5 Years of Medication Mayhem — A Chronic Illness Update
Can you believe it’s been five years of med-hopping, body-battling, and playing pharmaceutical roulette? And three years since Cimzia kicked off its short-lived reign of terror. Time flies when your immune system refuses to chill. 🌀

Cimzia actually started out strong — my skin was like, “Okay, I see you!” But unlike Humira’s friendly lil’ auto-pen, Cimzia came with preloaded syringes. Terrifying? Absolutely. But I faced the fear and stabbed myself anyway like a true autoimmune warrior.

The glow-up was short-lived. My skin eventually started rejecting the injections like they were poison. The med itself burned, the needle hurt, and the whole process became a source of major anxiety. Also: it did nothing for my joints. Onward we went.

Next up: Enbrel.
It actually worked! Joints were happier, skin calmed down — BUT… the Enbrel Mini auto-injector sounded like a small robot having a panic attack. Even on silent mode, it went whirr, hiss, KA-CHUNK. I’d sit frozen in fear for an hour sometimes, crying and hyping myself up to push the button. It misfired more than once, wasting meds and sending me into a spiral. ✨ Cute. ✨

So when the doc suggested Rinvoq — a pill — I thought I’d finally won the autoimmune lottery. 💊✨ No scary needles? No button-press-induced meltdowns? YES, PLEASE.

But Rinvoq was… a dramatic diva.

• Gave me massive weight gain
• Wrecked my liver and kidney levels for the first time ever
• Sparked a full-blown inflammation hurricane
• Made me feel like my insides were staging a mutiny

Meanwhile, I was still doing all the things — gluten-free, beef-free, anti-inflammatory diet, rest, stress management — but my body was like, “Nah, we’re just gonna self-destruct now.” Cool cool cool.

To help undo the chaos Rinvoq left behind, I’m now taking Zepbound, a weight loss med to help reduce the extra weight and inflammation it dumped on me. Not for vanity — for survival. My joints and organs deserve better than what Rinvoq handed them.

Enter: Tremfya — the current med on deck.
I’m about to take shot #4, and you guys… I want this one to work.

✨ Least painful injection yet (bless).
✨ More energy than I’ve had in five years.
✨ Joints? Major improvement.
✨ Skin? Still misbehaving, especially in those PsA-flared zones, but I’m not giving up hope.

💔 And here’s the part I don’t always talk about —
This journey? It’s been traumatic. Not just physically, but emotionally. Trying to simply feel better has been a long, winding, often painful road. Getting the right diagnosis has been its own kind of uphill battle — and honestly, we’re still not all the way there. There are still unanswered questions. Still weird symptoms. Still things that don’t quite add up.

But I now have a new set of doctors with fresh eyes on my case — and with their help, I’m hopeful that some long-awaited answers might finally be within reach. 🙏

And then there’s my back…
This whole chaotic health journey really kicked off over 10 years ago with my back pain — which has never let up. It was the red flag that started it all: the scans, the specialists, the “what the heck is happening to me?” spiral. My back has been my body’s loudest protest sign. And I’m still fighting to get it to sit down and be quiet. [ It needs a post all its own I am afraid]

So yeah. It’s been five years of trying, switching, hoping, flaring, crying, and pushing forward, navigating through the tumultuous sea of emotions, each wave more daunting than the last. Every experience, whether joyful or painful, has taught me something invaluable, molding my resilience and shaping my perspective on life. Figuring it all out one exhausting step at a time, I’ve learned to celebrate the small victories, however minor they may seem, and draw strength from the challenges that once felt insurmountable. The journey has been anything but easy, yet it has instilled in me a deep appreciation for perseverance and the unpredictable beauty of personal growth.

To my fellow chronic illness warriors —
You’re not alone in this madness. We’re all out here, stitched together with stubbornness and sheer willpower, just trying to find some peace inside bodies that won’t cooperate. Each day is a new battle, with unexpected challenges that test our strength and resilience; yet, amidst the struggle, we gather the courage to face another sunrise. The fatigue can be overwhelming, but we push through, clinging to the small victories that remind us of our tenacity. It’s the connection with others, sharing our stories and supporting one another, that truly helps us navigate this complicated journey. Together, we create a tapestry of hope, understanding, and unwavering spirit that binds us even closer as we strive for healing and fulfillment in our lives.

Here’s to meds that help more than they hurt, providing relief and comfort. To doctors who actually listen, taking the time to understand their patients’ unique struggles and needs. To breakthroughs that come after years of breakdowns and challenges, symbolizing hope and resilience in the face of adversity. And to never giving up on the life you deserve to have, a life filled with joy, fulfillment, and the opportunity to thrive despite the obstacles that may arise along the way. Let us celebrate the journey towards health, the strength found in vulnerability, and the unwavering spirit that drives us forward.

Much love and many blessings,
Mrs. B 💜✨