Nicole’s Autoimmune Story

MEET NICOLE

I am a last year medical student from Mexico City. Before med school, I studied Global Health at King´s College London. I have focused most of my career on the study of autoimmune diseases in different areas and levels. I am very passionate.
I am the founder of Autoimmune Awareness, a page where I share science-based information about these “mysterious” conditions, health tips, heart melting stories and motivational content.

 

DIAGNOSIS

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto´s Thyroiditis, POTS and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) at a very young age. I have suffered from chronic pain since my childhood. During my first lupus flare my symptoms were hair loss, fatigue, vasculitis, weight loss, cutaneous lesions, fever and renal involvement.
I received chemotherapies, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants for years. Currently I’m doing great with a minimum prednisone dose and monthly IV infusions.

LIFE CHANGE

Fatigue has been a real issue since I have a very demanding schedule. I am very careful with immunosupressive drugs since I can get easily infected with other patients.
Also, I love being outdoors but sunlight (UV rays) is my worst enemy. I flare up right away FYI: Lupus patients cannot be sun exposed.

 HEALING

Staying busy and focusing my energy towards achieving my goals has been life saving. Reading, writing, cooking, barre method classes, yoga… they are all part of my therapy. Traveling when possible is what makes me feel most alive.

 STRUGGLE

I tend to be very hard on myself. Dealing with chronic fatigue and being compassionate with my body is a daily task.

Tapering my prednisone.

My mental health… I try to be aware and mindful with my thoughts and actions since I suffer from mood swings.

 INSPIRATION

We constantly deal with uncertainty so… I like to think that if I don´t know for sure what will happen, I can lead the situation through my thoughts and actions during the present. It has been a useful way to simply trust the process.

Find Nicole on Instagram.