While the most recent statistics tell us that autoimmune disease affects at least 14.7 to 23.5 million Americans, research indicates that the numbers have been growing steadily for years. The unifying link between these 80-100 diseases and counting, is the immune system’s inability to differentiate between self and non-self, resulting in systemic or organ-specific attacks.
No one case of autoimmunity is alike, as symptoms overlap and vary widely even within a particular disease, such as celiac, lupus, or ulcerative colitis. On top of this, there are many individuals with autoimmune-like symptoms who are unable to secure a diagnosis.
EACH STORY SERVES AS A WINDOW INTO THE COMPLEXITIES OF LIVING WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS
People may feel unseen and unheard both in their social lives and in the medical world. It is our hope for these stories to cushion the loneliness often felt by people with autoimmune disease, and to give caregivers and loved ones valuable insight into what they may be going through. Let your story be heard!
In the beginning, Hannah’s illness drained her of health, social activities, and time. As she navigated these challenges, Hannah began to work out a new timeline for her life. Hannah’s story is a reminder that progress is worth celebrating, even when chronic illness slows you down.
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Chronic illness can change your life in the blink of an eye. That’s what happened to Ashley, who was enjoying a carefree vacation when she began to suffer numbness and blackouts out of nowhere. After a complicated and frightening journey, she was finally diagnosed with primary Raynaud’s disease.
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When you have multiple chronic illnesses, a new diagnosis often brings new waves of frustration, fear, and grief. Through overwhelming struggles, Morgan was eventually able to achieve one of her greatest dreams. Now, she wants to remind others that it gets better.
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For many people, finding a supportive community can help ease the burden of living with chronic illness. But what happens when your disease is so stigmatized that nobody talks about it?
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