I was diagnosed with SLE( Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) when I was eighteen years old. I broke out in a butterfly rash on my nose and what looked like little bumps all over my hand. It took five different doctors and a lot of test that were uncalled for when they found out that I did in fact have SLE. Some of the test included a lot of bloodwork and a biopsy of one of the bumps on my hands. I was sent to a dermatologist, my primary care and finally a rheumatologist before being diagnosed. I went through a lot of emotions during this time including fear, anger and frustation. At the time of the diagnosis I was uncertain of everything that having SLE entailed. Thankfully my parents being as supportive as they were help me with research and doctors appointments. My SLE stayed under control until I was about twenty-two years old and I gave birth to my first daughter. Toward the end of my pregnancy my blood pressure skyrocketed and my kidneys became less and less productive. About a year and a half later I had full blown Lupus Nephritis, which means that my Lupus was attacking my kidneys. I gained about seventy-five pounds in water weight and had to be admitted into the hospital.  I underwent about fourteen months of oral chemotherapy and high doses of steroids. The adjustments that I have had to make due to my Lupus are an overall better lifestyle. I really have to watch what I eat and how much I exert myself and try to stay as far away from people who are sick as I can . The hardest adjustment I made was not being able to really keep up with my two-year-old daughter for about two years. Thankfully my parents, husband and family have been here from the beginning and I know what I need to do in order to keep my Lupus in remission. I am currently on the road to recovery and in full remission. I am very happy to be able to write this biography and be well enough to help educate and support others that have SLE.