concealor, eyeshadow, face primer, foundation, lupie chick, lupus, makeup, milk of magnesia, miss sixx, oily skin, youtube

Milk of Magnesia As A Face Primer… It Works!!

Countless people struggle with the inconvenience of oily skin on an everyday basis. Makeup is nearly impossible to apply and maintain for any desired length of time, expensive cleansers and exfoliators are often required to eliminate extra oil, and embarrassing pimples and other skin complications regularly crop up without warning.

With all this being said, there don’t seem to be any benefits for those with this skin type. However, one little known advantage is the fact there are homemade remedies and economical solutions many people have not even thought to discover. While many oil-prone folks are blowing their bank account on infomercial products and prescription-required ointments, the best solution of all may be found at your local grocery or drug store.

Use Milk of Magnesia to treat oily skin by first washing your skin as usual. Pat your skin completely dry. Always use care and be gentle when you wash your face. It’s not necessary to scrub hard, even if your skin is extra-oily. Scrubbing too hard can damage sensitive facial skin.

Apply Milk of Magnesia to your face, nose and forehead by using a cotton ball. Saturate the cotton ball with the Milk of Magnesia and dab it lightly onto your skin. Cover all oily areas well. It’s best to treat oily skin with Milk of Magnesia immediately after washing your face. Allow the Milk of Magnesia to dry completely on your skin.

Put your make-up on directly on top of the Milk of Magnesia once it has completely dried. It makes a great foundation for make-up. The dried Milk of Magnesia forms a base that causes make-up products to stick to your skin. It causes your make-up to last much longer on your skin.

Click Here To Read more: How to Treat Oily Skin With Milk of Magnesia

Below is a youtube video that “show” how to apply the MOM as a face primer

Its official-verified and STAMPED- IT WORKS!!!!!!!

I’m a member of the grease gang..lol..lol.. My skin is super oily and shine ALL DAY. I’ve been searching long and hard for something that would eliminate my grease. I’ve tried the MOM application a couple of times, and still got shine except for yesterday ( I wasnt applying enough)…..

Yesterday I did the following:

  1. start with a clean face
  2. applied my toner ( rose water) with a cotton ball, pat dry
  3. pour a quarter size amount of the MOM into your hands
  4. “blot” it all over your face
  5. rub it all in- all over the face
  6. allow it to dry ( 1-2 minutes)
  7. you may see chalky/white residue ( which was fine for me)
  8. complete your makeup application ( foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, etc)
  9. finish with powder ( I used a translucent powder)

It was great not having to blot or powder my face multiple times through the day. When I came home, I was still oil and shine free. This will remain a staple!!!!!!!

Note:

I poured the MOM into a squeeze/squirt bottle ( to control the pour)

I poured the MOM directly in the palm of my hands ( other use cotton or sponges)

Disclaimer: These images may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without the written permission of Mz. Sixx. Use of any image as the basis for another photographic concept or illustration (digital, artist rendering or alike) is a violation of the United States and International Copyright laws. All images are copyrighted © 2011 – Au’Naturale by Mz. Sixx.

aunaturale, autoimmune, baltimore, battle, cure, DC, disease, donate, lupie chick, lupus, migraines, mz sixx, skin disorder, walk, washington, womens health

I’m walking for Lupus!

The 4th Annual Baltimore Walk for Lupus

Druid Park in Baltimore

September 24, 2011

2:00pm-5:00pm

As you may know, lupus has a personal face for me. I was diagnosed earlier this summer and currently battle this disease on a daily basis. After hearing about a 19 year old young lady with a 4 month old child losing her battle to Lupus, it has driven me to stay healthy, bring awareness, and push for a cure. Living with my own personal struggle remind me that we have so far to go in battling this disease.

To do my part, I’m walking on September 24, 2011 to raise money. The money will go to the Lupus Foundation of America, DC, Maryland and Virginia Chapter (LFA-DMV). LFA-DMV provides free education and support services to lupus patients and their families. Money will also go to support research, because they believe, as I do, that one day this awful disease will have a cure.

To reach this year’s goal, and my personal goal, I need your help. You can make a secure online donation through my personal website. Click here on this link to make a difference in the lives of as many as 320,000 people (80,000 patients and 4 of their closest friends/family members.) If you do not wish to make a donation online, simply click here, fill out this form, make a check payable to LFA – DMV Chapter, and mail the check and the form to our offices at: 2000 L St, NW suite 415 Washington, DC. When your donation is received, it will be credited to the total on the Walk’s webpage.

