A quick dive into what I have!

SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus): A chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissues, causing widespread inflammation. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, and blood vessels. Symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, rashes, and organ damage. It often fluctuates between flare-ups and remission.

RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis): An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks joint linings, causing chronic inflammation. It leads to pain, swelling, stiffness, and joint deformity. Over time, RA can also affect other organs, such as the heart, lungs, and eyes. It often requires medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.

Fibromyalgia: A condition characterised by widespread chronic pain and tenderness throughout the body. It often includes fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties (known as “fibro fog”). Stress, illness, or trauma can worsen symptoms. Though the cause isn’t fully understood, it’s thought to involve abnormal pain processing in the nervous system.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS): A group of inherited connective tissue disorders affecting collagen production, leading to hypermobile joints, fragile skin, and joint dislocations. Some types can affect internal organs and blood vessels, posing serious risks. Symptoms vary widely but often include chronic pain, fatigue, and frequent injuries due to joint instability.

Essential Tremor: A neurological disorder causing involuntary, rhythmic shaking, often in the hands but also in the head, voice, or other body parts. It’s not life-threatening but can interfere with daily tasks like writing or eating. Stress, fatigue, and caffeine can worsen tremors, which often run in families.

Bipolar 2: A mental health condition involving mood swings between depressive episodes and hypomania, which is less extreme than full mania. Depressive episodes include sadness, low energy, and loss of interest, while hypomania involves elevated mood, increased energy, or impulsivity. It can disrupt relationships, work, and daily life.

AuDHD (Autism and ADHD): The co-occurrence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), combining traits from both. Individuals may experience sensory sensitivities, difficulty with focus, hyperactivity, and challenges with social interaction. Each condition affects people differently, but together they can amplify struggles with daily routines and communication.

IIH (Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension): A condition where cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the skull, increasing pressure. This can cause headaches, vision changes (including blurred or double vision), and ringing in the ears. The cause is often unknown. It’s more common in women of childbearing age and may require medical intervention.

Anxiety: A mental health condition marked by persistent worry, fear, or nervousness, often disproportionate to the situation. Symptoms can include racing thoughts, restlessness, muscle tension, and physical reactions like a rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders can be triggered by stress or trauma and often interfere with daily functioning and relationships.

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder): A condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as violence or natural disasters. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness. PTSD can make it difficult to trust others, sleep, or feel safe. Treatment often involves therapy and coping strategies.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): A hormonal disorder affecting people with ovaries. It causes irregular periods, high levels of androgens (male hormones), and ovarian cysts. Other symptoms may include weight gain, acne, excessive hair growth, and infertility. It’s also linked to an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease.

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome): A gastrointestinal disorder causing abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, or constipation. Symptoms are often triggered by stress, diet, or hormonal changes. IBS doesn’t damage the digestive tract but can significantly affect quality of life. Treatment typically involves diet adjustments, stress management, and medication if necessary.

Major Depression: A severe mood disorder that causes persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and feelings of worthlessness. It often includes physical symptoms such as changes in sleep, appetite, and energy levels. Major depression can interfere with relationships, work, and daily life but is treatable with therapy and medication.

C-PTSD (Complex PTSD): A form of PTSD resulting from prolonged trauma, such as ongoing abuse or neglect. Symptoms include emotional regulation difficulties, a sense of helplessness, distrust of others, and negative self-image. Unlike traditional PTSD, C-PTSD focuses more on the chronic nature of trauma and its deep impact on identity.

Dyslexia: A learning difference that affects the brain's ability to process written language. It can make reading, spelling, and writing more challenging, even though intelligence is unaffected. People with dyslexia may also struggle with organisation or memory. Early intervention, assistive tools, and tailored learning strategies can help manage symptoms.