Gretel Mitchell

Meet Gretel Mitchell from Burton, MI. She has been battling lupus since 2001.

Gretel’s story:

As a child my mom said I always complained about pain in my legs. During my high school years I struggled with attendance. In 7th grade I had a rash on the side of my face and the doctors didn’t know what was causing it. Having to take school pictures with it was embarrassing. Fast forward to 2001, I was diagnosed with lupus SLE and pregnancy all at the same time. My OB suggested that I abort because of the difficulty I would have, but I believed that I would be fine and I found another doctor who was a high risk doctor. He got me through with prednisone and my baby girl was born in September 2002. She came four weeks early, but was healthy. As of late, I have been diagnosed with discoid lupus and bullous lupus. I have to deal with lesions on my scalp and from time to time, boils on my legs and my arms. Every day, I am fatigued I can sleep 12 hours and still not feel rested, but I must push to get things done during the day. I have been trying to work but miss many days and so my doctor has taken me off work and suggested trying a desk job. I am currently in chronic inflammation with high ferritin levels so my rheumatologist has decided to try Zepbound allow with water aerobics to see if I can get some relief from the inflammation.

Please advocate for yourself and develop a strong relationship with all of your doctors. Make sure that they are sharing information with one another so everyone is on the same page for your treatment. I am thankful for my army of doctors. And always remember that if you feel that you are not being heard by your doctor voice that and if you have to, find another that will listen to your concerns.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who is newly diagnosed?: Research the disease and immediately join a support group in your area.

What is one misconception you wish you could change about lupus?: You don’t look sick on the outside.

What brings you joy?: What brings me joy is being able to sit by the water at the beach during the summer there’s a sense of calmness there. I enjoy doing things for others when I am able. I try not to dwell on my disease because there is always someone worse off than me. My most greatest joy is serving shoulder to shoulder with my spiritual brothers and sisters, as well as with my family. You have to have camaraderie.