Tell Me Your Story: Mary Cyr Dacus

Mary Cyr Dacus

Mary here...I was diagnosed in 1995 with Lupus after years of aches and pains, mystery illnesses and countless doctors and as many diagnoses. Included in those diagnoses, hypochondria.

Actually it was my wonderful orthopaedic that suggested that I see a rheumatologist. Back at that time, all books in the library gave a 5 year life expectancy. I had 2 children still at home. My husband was a long haul truck driver, so I was almost a single mom. My parents were 500 miles away.

I had few friends. My only sibling was a brother who was also 500 miles away.

Basically I was on my own with this scary diagnosis.
Fortunately, after I saw my new doctor, I learned I could live a relatively normal life.  He started me on NSAIDS and Plaquenil. Soon I was feeling better.



Since then my husband is now my ex. He couldn't deal with the illness. This is typicsl of most spouses. I have remarried and happier. But the illness has taken up residence in several of my organs. My medication list has increased to an embarrassing total.  I am now living on disability. Medicare and Medicaid are my insurance. My doctors are good. I spend a lot of time with them. But, I guess I must in order to feel human.

I thank God for that orthopaedic that suggested I see a rheumatologist.

Mary Cyr Dacus

This is post is part of a the World Lupus Day event on Sometimes, it is Lupus.