Having swollen fingers is not necessarily a medical emergency. But when Kayleigh Mansfield noticed her fingers were badly swollen, she went to her GP who initially said it was "all in her head".
Then Kayleigh, who lives in Nottingham city centre, showed her doctor her fingers and she was immediately referred for more tests, eventually getting a diagnosis of Lupus - an autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain, fever, skin rashes and organ damage.
She was 17, and her condition was caught early. On average, it takes nearly six years for people with Lupus to be diagnosed.
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Lupus is known as "the great imitator" because its symptoms mimic many other illnesses, according to Lupus Foundation of America.
Kayleigh told Nottinghamshire Live: "No one knows where Lupus comes from. You don't catch it. It's not hereditary. There are many different forms of it". Lupus, also called systemic lupus erythematosus, is not always easy to diagnose because it can be similar to other conditions.
According to the NHS website, you should see your GP if you get joint and muscle pain, extreme tiredness that will not go away no matter how much you rest, rashes – often over the nose and cheeks. Sufferers might also have: Headaches, mouth sores, high temperature, hair loss, and sensitivity to light (causing rashes on uncovered skin).
For Kayleigh she gets "brain fog" a lot and has anxiety. She's grateful to Peterborough University for the support they provided when she was studying for her accountancy finance degree, including giving her extra time in her exams, due to her condition. She proudly achieved a 2:1.
Now she is medicated and under a consultant at the Treatment Centre at the Queen's Medical Centre, Kayleigh is forging ahead in a career in accountancy, her "dream job" with Duncan & Toplis - one of the largest independent accounting and business advisers in the East Midlands.
Her aim is to be a fully qualified chartered accountant. She's also a bit of a regular in beauty pageants, and is hoping to be crowned the next Ms Eco UK. The glittering final is on Saturday, August 4, at the Hilton East Midlands hotel.
Hayleigh told Nottinghamshire Live: "Despite suffering which Lupus, my firm found me whilst I was studying in my second year at university and have supported me throughout. I have never let my Lupus define me and pushed myself.
"The doctors who take care of me are based at Nottingham Treatment Centre and I cannot praise them enough. They take great care of me and listen which is so important.
"Competing in Eco Pageant UK allows me to be the best version of myself and express what is passionate to me. I will be showcasing my advocacy 'Making Waves in Accounting' and educating others on how it's an accountants role to act sustainable.
"I will be scored in five rounds: An interview by my directors and panels of judges; I will then take to the stage with an opening round introducing myself and my advocacy, swimwear, and evening wear".
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