Dana Samborsky

Meet Dana Samborsky from Redford, MI. Dana was officially diagnosed with lupus 6 months ago after experiencing symptoms for over a decade. 

Dana'’s Story:

I've had symptoms for 10 to 15 years. I struggle mainly with pain and fatigue. In the past 3 years, I started with the skin rashes and hives and itching and all the pain and fatigue returned after a few years of feeling well. I was off of pain meds and everything. My skin biopsy was probably the final lupus diagnosis. My blood tests like ANA (antinuclear antibody) are still negative but the rheumatologist states given my history and symptoms, it's definitely SLE. I finally worked up in my job to get to an office manager position, was doing well and bam! It has turned my life upside down. I can no longer manage my full-time job so I lost my amazing title, position and salary. This has, however, allowed me to be more in tune with myself and what my body needs. Also, I am more available to my family, in a way. I wasn't present for a long time. I was pretty much married to my job.

In some beautiful way it has allowed me to reevaluate a lot of things in my life and what is really important.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who is newly diagnosed?: Ask for support! It's a hard thing to accept that you will live with this forever so you have to have support around you.

What is one misconception you wish you could change about lupus?: People are just lazy

What brings you joy?: Spending time with my family