My Health Journey: Navigating Biologics, Injections, and Inner Strength

Living with a chronic condition often feels like navigating an endless maze of treatments, hopes, and setbacks. My journey with biologics and injections has been no exception. It’s been a rollercoaster of trial and error, hope and disappointment. And while it hasn’t been easy, it’s also taught me more about resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of leaning into my support systems.

The Treatment Journey So Far

When I first started biologic treatments, I had hope that one of these medications would finally ease my symptoms and restore some balance to my life. The path, however, has been more complicated than I imagined:

• Humira: We started with Humira, hoping it would be the magic bullet. Unfortunately, it didn’t work.
• Enbrel: Next came Enbrel. We were optimistic, but it didn’t work either.
• Cimzia: Another attempt, another disappointment.
• Rinvoq: This one was a pill, not an injection, and we really hoped it would mean freedom from needles. Instead, it brought weight fluctuations and liver function issues without the relief we had hoped for.

And now we’re here, at the doorstep of Tremfya – another injection. If this doesn’t work, there are only two more options left before we revisit Enbrel or Cimzia and potentially move to infusions.

It’s a disheartening reality, but one I have to face head-on.

Coping with the Emotional Toll

Dealing with repeated medication failures is more than a physical challenge; it’s emotionally exhausting. There are days when frustration and disappointment try to take the wheel, but I’ve learned to rely on the pillars of strength that hold me up:

1. Family: My family is my anchor. Their unconditional love and understanding give me the courage to keep pushing forward.
2. Spiritual Practices: While I don’t follow a traditional religious path, I find immense peace in my spiritual connection with the universe, my ancestors, and the energy that surrounds us.
3. Mindful Living: Listening to my body, honoring my needs, and staying attuned to my mental and physical health helps me navigate this journey with grace.

Finding Peace Beyond the Pain

I don’t pray in the conventional sense, but I do meditate. I ground myself through music, cooking, and creative outlets that bring me joy. My connection to the universe, my ancestors, and my creator is one of love, peace, and acceptance. There’s no judgment here, only the reassurance that I’m never alone.

This journey isn’t over. It’s a winding path with unknown twists and turns, but I’m learning to walk it with hope, patience, and trust in the process. No matter what comes next, I know that my strength lies not in the medications I try but in the spirit with which I face each day.

To anyone else on a similar journey: You’re not alone. Keep listening to your body, honoring your spirit, and trusting your process. The path might be rocky, but the destination is always worth the steps we take to get there.