It has been a lesson in acceptance for me. Slowing down naturally with age and dealing with my autoimmune disease and other health issues.
"As an "invisible disease", people with Autoimmune Disease are often misunderstood, as they can appear to be healthy, and their condition put down as laziness, bad lifestyle choices, or that their symptoms are imagined."
I have been very lucky with my treatment in Seattle VA. Eight years ago, I developed symptoms that corresponded with pancreatic Cancer. Diagnosed as such, and within a few weeks, my condition was corrected to Autoimmune pancreatitis. There are many that live years with misunderstood symptoms, frustration and exhaustion of living with the disease while not getting any definitive answers . Causes are still unknown, from genetic dispositions, hormonal, stress, bacteria/viral infections , environmental , to lifestyle choices. Though changes in diet, lifestyle can help, the condition can still flare at any time. When diagnosed people can begin to understand their condition and recognise symptoms , managing them effectively. I have complications with my autoimmune disease which makes it more difficult to manage.
I love making and teaching Art, ... both occupy my mind , giving me something to focus on . Despite interruptions to my practice, I can still do a half decent work of Art!
