Anyone else get an autoimmune disease for Christmas yesterday? No? Just me? Don’t be jealous.
It’s not exactly what I wanted. I would have preferred a new car with a big red bow on it, like you see in all the TV commercials this time of year. But apparently the universe had other ideas.
My newest diagnosis is Sjögren’s disease, a systemic autoimmune condition that primarily affects my eyes, nose, and mouth. But like the gift that keeps on giving, it also makes me more susceptible to developing more serious conditions. Things like lymphoma.
As if I don’t have enough anxiety in my life …
I already live with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (an autoimmune disease that affects my hormones and metabolism, among other things) and Raynaud’s syndrome (which makes living in the mid-Atlantic particularly uncomfortable this time of year). Now that I have three diagnoses, I think it’s safe to say I’m officially collecting autoimmune diseases.
I guess it’s kind of like collecting stamps or coins, but without the long-term financial upside.
I realize this diagnosis isn’t the worst thing in the world. After all, Sjögren’s won’t kill me. Neither will Hashi’s or Raynaud’s. But it still sucks and complicates my life — making me even more (low-key) high maintenance than before.
To be honest, I’m tired of dealing with things that won’t kill me but are supposed to make me stronger. I’m strong enough, thank you very much.
But I also know that after I bitch about this for awhile, I’ll handle it. Like I handle everything else that’s thrown my way.
I’m a stubborn bitch. It may knock me back, but it won’t knock me down. I got this.
— LJDT
