The Color Purple: Biological, Sorority, and Lupy Sisters

During an extended stay in the hospital, Amy stopped breathing during treatment. Her body was full of fluid, her hair fell out in clumps and her kidneys entered stage 4 renal failure. She was eventually allowed to go home but was placed on disability leave from work. Her rheumatologist and nephrologist were able to get her into remission with an aggressive treatment plan.

The first 4 years of dealing with everything I would sit in the house with the TV off, no noise around and just think. I was so down I wrote out my will and wishes for my burial. I would put on a face to my sister, boyfriend, family and friend closes to me. On the outside I was okay, but the inside would feel empty and full of pain. Knowing this disease could one day take my life is a hard pill to swallow and I can’t say I have accepted that, but I have decided to live. I do what I can when I can and always over work myself. I pay for it days later; walk a little further then maybe I should, carry a little too much then I should. I interact and do activities I know I shouldn’t. I do these things because I don’t want lupus to beat me.

Takisha was diagnosed with discoid lupus prior to Amy’s SLE diagnosis; however, the disease progressed rapidly in Amy’s immune system requiring her to be hospitalized. In protective big sister form, Takisha searched for ways to help carry the load. “My sister once told me that she wants to get my form of lupus so I don’t have to go through this alone. As much as I love her I wanted to punch her. I never wanted her to go through this (but) more and more I see her symptoms converting over to mine. I am terrified and feel helpless,” says Amy.