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 chronic illness, we often grieve for the life we once had and the things we love to do that we suddenly cannot do anymore. Savannah’s story of living with Devic’s disease reminds us how we can still find joy and satisfaction in life.
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Morgan, who has lived with Crohn’s disease for years, describes the experience of avoiding help and offers insights she learned along the way.
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We ran a 31-day social media campaign for Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month! Check out what our community said about diagnosis and more.
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Diagnosing, managing, and treating an autoimmune disease or chronic illness can feel like putting together a 1,000-piece puzzle with your eyes closed.
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