One of my dearest friends is the feature for this week’s hope warrior. Becky was diagnosed with lupus a few years ago and other diseases have surfaced since then. When she was first diagnosed it was hard for me to understand what had happened.  This was my happy go lucky, ice cream scooping, sunshine soaker, laughing best friend, and stuff like this just didn’t happen. I didn’t understand her disease or what she was going through, but I tried to be there the best that I could.
When I was diagnosed with my auto immune disease, Becky was one of the only friends (in person) who really understood what I was feeling,  how it was being in the hospital and dealing with the ups and downs and side effects of medications. I don’t know what I would’ve done without her encouraging messages. We lift each other up when we need it, and listen without judgement when we just feel like saying this isn’t fair. Thanks for being so awesome Bex. Couldn’t get through this without ya.

Here’s some questions Becky answered for me.

What is the number one thing you’ve learned about yourself since your diagnosis?
I’m so much stronger than I’d ever thought I could be.

When were you diagnosed?
I was diagnosed when I was 22 with Lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, RA and fibromyalgia.

What are your current medications/what lifestyle changes have you made to treat your disease? I currently take plaquenil and lyrica. I
no longer drink alcohol, instead tons of water, I try to eat healthy, take walks and do yoga and plenty of rest.

How do you keep your mental health intact while dealing with the symptoms/changes of the disease?

I’ll be honest I still get mad that there is not a cure along with loads of frustration about feeling sick so often. But the people around me and therapy help me deal with it. They have shown me that it is ok and perfectly normal to feel that way. Allowing myself to get angry from time to time keeps it from building up inside. I’m not perfect, I get mad, but I’m happy person.

What do you struggle with most?

I struggle most with feeling ill so often from flares, the meds or just bad days. Sometimes I feel that it’s a lose -lose situation. In those moments I think about the good times and that’s what keeps me going.

What are you doing to overcome it?
Accepting it helps me overcome it.

Any advice for newly diagnosed?
Stay strong and you aren’t alone!

Rules to live by?
Do what’s best for yourself and be happy.

Quote you turn to when you need to be uplifted: “just keep swimming” 

Music/Song: Avicii, wake me up

Go to Snack when feeling unwell: Broccoli cheddar soup with bread.

Activity that lifts your spirits:
Walking my dogs and yoga

What would you do with a million dollars?
I would open a no kill pit bull rescue.

Who do you admire?
My mother; she’s the strongest person I know.

What is your mission?
My mission is to live the happiest healthiest life I can.

You can give Becky some love and support on instagram @Bex_Alida

Keep on sparking hope!