it is very noticeable to anyone that I am battling this disease on the inside. I dream to build an audience, become an amazing blogger, and also be successful when I get my degree in advertising. I won't let this disease stop me. For those who are taking the time to read my blog I want to thank you and hope you will continue to follow along. I also want to encourage you to live your life and do what makes you happy.

"There are seven days in a week and 'Someday' isn't one of them."

Love,

Enrike