Dr. Nya Oglesby (Nya OG)
Soon-to-be M.D. | Lupus & Rheumatoid Arthritis Advocate
Diagnosis
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) – diagnosed at age 12
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Sjogren’s
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) – diagnosed at age 12
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Sjogren’s
If your health journey were a song:
“Rise Up” by Andra Day — a reminder that no matter how many setbacks lupus and RA bring, I always find the strength to rise again. It captures the resilience these conditions have built in me.
“Rise Up” by Andra Day — a reminder that no matter how many setbacks lupus and RA bring, I always find the strength to rise again. It captures the resilience these conditions have built in me.
Most unexpected thing you’ve learned about yourself:
That I am far more resilient, determined, and adaptable than I ever imagined. Chronic illness taught me that my strength is not in perfection, but in persistence.
That I am far more resilient, determined, and adaptable than I ever imagined. Chronic illness taught me that my strength is not in perfection, but in persistence.
If you had a superpower to make infusions easier:
I would choose the ability to pause time. A moment where life stands still while I recharge, rest, and receive treatment without feeling like I’m falling behind.
I would choose the ability to pause time. A moment where life stands still while I recharge, rest, and receive treatment without feeling like I’m falling behind.
Your favorite infusion day strategy:
Staying busy and productive — school work, studying, content planning, or catching up on assignments. When my mind is engaged, the infusion seems to move faster.
Staying busy and productive — school work, studying, content planning, or catching up on assignments. When my mind is engaged, the infusion seems to move faster.
What’s in your infusion Go Bag?
Snacks, water, my laptop, iPad, AirPods, chargers, school supplies, and occasionally a cozy blanket. Everything I need to stay comfortable and focused.
Snacks, water, my laptop, iPad, AirPods, chargers, school supplies, and occasionally a cozy blanket. Everything I need to stay comfortable and focused.
One thing you wish people understood about your condition:
No two days are the same. Some days I’m strong and full of energy; other days the smallest tasks require enormous effort. Lupus and RA are unpredictable, invisible battles.
No two days are the same. Some days I’m strong and full of energy; other days the smallest tasks require enormous effort. Lupus and RA are unpredictable, invisible battles.
A small victory you recently celebrated:
Designing and celebrating our purple butterfly–themed wedding in honor of lupus. Seeing my vision come to life while managing my health reminded me that lupus doesn’t get to steal my milestones.
Designing and celebrating our purple butterfly–themed wedding in honor of lupus. Seeing my vision come to life while managing my health reminded me that lupus doesn’t get to steal my milestones.
Best advice for infusion nurses:
“Don’t stop — you can do anything you set your mind to.”
These words from my pediatric infusion nurse, Heidi, carried me through childhood and still empower me today. Infusion nurses give more than medication—they give hope.
“Don’t stop — you can do anything you set your mind to.”
These words from my pediatric infusion nurse, Heidi, carried me through childhood and still empower me today. Infusion nurses give more than medication—they give hope.
Go-to comfort food or activity after infusions:
Indian food and a quiet walk in the park with my dog Hope. Both help me decompress and ground myself after a long treatment day.
Indian food and a quiet walk in the park with my dog Hope. Both help me decompress and ground myself after a long treatment day.
