HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. — When she was 20 years old, a Highlands Ranch woman got news from her doctor that would change her life: She had Lupus and would likely be in a wheelchair by the time she turned 30 years old.
For 25 years after that diagnosis, Lynda Skluzak was a very sick woman, she said.
She dealt with crippling Rheumatoid arthritis and her kidneys were failing. She was in and out of the hospital with many other issues and wasn't getting any better.
"I decided I had to take matters into my own hands," she said.
So, she started to make changes. She dramatically changed her diet. She started eating lean proteins and lots of fruits and vegetables.
"I got rid of dairy completely because it's an inflammatory and makes arthritis way worse," she said.
She also started exercising.
"In the beginning, getting on the treadmill was all I could do," she said. "Over time, I started lifting weights and it reversed the severe osteoporosis I had."
She fell in love with exercise and became a personal trainer nine years ago. Around that time, all symptoms of Lupus started to disappear. And she hasn't experienced a single symptom of Lupus since.
"I thank my higher power for giving me a second chance on life," Skluzak said.
In 2014, she went on to win a bodybuilding competition. She said she plans to compete in another soon.
Along the way, she said she also hopes to continue to inspire others as a personal trainer.
To contact Skluzak for some inspiration of your own, click here.
Everyone's fight with lupus is different, it can be devastating for many patients and their families. To learn more about lupus click here.