Making a difference starts with just one step. So, walk with me in spirit as I walk through Druid Park to raise money and awareness.

Thank you in advance for taking that step with me.

aunaturale, autoimmune, blog, depression, guilt, headache, lupie chick, lupus, miss sixx, motherhood, natural hair, roller coaster, triggers, womens health

Depression and Guilt

I was contacted on Twitter by a follower that told me she was thinking about me. Initially I thought- she had run across one of my tweets on her timeline about these migraines. She then went on to tell me about a young lady that lives in her county, 19 years old, has a 4 month old baby, recently diagnosed with Lupus and defective heart. As you know with Twitter you can only type 140 characters, so her message came over to me in 3 tweets. I told her to please give the young lady a hug for me (sometimes all I want is a hug- no words.. just a tight hug) and let her know that she isn’t alone- then 5 seconds later the 3rd part of her tweet came-the young lady-19 years old, lost her battle with Lupus- she died over the weekend. I literally burst into tears right then and there. Although I consistently tell myself that Lupus isn’t a death sentence- for some – it is. From the time of her diagnosis she was extremely sick, and the disease just took over.

According to my Twitter friend, her entire community is heartbroken over this- and I am also heartbroken. In one tweet I realize that I could have been the women she speaks of. I could be the women whose community is heartbroken over my death, instead of my children not remembering me- it would be my 6 month old grandson that wouldn’t remember me. I cried for 2 hours. I didn’t know the young lady however I was sad and I was feeling guilty. I didn’t understand the guilt part- WHY WOULD I FEEL GUILTY??? Is this a whole nother set of emotions I have to work through?

I realize that dealing with Lupus and the symptoms affect my emotional health and my family. I’ve begun to notice that my mini me ( daughter) is always checking on me ( more than usual), she is always saying “ mom are you ok”. She text me a lot and when we are home alone she lays beside me in the bed, as if she is watching over me. She even said to me the other day “why are you doing that- you know you’re going to make your head hurt”. All I could think about was the young lady’s child who is only 4 months old most likely won’t remember her, why did the disease have to attack her and take her away from her child, her family, and her friends? Why was she chosen as oppose to me or someone else? WHY? WHY? WHY?

I started surfing the web for help- I was an emotional wreck, and I needed some clarity. I ran across this statement: You may feel agitated or angry, and find it difficult to concentrate, relax or sleep. You may also feel guilty, as you realize your family is now going to have to take up the chores you normally do. This stage of emotional distress then gives way to bouts of depression, sadness, silence and withdrawal from family and friends. During this time, you may be prone to sudden outbursts of tears, set off by reminders of your inability to perform simple tasks, and memories of your old lifestyle. Over time, the pain, sadness and depression start to lessen. You begin to see your life in a more positive light again. The final phase of grieving is to let go of the thoughts of being able to return completely to your old lifestyle and move on with your new life. This helps any lingering depression to clear, and your sleeping patterns and energy levels improve.

Reading that made me understands that what I’m feeling is normal and it’s a process. I have to take one day at a time, work through the grief, pain, and the guilt. I will honor her (the lady that lost her battle) by NOT giving into depression, and not giving up on life.

“You never lose peace once you find it. Peace sometimes lies hidden beneath a veil of unkind thoughts, confusion, or pain. Shake loose the discontent from the veil and peace is readily accessible.” ~ Rion ~ *my new favorite quote*

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arthritis, aunaturale, autoimmune, lupie chick, lupus, migraines, mz sixx, natural hair, rheumatoid, sjogrens, venus williams, womens health

Venus Williams and Sjogren’s Syndrome

Venus Williams a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, pulled out of the U.S. Open yesterday and said she has Sjogren’s syndrome.

Venus said in a statement issued at the Open in New York and reiterated today on ABC’s “Good Morning America”

“I’m really disappointed to have to withdraw from this year’s U.S. Open. I have recently been diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune disease which is an ongoing medical condition that affects my energy level and causes fatigue and joint pain.” She added: “I enjoyed playing my first match here and wish I could continue but right now I am unable to. I am thankful I finally have a diagnosis and am now focused on getting better and returning to the court soon.”

Sjogrens Syndrome– What is it?

Sjogren’s (SHOW-grins) syndrome is a disorder of your immune system identified by its two most common symptoms — dry eyes and a dry mouth.

Sjogren’s syndrome often accompanies other immune-system disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. In Sjogren’s syndrome, the mucous membranes and moisture-secreting glands of your eyes and mouth are usually affected first — resulting in decreased production of tears and saliva.

