Shrradha Parekh is one of India who has battled lupus, never losing hope or determination in life. Lupus is a devastating health problem within the immune system of a person’s body. The body’s defense system starts to attack itself, causing swelling, pain, and tissue damage. Her story is inspiring.
Would you please brief our readers about your background?
Shrradha Parekh – I am from Mumbai. I am working in the field of recruitment, and I’m a life coach as well. I was suffering from SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) and going through a roller coaster journey. I had made peace with myself and accepted myself as I’m. I believe in living in the present rather than cribbing about the past.
What is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus? When did you find out?
Shrradha Parekh – Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs. I was just nine years old when the doctor’s diagnosis revealed that I was suffering from SLE.
I had suffered severe pain, rashes, and swelling in my body. Doctors had done several blood tests, psychiatric therapies, TB tests, and what not to figure out the cause, but they couldn’t find out early. I used to get severe headaches, stomach aches, my blood pressure used to shoot up anytime. My mom’s instincts said I had a different problem, and she was right.
It was tough for me as a child. I was suffering from something I was completely unaware of, and it was very difficult for my parents and me. During treatment, I had to go through a biopsy where I was not allowed to take anesthesia as I was more likely to slip into a coma.
How has your life changed since your diagnosis?
Shrradha Parekh – My life had changed in a significant way, almost completely! I think the biggest challenge is to face society. When I was suffering, people used to tell me that I had cancer. My mother used to cry. My father was very disheartened, and I had to console them. I was on steroids, and my body had swollen.
People used to laugh at me as I had come from a zoo. Society had done everything to make me feel bad about myself. But then my parents had taken a tough decision and told me what I was suffering from and made me understand everything. They told me to live in today and not to worry about how many days I had left.
What are some of the biggest challenges of living with a chronic illness?
Shrradha Parekh – Challenges were pretty many. I had rashes everywhere on my body, untimely fever, kidney biopsy, which was done without any anesthesia in the whole operation. In summer, I was surviving on one glass of water and 3 Marie biscuits. But, as I said, the major challenge was facing society, their harsh comments, and their indifferent behavior towards you.
How Shrradha Parekh reached where she wanted to be?
Shrradha Parekh – I believe in gratitude towards life. I used to take baby steps and reach my goals through patience. I always believed in myself and ignored what everyone else was telling me.
What advice would you give other battling lupus?
Shrradha Parekh – Never give up and love yourself as you are. Try to avoid negative thoughts. Please take care of your diet and don’t go out much in heavy heat.
You are also a life coach. What is your motto?
Shrradha Parekh – I believe in spreading love and happiness. I always want people to make sure to live today without any procrastination. I try to spread positivism as a life coach. I want everybody to understand the importance and beauty of life.
What is your best advice to keep yourself focused, to keep believing in ourselves when the distractions in our lives are constant?
Shrradha Parekh – When you believe in yourself, you should stop giving attention to any hostile environment and avoid thinking about what others think about you. Have a dream to live, and then see how you fulfill it.
Shraddha follows one mantra in life:
“Live today and Smile at every moment without procrastination.”
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