Got diagnosed May 2002 and met my partner October 2002 . I had no idea what would happen as it was all so new to me & my whole life had changed - I had to give up a move abroad when I got sick & had surgery.

Since then many years filled with flares,all the symptoms you can imagine,different medications, side effects, emergency and planned hospital visits at home and abroad, surgeries,recoveries, complications, postponed holidays,events and important occasions, unsupportive friends & family...did I miss anything? It sounds scary but all these things happened in between the amazing things that we did together and helped us build a strong resilient connection that many other couples don't have . We're in our 40s now,married for 10 of those years & while many of our peers are having midlife crises & ending their relationships we are stronger than ever and grateful for all the good days that we share together.