FLOW Fibro Lupus Overcomers & Warriors

05/18/2025

This was during my heaviest seasons. Even though I was smiling, my confidence was crushed. I weighed 265lbs & this was new to me, but due to Prednisone, Edema (swelling) & Fibromyalgia. Everything was swollen. My swelling was so bad that I couldn’t fit my shoes. So, I had to cut the straps last minute.

Edema, or swelling, can be associated with both Lupus & Fibromyalgia, but the underlying mechanisms & presentations differ. With Lupus, an autoimmune disease, can cause swelling due to inflammation & fluid retention, particularly in the joints, hands, feet, & around the eyes. Fibromyalgia, on the other hand, may involve fluid retention syndrome or neurogenic inflammation, leading to swelling & puffiness.

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05/17/2025

This was in 2015 when my lips were swollen. It actually hurt a little bit. Lip swelling can be a symptom of lupus, especially during flares, due to the inflammation that is characteristic of the disease. This inflammation can affect any tissue, including the lips, leading to swelling. Additionally, some medications used to treat lupus can cause dry mouth, which can sometimes worsen lip swelling, according to the Lupus Foundation of America.
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05/10/2025

IT'S WORLD LUPUS DAYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!! We all may have different stories, but the disease is still very REAL!!! There is no cure for Lupus but, we fight every single day for our lives. For all Warriors, Survivors, Caregivers, Family Members & those we have lost Lupus is very real!!! Keep fighting!! Keep Advocating!! Keep Teaching!!
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05/08/2025

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If your kidneys aren't working properly, the body shows these 10 signs 👇👇👇

05/08/2025

When prednisone (steroids) kicked in! It didn't matter if I ate a little bit or alot... I still gained weight. I was definitely looking like a chipmunk 🤣🤣🤣 Until they took me off (during that time).
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05/07/2025

Lupus & Black People Fact #1
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05/06/2025

Did you know⁉️⁉️⁉️
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05/05/2025

People with Lupus are at an increased risk of developing Thrush (AKA Oral Candidiasis). I had Thrush often. But, this was just pictures of my tongue. I had them under my tongue, inside cheeks, the roof of my mouth & even my gums. Lupus and some other medications can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to fungal infections like Thrush. I tried to tell people at church about it, and someone said something soooo opposite that I can't even repeat it. But, it was totally off the chain 🤣🤣! I am so glad that I can talk about it and laugh now. Ignorance is a sad thing 🤣🤣, but if people don't know... they don't know. I'm grateful for growth. Get to kNOw Lupus. Educate yourselves. Have patience. Try to understand.
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