Meredith Huggins
Meet Meredith Huggins from Denton, TX. Meredith has been battling lupus for 7 years.
Meredith’s Story:
In 2017, I lost 50 lbs in 6 weeks. I struggled to breathe and was being diagnosed with bronchitis and pneumonia every doctor visit. My skin was turning grey, I had sores all over my face and chest. My body HURT. I went to see a doctor and he discovered I had no breath sounds in my left lung. I was rushed to the hospital where I was put into the ICU with a collapsed lung, empyema and sepsis. I received chest tubes and they cleared my lung of infection. I was discharged from ICU and came home. I was in and out of the hospital all summer, until FINALLY someone thought to test for lupus. Shortly after being put on medication for lupus, I was doing so much better…until the fall of 2018 when my heart stopped beating and I flatlined. I was resuscitated, brought back to life and quickly received a pacemaker. The following summer of 2018, I lost kidney function and started hemodialysis for my kidneys as well as chemotherapy to try to control the lupus.
I was placed on a transplant list a few months after I started dialysis. I remained on dialysis for 3 years and then it stopped being effective. My kidneys were killing me…and quickly. I’m a difficult match, I was told I only had a couple of weeks of life left…and then I got my call. I was transplanted 2 years ago and my lupus is the best it’s been since my diagnosis in 2017!
Challenges I face include VERY sensitive skin. I can’t be in the sun for very long, I have scarred rashes all over my arms and hands. I don’t tolerate heat or cold weather well. I’m looking at having a double hip replacement in the next year due to damage from steroids. I am easily and quickly fatigued and require a lot of rest. I struggle with brain fog and memory issues.
But I can’t complain, I’m so happy I am alive!
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who is newly diagnosed?: Keep fighting. Stay strong. Your pain is real.
What brings you joy?: Jesus. My family. My fur babies. My friends. Traveling.
Anything else that you would like to add?: I am grateful to be alive to share my story. For anyone reading this who might be struggling..I see you, I am you, and you are not alone.