Although Sjogren’s isn’t life-threatening, it is an incurable condition where the immune system starts attacking glands that produce tears and saliva instead of fighting infection, according to Arthritis Research U.K. Around a half- million people in the U.K. suffer from the condition, which is usually diagnosed in women between the ages of 40 and 60. The American College of Rheumatology’s website said between 400,000 and 3.1 million people are affected in the U.S.

The exact trigger of the disease isn’t quite clear, Mizutani said {Wesley Mizutani, a rheumatologist on staff at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center}.”That’s the million-dollar question,” he said. “We don’t really know. There’s probably a genetic component, certainly, but there’s more than that.”Certain antibodies are associated with Sjogren’s, but it seems to need a trigger, like a viral or bacterial infection, for the immune system to go awry.

Once set off, the system can’t really be fixed — but certain steps can be taken to mitigate the symptoms for the vast majority of patients. Keeping eyedrops and a bottle of water nearby are two such easy measures. Brushing after every meal and otherwise good dental hygiene are a must.

More extreme measures can also be taken, from anti-malarial to autoimmune suppressant drugs.

But, Mizutani pointed out, it could be worse. “If I had to choose an autoimmune disease to get, Sjogren’s would be one of the milder ones.”

I’m sending prays and positivity to Venus Williams, like my friends and family have told me ” God is Able”

Get well soon-

Love you Venus xoxoxoxoxoxo

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aunaturale, blog, diet, emotional, lupie chick, lupus, miss sixx, natural hair, roller coaster, skin disorder, supplements, triggers, womens health, you tube

Am I Being a Baby or a B*tch

I’m going to preface this by saying- I’m NOT in a good space right now. I’m agitated, and annoyed. I force a smile upon my face daily to provide my children the comfort of knowing that mommy is going to be ok. Outside of wearing makeup to cover the skin rash, I also wear makeup to make my face look brighter and “awake”.

I’m realizing that some people have diarrhea of the mouth and don’t know when to SHUT UP! I understand that people sometime want to say something, but don’t know what to say. What I don’t need is for you to tell me about your family member(s) or neighbor(s) that died from Lupus. I’m NOT bringing the thought of death into my mind space. Dont’t tell me its reality- maybe YOUR REALITY- BUT NOT MINE! A typical convo go like this:

You: I’m so sorry to hear you have Lupus

Me: Thank you, I appreciate the concern

You: I had a cousin that had Lupus- the medications are deadly, it killed her

Me: -_- (no response)

You: tomorrow, I will bring you my cousin doctor’s info. We’ll talk about it later… I gotta go

WHAT!!! Do people not understand boundaries?? I find those types of conversations completely out of line- especially coming from people that I’ve only had 10-15 mins worth of conversation with in the past year. The first few time it happened I bitched about it internally and shrugged it off. The occurrences are too frequent. The last time, I told the person (while gritting my teeth) that the conversation was inappropriate and although I appreciate the concern, I would rather not discuss myself or Lupus any further- Good right? No… I find out later she went and told someone else that she was only trying to provide comforting words to me and I was being a bitch- how comforting is it telling me that the lupus meds killed your cousin?

In addition to people telling me death stories, I’m constantly being hit with “You don’t look sick!”Let’s address that- WHAT EXACTLY DOES SICK LOOK LIKE? Do I need to look like I’m on my death bed to appease you? you’re curiosity? What is your definition of a sick chick? Tell me?

I put in a lot of effort not to look the way I feel. Most times I feel like I’ve been ran over by a truck then shoved into the boxing ring with Mike Tyson {and he wins!). I still have to work, I still have to be available and mobile to my children and I don’t want to give into “being SICK”. I’m NOT going to do it!

I’ve never felt the type of fatigue that I experience at least 6 days out of 7. The smallest task (cooking for example) will take me to a place of exhaustion. I’m now listening to my body- when it says sit down, I sit… When it say lay down- I lay, when it say- YOU’RE NOT GOING- I DON’T GO… Point…Blank…Period.com

As, I’ve previously advised, I will not push my body beyond limits- won’t and cant! I will not allow any negative energy into my mental space- You’ve been EVICTED- so when I just turn and walk away from the negativity- take that as notice! You’ve been served!


