The back and forth, on and off, bad days versus good ones can be so discouraging, and is a huge factor behind the stigma surrounding invisible illnesses.

My mental and emotional rehabilitation is just as important as my physical rehabilitation.

Working with my limitations rather than trying to be something I'm not has only proven to strengthen me and help me to live a life as close to "normal" as I can.

Self care now has another purpose beyond the seemingly superficial; as someone whose mental state demands efficiency in all aspects of life, this is enough to keep me going.

I have come to accept my limitations as a challenge, not a burden.

Invisible illnesses exist all around you.

On more difficult days, it is helpful knowing that I am not alone in my fight.

I'm ready to start being serious about the connections between all of my symptoms.

I did not test positive for celiac, so praise the Bread Gods for that.

I’m now referring to the liquid as “GI Drano”.

We’re going to refer to my hand pain as “unknown arthritis”.

"The Autoimmune Solution" by Dr. Amy Myers

After searching all corners of possibilities with the symptoms I'm experiencing, most of them match up with the symptoms of a gluten intolerance.

I don't want to keep being tired.

I can't help but be slightly envious of the majority of [patients] who know what is going on within their bodies.