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My name is Sarah (42). I live in the Dallas, Texas area. I am a Wife and a Mother. My husbands name is Greg (49) and I have a son named John (21). I also have a Mini Beagle called Buddy (5). I first met my wonderful husband back in 1978. We dated for awhile but I moved on. Eight years later, I called him to say hi. He asked me out on a date. So out we went. For 2 years we dated and then we got married. We have been married for 13 years now.
The Army
I am retired Army(Disabled Veteran).I was stationed at Ft. Jackson, SC for Basic Training, After serving about 4 weeks in Basic Training I had a accident and suffered a concussion. I was immediatly rushed to the hospital and spent a few days there. After I went back to my platoon, I started having problems. I first noticed that my toes and finger were stiff and swollen. Then I started passing out alot. They rushed me to the hospital again and the Army Docs thought I had the flu.
They sent me back to the barracks and I kept up with my basic training. We were at the Obstacle Course when I was told to climb the tower. I started climbing the cargo ropes and was about 4 stories high when I started passing out. The Drill Sargent sent 2 basic trainees up to get me down. They brought me down and I was told to rest. I was standing there when all of a sudden the Company Commander walked over to me and said "Are you okay? I just stared at him and he grabbed my arm and he then pulled his hand away. He said I was very hot to the touch. He then instructed some basic trainees to get the cold water from the Ice Sacks and they poured it on me. There was steam riseing off of me when they poured it on me. So they called a ambulance and was taken to the hospital again. When I arrived there, The doctors put me on the flu ward. I didn't have the flu until they put me on that ward. I was then sent back to the barracks and the next day I became sicker. The Drill Sargent then sent me back to the hospital and the ER put me back on the flu ward. The doc in charge of the Ward couldn't believe I was there again. He sent me to a Internal Medicine Doctor and he took one look at me and said "I have a feeling I know what is happening to you. Let me take some tests and then we will be able to tell you if that is it. Well, 3 days later he came to my hospital room and said "Private, I have some bad news for you. You have a Rare Disease and my tests have confirmed it. I was found to have SLE. He then told me that Lupus is a Rare and Dangerous disease. He also told me I would not be able to pursue my dream of being a Soldier. He sent my records to the Army Medical Boards and they decided to retire me.
They retired me with 60% Disabiltiy and full Military Benifits. They said I had a service connected disablilty. I tried to fight the Medical Boards, I wanted to stay in the Army. I loved the Army. I am very proud to have been a soldier in the Army, even though I was only in for a little while. I have so much love and respect for the Men and Women who serve in the Military. They make me proud to be a American.
Lupus has made a huge change in my life. I can't go and be in the sun without protection from the sun. I have to wear sunscreen and a hat and sometimes longsleeves. Also, its hard for me to work. I always seem to have a real bad flareup when I am around stress or going through stress. I had a real nice job for a long time. The only problem was I was out sick alot. During the summer back in 94, I was leaving work when I passed out as I was leaving the parking lot. My S10 hit a pole and I was knocked unconscious for awhile. I was rushed to the hospital and the doctors ran tests and found that I had passed out at the wheel of my truck due to Stress, Heat, Dehydration, and Lupus was the other factor that caused me to passout. I was not allowed back to work for 2months and not allowed to drive for 3 months. I lost my job due to this. I have not been able to work since. I have some good days and some bad days. Do me a favor and visit the LUPUS sight above...You will get a better understanding of what I am talking about.
I am originally from San Antonio, Texas. Gosh, San Antonio, Wonderful City...Wonderful Food....Mmmm Miss that Mexican Food. I wish I still lived there. My sister and Father live there and I miss it. I love to listen to Classic Rock, Music from the 60's, 70's and 80's are my favorites. I love that classic stuff. I love to read books and watch movies... I also love making Stationery for Outlook Express 5 and 5.5... At this time I am making a Website dedicated to my Stationery... I will post that website here soon...
