My Medical Journey: Navigating Life with Chronic Illnesses

This has to be one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to type. I am 37 years of age and happily married to the love of my life, Alex. He will sometimes want to help with certain blogs. He will try to give some tips, tricks, and perspective of caregivers with loved ones that have chronic illnesses. My life took a significant turn on February 21st, 2025. when I woke up int he morning, I ended up having two seizures. In my less postictal state, I had discovered I was not capable of moving my right leg. In the past eight months, I have faced around 20 different diagnoses, and I am just beginning this challenging journey. The unexpected twists and turns have left me wheelchair-bound for now. I’m still trying to figure out whether this is my new way of life.

Despite the struggles, I have always been a strong advocate for mental health and the importance of self-advocacy. I created this space to share my story, hoping it inspires others to voice their experiences. My aim is to create a chain reaction. I want to encourage everyone to share their story. This will foster a community of understanding for those who are also struggling.

As I navigate through my current situation, I’ve learned the significance of advocacy. My journey has led to several diagnoses. These include Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (HEDs), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTs), and Mast Cell Disorder. I also have Chronic Migraines with Chronic Microvascular Disease, Occipital Neuralgia, and Idiopathic Neuropathy. There’s Insulin Resistant Reactive Hypoglycemia, Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (cPTSD), and Esophageal Dysmotility. There are ongoing tests for suspected Gastroparesis. Intestinal dysmotility is also being investigated. Additionally, I have a diagnosis of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and a liver tumor. Additionally, I was diagnosed with ADHD at an early age and am now being assessed for Autism.

My list of diagnoses seems daunting. Still, I hope that by sharing my experiences, I can support someone going through similar challenges. I acknowledge that my journey is ongoing, and I will continue to update this section as I learn more.

My interests are always evolving. Some passions have remained constant. I love reading, writing, and immersing myself in creative endeavors. I used to enjoy the great outdoors. With this new perspective, I know I’ll have to relearn how to approach my hobbies. I must do this while respecting my limits. It’s going to be a challenge, but I’m determined to rise to it.

I am grateful to each of you for joining me on this journey. Thank you for reading my blogs, sharing your stories, and offering uplifting comments. My story isn’t over yet, and I am excited to gather and share knowledge together. Let’s inspire one another to overcome our obstacles and embrace the journey ahead!