The First Post- An Introduction to Me :)

I am Jessica, the person in charge of this page and in charge of this pain. It is almost like the magic given to a character in a television show like Charmed- a gift and a curse all in one and something that, because of how unique it is, only I can take control of.

I was always a few degrees away from normal growing up, not in an obvious kind of way but, just 'different'. I was pretty average up until I was around 5 years old, and at that time I started putting on weight pretty quickly. By the time I was 12, I was 5'5" and 230 pounds! Every ache and pain I had in my body, every time I had to wear an ace bandage because something hurt, and everytime I got sick it was always chalked up to the weight problem. Then, as a treat for the last school day in 7th grade, I went swimming with my class and used what I thought was sunscreen but was actually tanning oil. I was burned so badly that I had tiny blisters all over and an outrageous fever. Within less than 2 months from this burn, I was down to 125 pounds. A weightloss so quick that most thought it was just me finally growing into a young woman. My mom knew differently.

After numerous doctor visits and more tests than I could even describe, I was first diagnosed with System Lupus; the Scleroderma and Fibromyalgia came later. I deal with other things that are complications of both diseases, but are not diseases on their on. This is the cause of my physical pain and there are more things to learn about me.... as I keep this blog going, hopefully helping others as I go, you will learn more and more about me. Feel free to question anything and ask anything you want... this isn't just for me, afterall. It is for every single person out there that is sick, but doesn't look like it!!