KaliMama: IMy doctor suspects an autoimmune disease, and the number one suspect is lupus (SLE.) I’ve been mentally preparing myself for this, or so I thought. I cried at the doctor’s office, and on the way home. The MRI is to see if the arthritis in my spine is squishing my nerves. That may mean back surgery. I’m already taking pills that aren’t vegan, because I’m overwhelmed and desperate. I don’t know what I’ll end up needing in the future or the long term, or if there will be vegan options. Everything’s tested on animals, anyway. I feel discouraged and sad and like I’m a lousy vegan.

squirrel: I know I’m a newer vegan and have a lot to learn, but I also know that you need to feel good in order to be able to represent veganism.