I am a physical therapist, and I spent years learning to help others understand pain, movement, and healing. But when it came to my own body, the signs were easy to minimize. I was tired in a way that sleep did not fix. My joints ached. I had swelling that came and went. I dealt with skin changes and fevers that didn’t make sense. I knew something was wrong, but like so many people with lupus, I was initially misdiagnosed for years.
That part matters.
Lupus is not always loud at the beginning. Sometimes it whispers. Sometimes it disguises itself as stress, overwork, inflammation, or something “minor” that can wait. In my case, those whispers became a pattern long before I had the word "lupus" attached to them. Looking back, I can see how clearly my body was asking for help.
As a physical therapist, I understand how the body compensates. I understand how pain can travel, how inflammation affects movement, and how symptoms can show up in ways that seem unrelated at first. But even with that knowledge, it was still frustrating to live through a season of being unheard and unseen. When you know something is off in your body, and the answers keep missing the mark, it can wear you down emotionally as much as physically.
That is why lupus awareness is so personal to me.
Fatigue, joint pain or swelling, skin rashes, and fevers can all be signs of lupus. These symptoms may come and go. They may appear different from person to person. And because they can overlap with other conditions, they are sometimes dismissed or misunderstood. But early recognition can make a real difference. The sooner lupus is considered, the sooner someone can begin the journey toward proper care, support, and treatment.
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| Photo: Toni, a Physical Therapist, seen here hospitalized during a Lupus Flare |
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| Photo: Getting back into shape after the first 5-months of hospitalization for pneumonia, acute renal failure, and a Lupus flare |
I share my story because I know I am not alone. There are so many people — especially women — who are living through symptoms that do not yet have a name. There are so many who are exhausted from having to advocate for themselves again and again. If that is you, I want you to know this: your body is not betraying you. It is communicating with you.
And if you are someone who loves or supports a person with lupus, your awareness matters too. Listening, believing, and learning are powerful acts of care.
This Lupus Awareness Month, I’m honoring the long road to answers and the strength it took to keep going. I’m also honoring every person still searching for them.
If you want to learn more, visit @LupusResearchAlliance and help educate your community: https://bit.ly/LAM2026LI
Awareness can change timelines. It can change outcomes. And sometimes, it can change a life.
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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and is not medical advice. Consult with a healthcare provider or physical therapist before starting any new exercise routine.