Clayton D.’s Story

My name is Clayton, and I am from Alabama.
I found out that I had Lupus in December of 1997. I was tested because I had a malar rash, and I collapsed at my place of work. Lupus has had a dramatic effect on my life. Because of the extreme heat (and sun) in Alabama, I had to move to Colorado, leaving my mother behind. I thought my life had come to an end, but through God, prayers, and faith, I survived. My mother was sick and dying from colon cancer. I was determined to be there for her. She passed away on Thanksgiving Day, 2008. I thank and praise God that I got to be there with her.

With Lupus, I have suffered from osteoporosis, which caused several significant fractures. I also had a period of time when I suffered from seizures, but thankfully, they were resolved quickly. I also have dry eyes due to Sjogren’s, a related illness. I have problems with my legs due to Raynaud’s, which is another related illness. I got cataracts and blemishes from the medications I was on. It has markedly affected my teeth, and it has caused major infections throughout my body.

It also caused severe nerve damage in my ears, which resulted in the permanent loss of most of my hearing. In February 2020, I underwent an operation to get a cochlear implant placed in my right ear. Prior to the surgery, my left ear was less than five percent of normal, but after surgery and many subsequent physical therapy appointments, my hearing is now restored to about 65 percent of normal. The hearing in my left ear is currently less than six percent of normal, and I am considering having another cochlear implant operation.

I thank God and praise Him every day for keeping me alive and well. I did not give up, and I never will. I enjoy every moment of my life, and with the blessings of God, I am determined to survive many more years.