Hot Chicks with Lupus

When I was first diagnosed with lupus I felt like an alien. I had no friends with lupus and therefore no one to talk to who could really relate to what I was feeling. Hubster was there to listen but I didn’t want to talk about the disease with him too much because I didn’t want him to worry. So I turned to Facebook. Yes, Facebook.

I did a search for lupus-related Facebook groups and found several, including Hot Chicks with Lupus, which you have to love for the name alone. Through the group I was able to learn more about the disease and communicate with other young women who were determined not to let it get them down.

I recently caught up with Kenya Trigg, the awesome gal who created the Hot Chicks with Lupus group.

Kenya Trigg, creator of the dope Facebook group, Hot Chicks with Lupus

When were you diagnosed with lupus and, since lupus affects different people in so many different ways, how has it affected you?

I was diagnosed when I was 21 after several months of several doctors not knowing what to do with me. Seeing my doctors in such a state of confusion was really frustrating. I had joint pain from arthritis, muscle pain from fibromyalgia, and I never seemed to have enough energy to go out and do things that a 21-year-old college student wants to do. Most of my friends understood, but it was hard explaining to people why I couldn’t get out of bed some days or why I was always in so much pain when I looked fine.

How have you coped with the disease and fought to live a full life in spite of it?

There was a point when I decided I could not let the pain hold me back. I changed my lifestyle. I researched all the medication I was on—and you know with lupus that can be a pretty long list—and realized some of them were causing more harm than good. I educated myself and found out what worked best for me. I’ve been in remission for just about two years, and even though I still have to deal with fibromyalgia and arthritis, I try not to let my pain run my life.

When and why did you decide to create the group Hot Chicks with Lupus?

I met a person with lupus a few years ago, and it made me feel like I wasn’t alone. I was so happy to have someone who understood my frustration with the pain and blood tests and awful side effects of the medication. We are young and beautiful women who don’t want to let a disease take over our lives and hold us back. Her case is much more severe than mine, and I felt like I wanted to do something encouraging and fun to keep us smiling on bad days. It’s a blessing that so many more beautiful women (and men) are finding comfort in the group.

It seems to be a pretty popular group? Did you expect this? How does this make you feel?

I didn’t think anyone would even notice the group, so I was quite amazed when the membership began to grow. I am so proud of this group, and I am proud of every person in the group who is refusing to let lupus prevent them from leading a full and vibrant life.

What’s the one thing you wish more people understood about lupus or about people with lupus?

People with lupus need support. We need someone to listen and take our frustration seriously, and remind us that we’re still beautiful, even with rashes, even after gaining weight from medication. And I wish more people knew what lupus is and what kind of impact it has on a person’s life. I hope the group and GeorgiaMae.com can help increase awareness!