Diane Wiliamson

My name is Diane Williamson; I live in Papakura New Zealand. I was diagnosed with Lupus at the age of 23, then diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis about 8 years ago. I had no warning signs as such, but had spent a long hot day at the beach, the next morning I woke up aching all over, could hardly move.

Through months of tests and numerous amounts of different medications, I was referred to a Rheumatologist. I was diagnosed 6 months after I got married. I was unsure what I had, and was very scared as at that time a prognosis wasn't that great in some cases. I was informed by the Specialist I may not be able to have children which devastated me. I had very sore joints and would get rashes, not a pretty sight for my new husband but we went through all the ups and downs together and I'm pleased to say we will be celebrating our 27th Wedding Anniversary this September.

I had been in the past quite a sporty healthy person and loved being out in the sun (sun worshipper) I was an athlete played netball and rode horses all of which I had to give up. It took me years to come to terms with my illness and the feeling of loss for the life I once had and loved. Over time and changing the way I think about things I have learnt to cope with the day to day events and try to look to the future with a more positive outlook.

I have been on all sorts of different medications, I've had lots of remissions, which are wonderful (gives you a break) and quite a few operations mainly synovectomies, which are removal of synovial lumps in and around the joint area (hands knees elbows feet & ankles) I have been on and off high doses of prednisone which has helped to put weight on, the biggest bug bear I've had to endure, I've been on prednisone various doses since 1985 and haven't stopped. I have had bone density tests done which have shown no change, don't be scared of this drug, it really helps.

I have never let my illness interfere with my job. I have been working at Middlemore Hospital since 1977, I started full time in the Medical Records Dept, I became pregnant at 26 which was not planned as a contraceptive device went for a walk resulting in pregnancy. I was really scared as I was advised not to get pregnant, I had been drinking, smoking and taking lots of medication in those first two months of the pregnancy and I was worried for the baby. Eight weeks before I was due I got pericarditis (fluid around the heart) I was put into hospital, I had just given up work and was hoping for a bit of a holiday before birth, but that was not to be. I went into labour around 8am and ended up giving birth to my daughter Sarah by caesarean 12.25am the next morning. All was well. After 2 years I tried to get pregnant but nothing happened, after 4 years we decided to give up, then hello, bingo it happened, I was pregnant and I gave birth to a boy Michael, so good things come to those who wait.

I work as a Ward Clerk from 4pm to 9pm 7 days on 7 days off, I have done this job for 20 years and I love it. I have had good support from family and friends and the Lupus Group. Don't be afraid to ask for help, it's good to talk about things and you need to find a good friend that will really listen to you. I think getting the right advice and following it, is the best thing you can do for yourself. Positive thoughts will create your reality.

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