Smiling through my swollen face 😊
For 5 1/2 years, l've lived with Takayasu's arteritis, a rare autoimmune condition affecting fewer than 3,000 people in the U.S. It causes inflammation in my main aortic valve and arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow, which can lead to organ damage. Looking back, I realize I spent those years in denial. I acknowledged my diagnosis, spoke about it occasionally, and made sporadic attempts to live healthier, but I never truly confronted its presence in my life.
Last week changed everything. I visited the ER for what I thought was an unrelated issue, only to be admitted when they discovered how active my TAK had become. Navigating a rare disease in the ER was challenging. The doctors noted I'm "not your typical 32-year-old," a statement that struck me deeply. It forced me to see how serious my condition is and how much l've overlooked its impact on my body.
My rheumatologist measures my inflammation with two tests: C-reactive protein (CRP) and sedimentation rate. A healthy CRP should be below 10—mine was 32. The sedimentation rate should be under 20-mine was 74. Those results were a stark wake-up call. The hospital revealed I have permanent damage, damage that's irreversible.
Despite the gravity of my situation, I'm deeply grateful. I've been given a second chance-a reset-and I'm determined to live a long, healthy life by putting in the effort. While my doctors recommend lifelong medications with significant side effects, I'm choosing to pursue functional medicine first. I'm fully committed to an anti-inflammatory lifestyle: reducing stress, eating a completely anti inflammatory diet and constantly moving my body.
You can't change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.
#functionalmedicine #antiinflammatorydiet #autoimmunedisease #vasculitis #takayasuarteritis
Living with a rare condition like Takayasu's Arteritis often feels like navigating uncharted waters. Many of us with autoimmune diseases share similar experiences: a long road to diagnosis, periods of denial, and then a profound shift when the reality of our health hits hard. My own journey, marked by a recent ER visit when inflammation markers like CRP (32) and sedimentation rate (74) were alarmingly high, highlighted the urgent need for a change in how I approach my health. For those grappling with symptoms like unexplained swelling, pain, or fatigue, it’s crucial to understand that Takayasu's Arteritis, a form of vasculitis, specifically targets the large arteries, leading to narrowing and reduced blood flow. Common indicators can include arm or leg pain or weakness, dizziness, fainting, headaches, and sometimes, a noticeable difference in pulse or blood pressure between limbs. If you're experiencing any of these, especially if they’re persistent, it's vital to seek a medical opinion and advocate for thorough investigation. Early diagnosis can make a significant difference in managing the condition and preventing irreversible damage. When it comes to Takayasu's Arteritis treatment and management, there's a spectrum of approaches. While conventional medicine often relies on corticosteroids and immunosuppressants to control inflammation, which can have significant side effects, many, like myself, explore complementary paths. Functional medicine, for instance, focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of inflammation and disease, rather than just managing symptoms. It’s about looking at the whole person – diet, gut health, stress levels, environmental toxins, sleep, and physical activity – to create a personalized healing plan. This holistic view often resonates deeply, offering a sense of empowerment in our healing journey. Embracing an anti-inflammatory lifestyle has become a cornerstone of my new approach. This isn't just about medications; it's about making daily choices that support my body's natural healing processes. For me, this means a rigorous anti-inflammatory diet, rich in whole, unprocessed foods, plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins, while avoiding inflammatory triggers like processed sugars, refined grains, and certain dairy products. Stress reduction is equally critical; chronic stress can fuel inflammation. Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, gentle yoga, and ensuring adequate sleep are non-negotiable. Regular, moderate movement, rather than strenuous exercise, also helps to keep the body supple and reduce inflammatory responses. Navigating this path requires immense resilience. There will be days when it feels like you have to *work through that pain*, both physical and emotional. It’s challenging, but if you can keep your heart open and remain brave in the face of uncertainty, you truly *learn so much about yourself*. Finding a supportive community, whether online or in person, can provide invaluable encouragement and shared wisdom. Remember, you're not alone in this; there are many of us learning to live well with autoimmune conditions, one thoughtful step at a time.
