I am Paula Garrett, a Lupus Warrior. I am a mother, a daughter, a sister, Tee Tee, Teetaboo, Nonni, and a friend. My story begins in Lansing, Michigan, where I was born and raised. I was officially diagnosed with Lupus on February 2, 2000. Unofficially, my doctors believe I have had lupus since I was about 12 or 13 years old. This explained so much growing up.
There were moments of sluggishness, irritability, fatigue, and restlessness on top of what you live through during puberty. This also explains why I always had a rash all over my body that would often turn into blisters, causing a great deal of pain. I was told I must have gotten into something while hanging with the kids at school. Back then, no one knew why this was happening. This explains why I had difficult births with all three of my beautiful babies. They were all born 6 -9 weeks premature.
A diagnosis of Lupus. Does this mean I’m going to die? How do I explain the disease to my kids? How do I live? Can I continue to work? I don’t remember much after my doctor told me I had lupus. I do remember the provider saying, “Know your body and know Lupus.” With that in hand, I headed to the library to learn everything I could. When I was diagnosed, there was no internet or YouTube to help with understanding the disease. There were no vlogs, blogs, or podcasts with people discussing lupus as we do now. During the first five to ten years of my diagnosis, it seemed as if I were a guinea pig. The trial of medications, lab tests, and diagnostic studies needed to keep me healthy and treat me was tiring. I had multiple hospital stays back-to-back.
Like many other Lupus warriors, I have suffered many health crises, multiple surgeries, pleurisy, IBS, fibromyalgia, diabetes, strokes, eye issues, pancreatitis, and, most recently, breast cancer. There are so many illnesses that are normal for most, but for me, as a Lupi could send me to the hospital for a lengthy stay. A simple sinus or upper respiratory infection can often turn into a hospital stay if not treated properly.
February 2, 2022, I suffered a series of mini strokes brought on by a Lupus flare and elevated blood pressure. The day-to-day challenges of managing SLE or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus have kept me researching treatments, medications, and even naturopathic remedies to aid in providing me a better quality of life.
Fitness has been my savior. Becoming a committed dance fitness instructor, along with weight training, has helped to channel the overwhelming frustrations of living with Lupus. Advocating is a priority for me. This is a journey I could not do alone. I am grateful for my family who supports me and for becoming a member of Gamma Pi Rho Lupus Sorority Incorporated. It has been a life-changing experience. Having a sisterhood that understands and recognizes the race we run has brought a smile to my face many days. Awareness is wealth.
My three greatest blessings came in the form of my amazing children, Michael, Brittanni, and Kyila-Starr. They are my pride and joy, along with my gorgeous grandbabies, Ma’Layia, Mehki, Maxton, Jaxon, and Skyler. My family has been a constant support. I could not be where I am without them. My WonderTwin, Monica Albert, her husband Roderick, and my niece Evani. and my nephews, Alexander, Orlando, and Sekani.