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aunaturale, diet, emotional, headache, headache diary, lupie chick, lupus, migraines, miss sixx, mobile apps, mz sixx, natural hair, skin disorder, supplements, triggers, womens health, you tube

Coping with Lupus Headaches



I have begun to suffer from Lupus headaches. These are not like the average headache, pop a Tylenol and it go away. These are more on the end of migraines. My head feel like its splitting, pounding, piercing, throbbing and aching all at the same time. Followed by a spinning sensation like a tornado and a feeling of nauseous and sometimes vomiting. Typically these headaches start mid day and lasting hours into the evening. Thus far, I’ve been taking Ibuprofen to treat these headaches, but most of the time the only relief I get is from rest. I turn off the lights (make the room as dark as possible), turn off the TV, and go to sleep.

I’ve been told that one of the ways to help prevent headaches or migraines is to understand your possible triggers. In order to do this, health care providers often recommend using a migraine diary (also known as a headache diary). This is a tool that allows you to clearly capture, in a standardized way, how often you get migraines, how severe they are, and the possible relationship to physical, emotional, or environmental factors. There are several down able diaries, electronic diaries, and headache diary apps(s) for (Iphone, Ipad, and Droid Mobile cell phones). * They make apps for everything* lol…lol

I’m trying to avoid harsher treatments and drugs such as Plaquenil and prednisone to treat these headache episodes. This seems to be the first drug of choice upon complaint of the headaches. I prefer natural alternatives therapies such as exercise, diet supplements, meditation, special diets and maintaining a strong support system. I’ve also been told that conserving energy by setting limits on how I spend my time is helpful. Fatigue is a common complaint for lupies. Listening to your body’s signals by resting or taking short naps during the day can help reduce the occurrence of lupus headaches.

I’m starting my headache diary today, a gluten free diet, and hopefully I can figure out what or who (lol..lol..)are my triggers . If you have any advice- please share ….

au naturale, baltimore natural hair, beauty products, curl activator, curly, give-a-way, lupie chick, miss sixx, serum, straightening, twisted sista

Twisted Sista Hair Product GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!!! **CLOSED**



Twisted Sista from Urban Therapy is a new hair care line for girl’s on-the-go! If you want amazing locks, without the hassle of spending hours primping — these products are for you. De-Frizz shampoo, De-Frizz conditioner, and curl activator are just a few items from the line and the best part is that each product is under $5!

What are the products?

Different Strokes Serum – For tough tangles and overall smoothing, this serum eliminates frizz and adds shine to define curls and keep straight hair touchable and smooth with a boost of antioxidant support.

Relaxing Straightening Crème – Blow dryers or straightening irons can fry hair! Protect and moisturize your strands from thermal damage with this pre-styling cream, which adds control and relaxes hair while it moisturizes and straightens.

Curl Activator – Add volume, bounce and curl definition with this rich cream moisturizer. An added bonus – it adds UV protection while it activates curls and eliminates frizz.

30 Second Curls Spray – Keep in your bag to refresh hair throughout the day – it’ll only take 30 seconds! Made with vitamin E and naturally derived emollients, this spray boosts curl definition in virtually no time.

De-Frizz Shampoo – For thirsty hair, this shampoo features ingredients derived from coconut oil and fruit sugar to gently cleanse, boost moisture, reduce breakage and frizz, and improve manageability and resilience.

De-Frizz Conditioner – Made with hair-strengthening panthenol to nourish and strengthen, this conditioner also features UV filters to protect hair from harmful rays. The formula helps give body to damaged hair while it moisturizes and improves shine.


The wonderful reps at Urban Therapy have partnered with me to offer

one (1) lucky follower an opportunity to try 3 of their products.

See below for giveaway entry rules…



Prize(s)

(1) Twisted Sista Curl Activator (3.38 fl.oz)

(1) Twisted Sista Blow Drying Creme (3.38fl.oz)

(1) Twisted Sista Different Strokes Serum (1.01)

**GIVEAWAY RULES**

(must follow all rules or entry will be void)

1. Resident of the U.S.

2. Only ONE comment per follower (comments will appear after I approve them)

3. “follow” this blog (on the sidebar to your right)*

4. leave a comment on this blog post stating why you’d like to win this contest

5. Include how you’d like to be contacted if you win (leave your e-mail, twitter ID, etc)

* You will get an extra 2 entries if you are a subscriber of my YouTube channel (leave your username; I will check subscriptions before putting in another entry)

For your convenience, here is a guide for an entry:If it’s easier, you may copy/paste this as your comment and fill in the blanks.

1) I’m a resident of the U.S.

