Hello! My name is Lauren, and I am 21 years old. I am currently a senior undergraduate psychology student, and I am starting my MSW at University of Michigan in the fall! At age fourteen, I received my first official diagnosis of Idiopathic Arthritis. After years of medical trauma and trials, I was given a new diagnosis of Undifferentiated Mixed Connective Tissue Disease; an incurable systemic disease that causes the body’s immune system to malfunction and attack a person’s own healthy tissues, umbrellaing components of various active diseases. In my case, my disease components are arthritis, chilblains, IBS and undefined lupus factors.
5 Invisible Symptoms
- Joint pain, specifically in my hands and feet, and heat radiating throughout my body resulting in itching, swelling and red blotches.
- Brain fog- Having to be a productive part of society while functioning at the same speed as a zombie.
- Constant fatigue, followed by difficulty actually sleeping due to restlessness and the inability to get comfortable.
- Sore throats, difficulty swallowing, and difficulty eating.
- Stomach discomfort and frequent nausea…even with “safe” foods. .
4 Things That Help Me Manage Pain
- Naps! Letting myself sleep when I can, guilt free.
- Hot and cold therapy, depending on the ache. Since my flares typically make my body overheat, warmth makes it worse. However, heat helps with my stomach discomfort.
- Distractions. Books, TV shows, homework, and all the above. If I have something on my mind other than my aches, it shifts the pain to the back of my brain.
- Medications! I rely heavily on the concoction my doctor has crafted for me over the years. After so many trials, I am so thankful to have found some relief. I don’t think anyone should feel ashamed for needing the assistance of medication to get through the day.
3 Ways My Life Has Changed
- I have learned how closed minded the average person is. When you look at me, you see a fairly normal, completely functional 21-year-old, college student. What you don’t see is the amount of effort it took for me to get out of bed that morning. This has taught me the importance of giving people grace–because without asking, you never know the mountains an individual has had to climb.
- I have grown closer with those who love me and truly care. My family and fiancé have shown constant support, and these connections have grown through the challenges and hardships we’ve faced together.
- I have grown apart from perfection. My experiences have taught me that progress and my well-being is far more valuable than picture perfect perfection. I can now celebrate what I’ve done and what I’m able to do, even if it looks different from what I once imagined.
2 People Who Inspire Me
- My mom. My mom has faced her own struggles, yet she has always made sure I received the care, comfort, and support I needed. Nothing has ever overshadowed her role as a mother. Not every parent has to navigate the world of specialists, insurance battles, or the unpredictability of a rare diagnosis. My mom has been my biggest advocate my whole life and my constant.
- My fiancé. Like my mom, he has witnessed the good, the bad, and the ugly- and trust me, it has gotten very ugly. Yet, through every version of me, and with each new limitation and ache, his love has never wavered. He goes above and beyond to ensure I’m okay, learning my intricacies with patience, and making clear his intention to make my days easier.
1 Thing You Want People to Know
You are stronger than any of your toughest days.
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