Tsharna Bernard
Tsharna Bernard
Fundraising for LUPUS UK
Story
Hi All,
My name is T'Sharna. I am 22 and have Lupus.
I was diagnosed with SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematous) in June 2014. Systemic Lupus
is an autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body. Lupus attacks the body’s cells and tissue causing inflammation to the joints and major
organs. Lupus can also affect the skin and blood cells, causing Raynaud’s Phenomemon - which I also suffer from causing a loss of circulation in my fingers and toes.
My symptoms started roughly about a year or so before I was diagnosed. I would wake up in the morning and ache all over, resulting in me not being able to get out of bed. My knees and fingers would swell and cause me loads of pain - I thought this was because I
took part in cheerleading. In March 2014 I woke up and was unable to straighten or bend my right arm (I still don't have full flexibility in my arm) which lead to countless trips to the doctors and A&E - blood tests, x-rays and loads of medicines and pain killers as it was unsure what the problem was. Eventually the blood tests showed that I had Lupus.
Late August last year, after starting a new medication. I was admitted to hospital due to constant chest pain and being unable to breathe - I had inflammation of the lining of the heart and lungs. I was prescribed with the steroid prednisolone to reduce the inflammation and I
still currently take this.
I now take medications everyday just so I am able to live a 'normal' life. Every day with Lupus is different. I can be fine one day and bad the next. I have to prioritize and do things on my good days because a Lupus flare up is unpredictable.
To many people Lupus is an 'invisible illness' and people often tell me "I am fine" because "I look fine" or "I don't look unwell". This is not the case. Having Lupus is both physically and mentally challenging and draining because of the constant tiredness, the pain and having to adapt to all the changes and side effects of medications.
At times having Lupus gets me down, but I try to
stay positive. My family have been my rock throughout this journey so far.
I would like to raise money and awareness for
Lupus UK by running the 5K Big Fun Run. This will be a huge challenge for me as at times I find it difficult to walk. But I am a fighter. I can and will do this.
There is no cure for SLE but I will not let Lupus beat me. I am a Lupus Warrior.
Thanking
you all for your support
Thank
you for taking the time to look at JustGiving page
X
My name is T'Sharna. I am 22 and have Lupus.
I was diagnosed with SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematous) in June 2014. Systemic Lupus
is an autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body. Lupus attacks the body’s cells and tissue causing inflammation to the joints and major
organs. Lupus can also affect the skin and blood cells, causing Raynaud’s Phenomemon - which I also suffer from causing a loss of circulation in my fingers and toes.
My symptoms started roughly about a year or so before I was diagnosed. I would wake up in the morning and ache all over, resulting in me not being able to get out of bed. My knees and fingers would swell and cause me loads of pain - I thought this was because I
took part in cheerleading. In March 2014 I woke up and was unable to straighten or bend my right arm (I still don't have full flexibility in my arm) which lead to countless trips to the doctors and A&E - blood tests, x-rays and loads of medicines and pain killers as it was unsure what the problem was. Eventually the blood tests showed that I had Lupus.
Late August last year, after starting a new medication. I was admitted to hospital due to constant chest pain and being unable to breathe - I had inflammation of the lining of the heart and lungs. I was prescribed with the steroid prednisolone to reduce the inflammation and I
still currently take this.
I now take medications everyday just so I am able to live a 'normal' life. Every day with Lupus is different. I can be fine one day and bad the next. I have to prioritize and do things on my good days because a Lupus flare up is unpredictable.
To many people Lupus is an 'invisible illness' and people often tell me "I am fine" because "I look fine" or "I don't look unwell". This is not the case. Having Lupus is both physically and mentally challenging and draining because of the constant tiredness, the pain and having to adapt to all the changes and side effects of medications.
At times having Lupus gets me down, but I try to
stay positive. My family have been my rock throughout this journey so far.
I would like to raise money and awareness for
Lupus UK by running the 5K Big Fun Run. This will be a huge challenge for me as at times I find it difficult to walk. But I am a fighter. I can and will do this.
There is no cure for SLE but I will not let Lupus beat me. I am a Lupus Warrior.
Thanking
you all for your support
Thank
you for taking the time to look at JustGiving page
X