2) I followed this blog; I used ____ name to follow

3) I’d like to win because ____ / The product I want the most from this giveaway is

4) If I win, please contact me via ____

Optional: please include 2 extra entries for me b/c I subscribe to your YT channel. My user name on YouTube is ______

The winner will be picked randomly on August 29, 2011. Good Luck!!!!!!!!!

aunaturale, blog, emotional, lupie chick, lupus, miss sixx, mz sixx, natural hair, roller coaster, skin disorder, womens health, you tube

Lupie Emotional Roller Coaster

Who knew that revealing to the world that I have Lupus would take me on an emotional roller coaster? I still remember having written the post 4 days before I released it. I would read it every day, and become nauseous at the thought of releasing it. On Friday [August] the 13th, I decided to finally publish it. As soon as I hit publish, I was panicked and tried to figure out how to delete it. Before I could delete the post, it had already gone to my yahoo groups, and emailed to my blog followers it was too late! Immediately my phone started ringing, emails, text, tweets, were all coming in so fast that I turned my phone off, went to the bathroom and cried. I got my composure, grabbed a hot cup of green tea and came back to my desk- 5 minutes later a co worker came over and hugged me [ I forgot that some of my co workers follow my blog] tears instantly started streaming down my face. Friends and followers told me how emotional they were reading the post. Some were so emotional that they couldn’t talk- that’s why they took to text and email. I thought to myself “why were YOU so emotional” I didn’t get it. I didn’t think much more about it, until later that evening when the tweets came in and people were crying and asked if they could forward my post. I found myself getting depressed.
“Why did I write the post” I asked myself over and over. I wasn’t ready to be the face of Lupus- or was I? People started asking me more questions about Lupus. Some had never heard of Lupus and some only knew it as the disease that Toni Braxton has. I started to explain as best I could, provide an explanation for the condition of my skin, and my inability to move sometimes. Most were very compassionate, and then something happened. I no longer was Mz. Sixx or Sixx (mc/sc club name), or Au’Naturale (my Twitter name), or Toni (child hood nick name), I was the helpless natural haired lady with Lupus. People started treating me as if I was sick. I know it was all heartfelt, and came from a place of love- but it made me a crying mess and I felt like a burden to people. Now every minute was about Lupus. Here comes the babying “ how are you”, “are you feeling OK” “sit down”, “lay down” “go home”, AGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
I had wanted to make a you tube video with me actually speaking on it, but I felt like I had nothing to talk about [Up until this point I had only created picture slide shows]. Well today was going to be different- I needed to get a few things of my chest. My hand was hurting to bad for me to type- so I came home, grabbed my lap top, sat on the floor and just started to speak. I didn’t edit it, apply music, and make it “cutesy”. I wanted it to be raw- because that’s how I was feeling at the time.
Click Here to watch Video
This experience has made me reflect on who I am. Among the many hats that I already wear, I just added one more – “The Lupie Chick”. I’m realizing that I have to be selfish [in the instance] and make myself a priority. I’m the star on the team of “ME”. Some won’t like it- but guess what? I don’t like having Lupus either [shoulder shrug]. I have to listen to my body and not push myself being what I can handle. I will not give in the “pity parties” that some have invited me to join. I will not be treated like a helpless baby, and I will not hide. I will LIVE and ENJOY my life until the wheels fall off-and all the wheels must fall off before I stop [insert fist pump]!
[climbs off the roller coaster]
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aunaturale, lupie chick, lupus, mz sixx, natural hair, skin disorder, womens health, you tube

Hello-I’m a Lupie Chick

Repost
Where do I start…
My Name is Mz. Sixx and I have Lupus

that was very hard for me to say 😦

Face Fully Made Up w/ Dermablend

Some of you are familiar with my skin troubles that I’d been experiencing for over a year. I would try different things, some worked for a while, and some never worked at all. Growing more and more frustrated and embarrassed by my skin, I went to get my prescription re filled for a facial cream my dermatologist had prescribed to me. Hoping that would be my saving grace.

Partial Makeup
As I began any normal day, I went to CVS hoping to come out with a tube of some magical cream that would clear up my adult acne (the diagnose I’d previously been given). The pharmacist informed me that my prescription required authorization. When he called to get authorization- the dr. instructed him not to fill it and have me come in his office. I thought to my self- “great, he gonna give me the sho nuff good stuff to clear this up”. I made an appointment to see the doctor the next day- never mentioning it to my husband or friends- I wasn’t the least bit concerned. I went to work late so that I could see the doctor and drop my prescription off as soon as possible.

The doctor enter the room and starred straight at my nose [insert gas face right here].

