Hey there guys!

Sorry its been so long since I’ve posted anything. I was honestly surprised by the amount of support that I got from the first post! Writing out what you are feeling helps you come to terms with what is going on in your own body.

So in the time since I last signed on I got to experience my SECOND colonoscopy and endoscopy in this lifetime (both prior to turning 21). I’ve been having these horrible, horrible stomach pains. It feels like someone is holding onto my intestines, pulling, twisting, stretching. It is mixed in with a sharp burning pain that feels like I’ve swallowed acid. Fortunately or unfortunately, my exam came back clean (smooth and pink), so now were on to the next phase: ultrasound!

I’ve been having flares of my Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) these past few weeks, some of them are mild others (like last night) leave me in so much pain that I cannot move or even get to sleep. On those days (the bad days) I am luck to make it out the kitchen or the couch, mostly I just stay locked away in my room. That’s what it feels like I’ve become, a recluse who never leaves her room except for food and school. I don’t want to be like this, I want to be normal, have a normal life, be able to go out and do normal things. My disease has caused me to miss school, practice, work and other activities. Going out and having fun leaves me drained for anywhere from a few days to a whole week.

But like others before me have said, I have to be strong, I have to keep trying to do things that I enjoy. It is important to understand my limitations, and to be honest that has been the hardest part of this whole thing so far. Understanding that it is okay to take breaks, to rest up and let my body heal. My health is the most important thing right now.

Thank you for joining me on this journey! I will try to upload more frequently. Until then enjoy a picture of me at the beach in San Diego.