You know how sometimes, when you feel stuck…frustrated…or even discouraged… you have to pause and look back, just to fully appreciate how far you’ve come?
That’s exactly where I’ve been lately. And that’s why I felt it was time to write about my journey…for me to remember and be thankful for how far I’ve come…and for you, to encourage you to keep going.
🌟 Life with Autoimmune Disease: My Daily Reality
I live daily with two autoimmune diseases — Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis — as well as a diagnosis of GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).
These conditions don’t take days off… and neither can I when it comes to managing them.
Each day is a decision:
- Will I remember to take my supplements?
- Will I honor the foods my body can and cannot handle?
- Am I managing my stress levels and getting enough rest?
- Did I take my medication today?
Some days, I thrive.
Other days, I’m just doing my best to survive.
But no matter what the day holds, every step I take now is miles ahead of where I started in late 2021.
🌀 The Struggle You Don’t See
Living with autoimmune disease is like walking through life with weights tied to your ankles that no one else can see.
From 2021 to 2023, my days were full of:
- Unanswered questions and growing concerns
- Exhaustion – physically, mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually
- Dozens of appointments, procedures, and lab tests
- Constant cycles of stress, anxiety, flare-ups, and confusion
The irony? The stress and anxiety made my symptoms worse… but my symptoms also caused the stress and anxiety. It was a vicious cycle that felt impossible to escape.
To the outside world, I looked “normal.”
But inside? I was tired, overwhelmed, in pain, and scared.
😳 Let’s Be Honest: GI Issues Are Embarrassing
Let’s be real — who wants to talk about digestive problems?
Even among close friends and family, saying “I have Crohn’s and Colitis” can feel awkward. There’s so much shame and stigma around gastrointestinal issues, even though millions of people live with them every day.
And yet, these diseases impact everything (and these are just a few of many impacts that are specific to me and my personal journey):
- Energy levels
- Joint health
- Mental health
- Relationships
- Job opportunities
- Weight changes
- Food choices
- Social events
Even now, I sometimes forget how much they have and do affect me… until they remind me.
✨ From That to This: A Better Life, One Step at a Time
Today, I still live with these conditions.
There is no cure — not yet — and every single choice I make matters.
But my quality of life?
It’s dramatically better than it was four years ago.
I’m no longer just surviving.
Most days, I feel like I’m finally living again.
💚 Why I’m Sharing This
I know that everyone’s healing journey is different.
What worked for me might not be what works for you.
But maybe, just maybe… hearing someone else’s story will give you the hope, the idea, or the push you’ve been looking for to keep going.
Maybe my story is the cycle-breaker for yours.
So, in this (7-part) series, I’m going to walk you through how I moved from surviving to thriving in my autoimmune journey — the setbacks, the support, the natural tools, and the life-changing decisions.
Stay with me — in the next post, I’ll share what it feels like living with an invisible illness no one can see (and very few fully understand). You can read it here.
💬 Let’s Connect
Have you or someone you love experienced autoimmune disease?
👇 Leave a comment below or send me a message — I’d love to hear your story.
Straight Outta My Mind 