Naked Face- No Makeup- Its hard to see in the pics, but I also have a red bumpy rash
As soon as I noticed the way he was looking at me, I got scared. He began to “drill” me about what been happening to my face. He then said that my face had gotten worse since my last visit and he was concerned. CONCERNED– did he just say he was CONCERNED??? – I obviously knew my face had gotten worse- what started out as one dark spot on my forehead was now covering my nose and had spread to my checks. He did a biopsy on my nose area and took blood. I’m really anxious and nervous at this point. I’d only known people to need a biopsy when they thought they had cancer. That “c” word scares me to no end. I silently cried many days and nights, anxiously awaiting the results.
The nurse called me and asked that I come to the office as soon as possible. My first word was “WHY” what’s the problem?? She wouldn’t say. She only would say that we need to discuss treatment with you- TREATMENT??? TREATMENT FOR WHAT??? Now, I’m shouting and crying at the same time. She still wouldn’t reveal anything to me and advised that I come to the office as soon as possible. I’m sure anyone else would have ran to the office, I didn’t. I did not want to hear that I had cancer. Nope, I was convincing myself and saying Hail Mary as many times as I could over the course of two days. The doctor called me wanting to know why hadn’t I come to the office and when was I coming. (Sigh), I was being a real bitch- I just out right said. LOOK, I’M NOT PAYING YOU A CO PAYMENT FOR YOU TO TELL ME I HAVE CANCER- YOU CAN TELL ME THAT OVER THE PHONE! He said “who told you, you have cancer”? You don’t have cancer- but I need you to come in the office. I’m sure he said more, but I blanked out of the conversation when he said I didn’t have cancer. So I took my lunch break and went by the office. I was calm, cool, and collected- because I thought I had just dodged a death sentence.

As soon as he walked in, I began to apologize for being such a baby and bitch at the same time. He accepted my apology, and sat down, and asked me if I was familiar with Lupus. Lupus?? Ummm……..Not really- why, I asked. He hands me a bunch of pamphlets and goes on to explain to me that I have Lupus. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can affect virtually any organ of the body. In lupus, the body’s immune system, which normally functions to protect against foreign invaders, becomes hyperactive, forming antibodies that attack normal tissues and organs, including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, and blood. Lupus is characterized by periods of illness, called flares, and periods of wellness, or remission. I have Discoid lupus erythematosus, which mainly affects the skin. The symptoms of this form of lupus include a rash on the face, scalp, or elsewhere. The rash may last for days or years, and can recur.

UPDATE: Initially I was diagnosed with Discord Lupus, I have since been diagnosed with Systemic Lupus. I now see Dr. Michele Petri  affliated with John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. My dermatologist is Dr. Valerie Callender, who has 27 years experience treating individuals with Lupus

I said okkkkkkkkkk, so what I gotta do to get rid of it? He then said, he can treat the symptoms (from flare ups) but there is no cure. WAIT- STOP THE DAMN PRESS- DID YOU SAY NO CURE?? I rose up outta that chair and honestly I was MAD- the kind of mad, where you’re ready to fight. I’m not sure if I was mad at the doctor, myself, or the world, but I was furious, and I felt betrayed! (I know it doesn’t make sense-but that’s how I felt). After 20 minutes of asking multiple questions and answering questions, and FINALLY having a reason for the shortness of breath, the hot flashes, sweating, headaches, fatigue, anemia, gastrointestinal problems, weight gain/lose, insomnia, bouts with depression, and the skin rashes- it was making sense now. I went home and instantly went to the Internet so that I could educate myself on Lupus- 2 days later my brain was fried and I was full of questions.

I slowly began to tell my family- starting with my husband, my kids, and my siblings. My niece who is a RN, said to me” I knew it, I was waiting on you to say something”. My sister said, she knew something was wrong because of my skin, but nonetheless I was going to be ok. I’m a fighter and I don’t quit. I’ve been debating whether or not I should tell anyone. Honestly- I was embarrassed. I no longer feel embarrassed or ashamed. I HAVE LUPUS DAMNIT! It’s not the scarlet letter, and I will not allow it to take over my life! I’m surrounding myself with other people who are living with Lupus, and educating myself as much as I can on the disease. My blog will now included my battles and victories as Lupus is now a part of life. I’m not going anywhere ya’ll and I’m determined to whip Lupus A$$
Disclaimer: NONE OF YA’LL BETTER NOT START TREATING ME LIKE I’M SICK, OR WE WILL BE BEEFING!!!!!! Love ya much!!!!!

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