Living with Autoimmune

Some days are better than others but I always celebrate the good days! After being diagnosed with my first disease Ulcerative Colitis in January 2022 right before my 40th birthday, I thought I would take it on like I do everything else. I thought as soon as I can get control of the disease and figure out how to eat right I could live a somewhat normal life. So I agreed to take the harsh biological meds and I changed my diet and this worked for a short time. Next thing I know, I was diagnosed with RA, psoriatic arthritis, a stroke and finally a rare blood cancer. All of this proved to be overwhelming, so what was I going to do now?

Those of us with these chronic illnesses have an overwhelming feeling of doing our best to let our friends and loved ones thank we are okay, but inside we are struggling. Our anxiety is high because we can't figure out how to fix it. We are scared to call the doctor for the millionth time because we feel like we are a burden. Our depression keeps us from following up on small tasks because after managing to get through the day we are exhausted.

I am an introvert but over the last 3 years I have felt myself moving more inward because it is easier to hide the pain and exhaustion from others. That seclusion only added to my depression and made my journey feel even more lonely. I am lucky enough to have an amazing support system that continues to help me stay positive and keeping living my dreams through all of this crazy life of chronic illness :)

I am sharing my journey in hopes that I can help others push through the hard days so they can enjoy the good days.