#YourStoryOurFight 

I really had a blast doing this interview and I really appreciate Lupus LA providing a great platform for us to be able to share my story and be able to let the world know about lupus and especially from a mans point of view. As I always say I'M DRUMMING TO A DIFFERENT BEAT AND THAT'S TO BEAT LUPUS. #BEATLUPUS

I was diagnosed with SLE while in my late 40's after complaining of joint/hip pain. I am currently in my early 70's (and a white male, go figure). My PCP referred me to a rheumatologist who, after running more tests, confirmed for a fact that I had Lupus. I was handed an information pamphlet and sent home with no follow-up. I think that the only parting advice from the doctor was "Stay out of the sun." Looking back, I must have had SLE for years due to chronic anemia. I also had been diagnosed with Wolf-Parkinson-White Syndrome where the anemia exacerbated my SVT episodes. Without proper care from a qualified specialist, things went from bad to worse over the next year. Over a 6-month period, I had 2 myocardial infarctions and 3 DVT episodes. After the second DVT, I had surgery to implant a greenfield filter. After the myocardial infarctions, surgeons performed an angiogram but found no heart damage or obstructions. Every time I had a DVT event, I had to go on disability for up to 6 months and stay off my feet and be on strong pain medications and anti-coagulants. I had also lost over 30 pounds over time. I was fortunate enough to have a conversation with one of my wife's co-workers who had Lupus. She had been fighting the disease for many years. She was under the care of Dr Daniel Wallace and strongly encouraged me to get a referral and an appointment to see him. Dr Wallace did more for good for me in one month than my other doctors did in years. I honestly feel that he saved my life. I recently had my fourth clean PET scan in the last 15 months after a 5-month chemotherapy regiment for treating my stage 4 non-Hodgkins lymphoma. It would be great to meet Dion some time just to swap stories. I am also a former drummer.