a diagnosis

Our society isn't perfect.  I learned during my period of illness that it is hard to find support when your illness doesn't have a name.  If you'd like to read about what life is like being undiagnosed, this short post is very accurate for my experience.  I found that when I started listing all my symptoms, it made it easier for others to understand.  But who wants to go around listing all their miseries?!

After 1-2 years of declining health, thousands of dollars spent in healthcare, over 50 doctor appointments, hospitalizations, I think I may have my diagnosis now.  My allergy skin test this morning revealed I'm allergic to pork, cow's milk (not the same as lactose thankfully!), onions, and almonds.  I didn't react to the wheat, so he suspects I'm only intolerant to wheat. When I eliminated wheat from my diet, I started feeling better, but not healthy.  These unknown and undiagnosed other food allergies could be the cause.  He thinks once I stop eating all 4 foods I'm allergic to, and wheat that I'm intolerant too, that I should see my immune system improve.

With my many doctors visits, I've been given answers before, and we discovered they weren't correct.  Here's to hoping I'm done searching! .. and I'm excited by this diagnosis! But why, Rachel?! Having to eliminate these 5 foods from your diet will be a hassle.  I want to tell you why, and I want you to never forget.
Never under appreciate when your illness has a treatment.
I've learned so much about autoimmune diseases and chronic illness recently. I've personally experienced how hard life can be when you can't do anything to control your body. I know having surgery, taking medications, or eliminating food from your diet for life as a treatment can be a hassle.  The other (and not discussed enough in our society option) is to not get better.

I guarantee the strongest people you know are the silent warriors fighting chronic illness. The following are some of my favorite quotes from some of these warriors.  Here is the post with all 25 quotes if you'd like to learn more.

“I’m not lazy. I’m in pain, exhausted and quite possibly depressed because I feel useless and cannot make others understand what I go through on a daily basis.” —Jodie Farber Brubacher

 “When I’m pushing through… I’m really pushing myself too hard.” —Debra Declue

“I live a double life. What you see when I am at work: someone who is well put together, always dependable, smiling, will always tell you she is doing fine. My reality: I’m a mess, in so much pain, my smiles are forced, sometimes I have to find a quiet place to cry. But it’s much easier for me to fake it because coworkers don’t want to hear my truth day after day.” —Amber Weller

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