Silent D: Surviving Autoimmunity

Living life with a Silent Autoimmune Disease

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Amen!

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Bending without breaking...

On a good day, I feel semi normal.  I am sure those others with AID (Autoimmune diseases) can relate.  A good day for us will be a pain scale of 3 to 4.  That’s our normal.  On a bad day, it’s 7 or above.  I bend, but won’t allow myself to break.  That is both mentally and physically!  I always know that no matter how bad I feel, it could be worse.  I am thankful for whatever movement I am capable.  Today is one of those days as I am having difficulty typing.  But, I can do a little at a time, so that is what I will do... 

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i feel personally attacked

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Right???  And not for good reasons....

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My first post... Silent D: Surviving Autoimmune Diseases

Hi all!  

Please forgive the lack of really cool stuff on my blog at this point.  I am fumbling away at the technical aspect of this “blog thing”, but my message will be just the same.  AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES SUCK!  And how do we survive them in a world where we are judged by how we look and being constant “overachievers” that are a badge of honor.

In a nutshell, I was 34 when I had my first Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms.  Had been going through a divorce and working God knows how many hours and just thought I was overdoing it.  Long and short, I had never heard of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).  I didn’t know what it was, but I know it was changing my life completely.  

My journey, more than likely, has been similar to yours.  Surviving a “Silent Disease (Silent D) that has many misconceptions and challenging perceptions from ourselves and others. The silent disease may be different, but similar inner and external struggles.  I believe there is healing in awareness.  Healing in education.  Healing in speaking out and controlling who and what we allow into our lives.

I would very much like to learn with you.  To me, one of the best ways to learn is through those who know more than you do.  There are over 100 different types of autoimmune diseases.  As an example, for as much as I know about my diagnosis of RA, there are others who know more or experience it differently.  I would like to highlight as many of them as possible to greatly influence the understanding of the affects of each of these diseases.

Please feel free to send me a message/post about your autoimmune disease and what can you share with others to help them through this journey.  I am not guaranteeing a free for all as I will be reviewing all items submitted before posting.  I appreciate all of your thoughts and look forward to learning and growing together!

PS:  Whining and complaining ARE allowed... We all do it!  Please understand that you will receive understanding, support and encouragement from myself and others...  What works for one may not work for others and that’s ok.  We can at least have open and honest conversations in a safe place.  

Hoping for a pain free day (as much as possible for all! 

Stacy - “Silent D survivor” - And another day of NOT defined by my disease

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If he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly

Brene Brown via Theodore Roosevelt