Once upon a time, not so very long ago, I was a perfectly normal, fully functioning human being.  I could use my brain on command, exercise when required and enjoy late nights and long walks at a moment’s notice.  I could even walk out into the sunshine without fearing for my life.

Then, one day, my immune system decided it no longer wanted to play ball. Instead of doing the job it was assigned (fighting off germs and keeping me safe), it decided it would be far more fun to ignore invading viruses and attack me instead.  I know, charming isn’t it.

So here I am.  No longer a fully functioning or particularly normal human.  My brain is now underused and slightly mushy; exercise is limited to gentle stretching and school runs.  Late nights are most definitely a distant and hazy memory.  In short,  I lead the life of a geriatric sloth.

So that brings me to this blog, and why I’m writing it.

First up, to do my bit and help spread the word.  Lupus (SLE) is an incredibly complex, relatively unknown and often misunderstood disease, yet it affects millions of people around the world.  My long-term plan?  Increased awareness + more donations + extra research = a cure.  Oh, I do love a slightly unrealistic goal!

Altruistic motivations aside, I started this blog because I love to write.  It makes me happy and soothes my soul.  Back in the day (when my brain was fully alert) I actually made a pretty good living from using words.  Hell, I even published a book, albeit an incredibly boring one that I’d only ever recommend to desperate insomniacs.

Over the last few years, Lupus has cost me dearly.  It has limited my options, stolen my energy and cost me precious time with my husband and children.  It also stopped me writing.  So enough’s enough, it’s time to fight back and reclaim the ‘old me’.

So when I’m awake and feeling up to it I will blog.  I will cover the good, the bad and the brain fog – and endeavour to do it with accuracy, honesty and, above all else, humour.

Not wanting to neglect all those other diseases, conditions and ailments that have affected me, I will write about Fibromyalgia, Sjögren’s Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Raynaud Syndrome, Vertigo and Chiari Malformation Type 1 too.  I know! What a busy and lucky girl I’ve been!

Please help me to spread awareness by sharing my posts online.  And it goes without saying that all feedback, support and positive energy is greatly received!