It’s with a heart full of gratitude that I commence this new blogging journey. I’ve learned that others aren’t always as fortunate as me and to be thankful for the abundance of support and love given by those closest to me. They’ve listened to my rants about less than desirable healthcare, and have rejoiced with me when I finally get a few answers. I’ve never cried so much before in my life than in the past year, but honestly, I wouldn’t change a single thing. I know that it’s all for a purpose.
I have gone from being a caregiver for my mom to being a patient. That was the moment when autoimmune disorders became a daily part of my life. My mom was diagnosed with lupus and ankylosing spondylitis last year, and, this year, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and some underlying connective tissue disorder. We share a very symbiotic relationship now.
Instead of complaining about my life, and looking through the negative lenses, I am going to focus on seeing the positive and sharing my lessons. If my journey is this difficult, with support, I can’t begin to imagine how those without a support network survive. This journey is hard enough with the day-to-day struggles of fatigue, pain and unsteadiness; who needs doctors AND friends/family that believe “you are young, you don’t look sick, so, nothing is really wrong; if it is, you will get over this sooner or later”? This sort of mentality forces you to become your own advocate. Hopefully my lessons can save someone else time while offering encouragement by uplifting someone who feels helpless or alone.
I thank God for all of the little things.
I have gone from being a caregiver for my mom to being a patient. That was the moment when autoimmune disorders became a daily part of my life. My mom was diagnosed with lupus and ankylosing spondylitis last year, and, this year, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and some underlying connective tissue disorder. We share a very symbiotic relationship now.
Instead of complaining about my life, and looking through the negative lenses, I am going to focus on seeing the positive and sharing my lessons. If my journey is this difficult, with support, I can’t begin to imagine how those without a support network survive. This journey is hard enough with the day-to-day struggles of fatigue, pain and unsteadiness; who needs doctors AND friends/family that believe “you are young, you don’t look sick, so, nothing is really wrong; if it is, you will get over this sooner or later”? This sort of mentality forces you to become your own advocate. Hopefully my lessons can save someone else time while offering encouragement by uplifting someone who feels helpless or alone.
I thank God for all of the little things.