My name is Samantha & I live in Orange County, California. I have been chronically ill for the past 4 years and my passion is to talk about my experiences and journey in order to help other people with theirs. I have 2 genetic mutations, 5 autoimmune diseases, and a plethora of other health problems that prevent me from living a normal life. My diagnoses are: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Antiphospholipid Syndrome, Hashimoto’s, Interstitial Cystitis, CTLA4 genetic mutation, f12 genetic mutation, Raynaud’s, chronic UTI’s & pyelonephritis, PCOS, and Iron Deficient Anemia. Since a lot of these aren’t very common, I hope to provide insight into what life looks like living with these debilitating diseases and the symptoms that come with them.
I am in a program at my hospital called the Extensivist Program. It is for patients with rare and complex medical conditions who are hospitalized frequently. It is to decrease hospitalizations, do same day appointments, and have a specialized treatment plan including specific specialist referrals. It has absolutely changed my life and I am so blessed to be in this program! I have 10 specialists that all work together to coordinate my care plan. I also get care at the Mayo Clinic.
I am on multiple treatments ranging from shots, pills, diets, physical therapy, East/West medicine….the list goes on and on. Recently, they found an overall connective tissue disease diagnosis for me and are starting treatment for it. It was what we thought from the beginning: Lupus (SLE). This terrible disease has run a muck in my body and it is finally time to put the fire out so I can get back to living my life! Currently, I am stuck living homebound and even bed-bound most days. My symptoms vary in type and severity constantly and it’s exhausting managing so many difficult symptoms and side effects. This is going to be a huge journey with Lupus, but I am ready to conquer it and take you guys along with me!
I don’t know what brought you to my blog, but I hope you find encouragement, knowledge, and hope.
THE UNDIAGNOSED 
You are so strong. I know you will get better. Prayers are with you.
Warmest regards
Linda
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Thank you SO much Linda! It’s awesome to hear from you, thanks for following! Hope you are healthy and well.
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So proud of you Sam!
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Love you, Yas!
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Love you, Sam!!
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What a great idea that you share your story in a blog. I hope you are able to connect with a lot of people who can both add insight and support in your journey. So proud of you Sam!
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Hi. I very randomly came across your blog and this was the first one I chose to read.. I have two autoimmune diseases, one being SLE. I’ve only recently been diagnosed and still figuring it out bit by bit. I can’t begin to imagine the strength you have for what you’re going through and I admire every bit of it. Thank you for putting yourself out there, more strength and courage to you. Really wanted to drop this in, especially after reading the last line of this blog 🙂 really needed that. Warm regards 🙂
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I’m so glad I could provide some hope and light for you. I’m so sorry you’re going through a lot. I am sending you all the good thoughts I have. Lupus warrior💜💪🏼🦋
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Hi Sam, I was reading your story and my heart goes out to you. I also have lupus and was diagnosed in 2007. I went septic in 2018 which affected my kidneys and my digestive system. To this day I struggle. You are an inspiration and thank you for sharing your story, your life struggles. I had a lump in my throat for hours and tears just fell from my eyes. I hope you can get better as much as you can. You’re a beautiful young woman and will always think of you. I wish you all the best.
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Oh my goodness. Thank you so much for being so kind. I’m glad we connected on Chord too. So I’m able to see some of your life! 💜 I’m so sorry you struggle w similar problems. It’s so hard. Thank you for all your support.
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