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!
Living with an autoimmune disease is difficult, even when you have a strong support system. This autoimmune story is shared from the perspective of Justin’s mother, Katrina, who has been caring for her son since his ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis. Guided by faith and a mother’s love, Katrina continues to advocate for her son.
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After her life was shaken up by a Hashimoto’s diagnosis, KarlaMary was left to deal with debilitating symptoms. But for her, the journey to healing wasn’t just about physical symptoms- it was also about finding herself again.
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In her story, Anna opens up about her life with a painful, undiagnosed digestive disease. Her experiences range from feeling the agonizing loss of everything that chronic illness has taken from her to her endless determination to find answers about her health. Anna’s story reminds us that everyone’s experience is valid and that hope is always worth holding on to.
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When Monwabisi began to develop signs of vitiligo, he realized that he needed to go beyond his small town for help. Read about Monwabisi’s journey to being diagnosed with multiple autoimmune diseases and learning to embrace his “perfect imperfections”!
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