So far....

So far my problems consist of:
-Vaginal ulcerations & oral ulcerations (see mouth ulcer photo at the bottom of this page)
-Nasal & pharynx lesions ( see throat lesion photo at the bottom of the page)
-Skin lesions on my torso
-Severe weight loss, regardless of steroid treatment
-Kidney involvement (seeing urologist & getting CT/MRI next week)
-Eye inflammation and eye lesions, causing ocular migraines, burning and loss of vision temporarily
-Fever spikes of 102 degrees (is the norm, has gotten higher), not relieved by tylenol
-Arthritis in my knees, elbows and wrists
-Intestinal lesions causing stomach pain, swelling and bowel problems
-Nerve pain in one spot on the left of my spine, causing right sided facial numbness
Oh and I was told to increase my intake of natural antioxidants, example: blueberries, pistachios, raspberries, pomegranate juice, etc, BUT when I eat any of those, my face swells up. I mean, swells up. I end up looking like a bad face lift/botox case. So, my antioxidant intake now consists of 2 large greek olives stuffed with a whole garlic glove and green tea. WOO HOO!
The pain is sometimes so severe, that a simple blood draw or bump on the hand causes me to drop to my knees screaming in excruciating pain. (My doctor has witnessed this happening after a blood draw) The lesions in my nose and on my pharynx have gotten to the point recently, that I can not talk, swallow and sometimes even breathing is a challenge. The doctors are now concerned that my renal involvement is far more serious than thought before. Although I feel like I have stones or a kidney infection, my blood tests and u/a's show no infection, but that I am passing large amounts of red blood cells, so many infact, that my urine should be pure blood. My white counts remain around 20,000, while my red count is fading quickly down around 100. 5 medications, multiple vitamins & supplements, changes in my diet, as much rest as possible, and still not a perfect balance.
I am no longer validating myself to the people around me. The people who love and support me, read this, they do research, they know that what I am going through, is THAT bad. I am strong, I'm a fighter and I'll get through it. Although this disease is not curable, and at most times, not treatable, it can be manageable. I will never be the way I was, but over time, I can become who I will be. It will just take time.