Finding Strength in the Unknown: Esmeralda Carrera’s Journey with Vasculitis

At just 24 years old, Esmeralda is balancing life as a wife and mother of three—one boy and twin girls—while navigating a life-changing diagnosis. Living in Dallas, Texas, she described herself simply as “a very friendly, empathetic, and clumsy person,” a self-portrait that feels both warm and grounded despite the challenges she faces. Alongside her through it all is her husband, Fernando, whom she describes as her partner and best friend.

When Symptoms Don’t Add Up

Her journey with vasculitis began quietly in December 2024, when she started experiencing what seemed like ongoing respiratory problems. “My initial symptoms were mostly asthma-like symptoms—dry cough, wheezing, stridor (high-pitch sound made when breathing) that would never go away,” she recalled. What followed was a long and frustrating path toward answers.

In early 2025, Esmeralda was initially diagnosed with asthma and fibromyalgia, but something didn’t feel right. “I was obviously misdiagnosed,” she said. Months of uncertainty led to further testing, consultations, and persistence. Finally, in January 2026, she received a definitive diagnosis: granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA).

The Team That Found Answers

Her diagnosis involved a dedicated team of specialists. Her primary care provider, Isabel Muñoz, FNP-C, with MD Medical Group, worked alongside rheumatologist Dr. Lesley Davila, pulmonologists Dr. Margaret Kypreos and Dr. Audra Schwalk—who ultimately identified her condition—and endocrinologist Dr. Emily Zhang, all from UT Southwestern Medical Center. The process was extensive. “I got a lot of blood work done, CT scans of my lungs and chest, an MRI of my brain and pituitary gland, and two biopsies,” she explained. Like many others facing rare diseases, she had never even heard of vasculitis before that moment. “I had not heard about vasculitis until my diagnosis.”

Today, Esmeralda is undergoing treatment with prednisone and methotrexate. While these medications are necessary, they come with difficult side effects. “I have tremors, shakes, and I’ve gained a lot of weight. I also have moon face and edema,” she shared.

A Body That Feels Different

The impact of vasculitis on her daily life has been profound. Once active and independent, even everyday tasks have become challenging. “Something I was able to do before vasculitis were things like carrying groceries, carrying my kiddos, walking without having to take breaks,” she explained. “A lot of it is physical—at the moment it’s difficult, but I try to push through.” She now relies heavily on her support system. “It affects my well-being. I currently receive help from my mother watching my kiddos because my body cannot physically handle it,” she said. “I’m glad I have her support because I would not know what to do.”

Emotionally, the journey has been just as challenging. Esmeralda reflected on the loss of her former physical abilities with honesty and vulnerability. “It makes me think about all the times I took for granted my healthy body. Now there are days I cry because I cannot physically do things I was able to do back then.”

Stronger Together

Despite these struggles, she is far from alone. Her husband, mother, and close friends have become pillars of strength. “They’re always there for me,” she said. Her relationship with her family—especially her husband—has grown even stronger through the experience. “Definitely, we’ve all gotten closer. At first, it was hard. My husband was taking on all the work and house responsibilities, and it would drain him. But he pushed through for us, and I couldn’t be happier to have him by my side.”

She has also found connection through online vasculitis communities, particularly Facebook groups where she can meet others on similar journeys.

Esmeralda experiences flare-ups and is still learning how to manage them. She is not yet in remission and had been seeking access to Rituxan®; however, the Genentech Patient Foundation recently approved her for treatment, and she has already begun her infusion therapy, with additional treatments planned—an encouraging step forward. In the meantime, she turns to online resources—especially YouTube—to better understand and cope with her illness.