Chronic Twenties

M –

I was first diagnosed with Mastocytosis just after I turned 22. Unfortunately, due to doctors having no idea what they were talking about and refusing to admit it, I went untreated until I was almost 24. I blogged about that saga here[LINK]. In addition to having Masto, I also have chronic lower back and hip pain. Some doctors think the two are unrelated. Others think they are deeply related. I’m leaning toward the latter, but I’m only really beginning to explore that connection, so more to come on that later.

And while this blog is about my Masto, my illness doesn’t define me, nor is it all that I am. Even though it can feel like that sometimes. When I’m not downing pills or laying in bed because I’m having a bad day, I’m often in the woods walking with my dog, watching tv, hanging out with friends/family, traveling or playing online (I’m big into social media. If I disappear from Twitter for a whole day, people send out a search and rescue party! Kidding! … kind of).

I’m not a shy or very private person, so please, feel free to ask any/all questions either in the comments or via email.
xo M

S –

I first started showing symptoms of RA when I was 18.  Arthritis was probably the furthest thing from my mind at the time and I went undiagnosed for two and half years.  My doctors didn’t expect it in someone my age either, so the first time I complained of morning pain and stiffness in my feet, they told me not to worry about it, to avoid the movements that cause pain.

Although I have this disease, I lead a very full life.  A marketing consultant by day, a yoga teacher by night, I try my damnedest not let the RA impact any facet of my life.  For a while, I was very concerned about my ability to pursue my other passion, archaeology, with my condition… I’ve since decided that I can pretty much do whatever I put my mind to (as cheesy as that sounds).  I can handle the pain–I want to take the world for a spin, travel and experience things without restrictions.

I’m committed to the idea of this blog being a safe place for people share their chronic experiences.  M’s right that it doesn’t need to define you, but it’s so important to find support.  Please feel free to contact us—either of us.

<3
S