Irene Driedger

My husband and I have lived in Clavet (11 miles east of Saskatoon) for the last 20 plus years. Our son is married with three children, they also live in Clavet. So we are very fortunate to see them every day. My Lupus story goes back to when I was 18 years old. I started bruising all over. The bloodwork indicated extreme low platelet count, I was admitted to the hospital and the diagnosis was leukemia.

Through further testing, etc., that diagnosis was ruled out and more testing began. It took seven years before the correct diagnosis of S.L.E. During my late 20's the lupus became very active, affecting all the organs. The liver is one with permanent damage and it is a toss-up whether my heart condition is caused by the lupus or is just here on it's own. Since that time my list of diagnosis has grown: antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, secondary Sjogren's syndrome, supia ventricular tachycardia, FMS, Raynaud's, chronic sinusitis.

I do have a very good team of doctors and specialists that work well with my physiotherapist and massage therapist. The dry eyes from the Sjorgren's has been helped immensely by the insertion of punctum plugs in my tear ducts.

I usually have 2-3 flare ups per year. I did have to retire from my career six years ago due to my health condition. But having three grandchildren to keep me company surely helped having to stay at home.

I am on numerous medications and vitamins, but also walk daily and work with a stretching and strengthening exercise program.

Not once throughout my whole history of lupus have I had the butterfly face rash. I am sensitive to the sun, get the water blisters on my hands and toes but nothing on my face (important to note as I have heard some people say their condition cannot be lupus as they have not had the rash, well my bloodwork every six months confirms that my lupus is always active. So the rash is not a must on a diagnosis of lupus.)