Being handed a diagnosis for an autoimmune condition isn’t just news. It’s a whole new language — a floodlight flipped on in a room you didn’t know you’d be living in. Everything starts to sound different, from your doctor’s voice to your own internal monologue. And while some part of you wants to spring into action, another part probably just wants to lie down. That’s OK. You’re allowed to feel all of it. But eventually, the gears begin to turn — and when they do, here’s how you start moving through the fog. [More]

People living with chronic illnesses often hear messages that make them feel they are not enough. Sometimes it’s in the words others say. Sometimes it’s in what’s not said at all.
Friends stop calling. Family members ask why someone still isn’t better. Coworkers make jokes or seem annoyed when time off is needed. Strangers say, “But you don’t look sick.” Over time, those messages pile up and they can start to sound like the truth. [More]

After a brutally cold winter, tulips and daffodils are finally poking their heads up out of the ground. They were a little late this year, and I don’t blame them. It’s been miserable outside for ages.
But the air is milder now, the sun is shining and the perennial flowers of spring are practically throwing a party, opening their petals wide and soaking it all up. The first chance I got, I joined them, and it lifted my spirits and renewed my hope. Is there anything better than a burst of warming light after a long, dark winter? I couldn’t help but smile and soak it all in, my face turned toward the sun. My mood felt lighter and brighter almost instantly. [More]

There’s this quiet moment that tends to sneak up on people—right after a check-up, or maybe during a long walk when your chest feels tight in a way it didn’t 10 years ago. It’s that flicker of realization that no one’s coming to manage your health for you. No doctor, no app, no magic diet will do the whole job. You’re it. The good news? That’s not a curse. It’s a kind of freedom. Taking the wheel of your own well-being doesn’t mean turning into a biohacking monk or drinking kale for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It simply means learning how to listen, act and show up for yourself in ways that feel sustainable and doable [More]

"What other questions can I answer before I go?"
I had lots of questions, too many to reasonably ask in the two or three minutes left of my appointment. And yet, I was intimidated — embarrassed, even — to voice my real concerns. It wasn't my doctor's fault: She is warm, friendly and inviting, and I knew she would address my questions with professionalism and compassion. It wasn't the first time I had a hard time asking my real question. Whenever I talk to my doctor about a concerning symptom, my ration and emotions are always at odds. On one hand, I know most symptoms point to something totally treatable. I also know that talking openly about my concerns either relieves my anxiety or gives me a much better shot at effectively treating a problem. [More]

Stress is part of everyday life, but it doesn’t have to knock you down. Instead of fighting it, you can use stress to grow, learn and become stronger. The key is figuring out what works for you — whether that’s changing your mindset, adjusting your habits or making some bigger life moves. Here are some practical ways to deal with stress without letting it take over your life [More]

Confession: Before I started working for IG Living, I hadn't heard of primary immune deficiency (PI). I wasn't completely unfamiliar with medical terms related to the immune system: I have an autoimmune disease, two of my kids have an immune disorder and the COVID-19 pandemic made us all familiar with the term "immune compromised." But PI was new to me, so I had a lot to learn. Medical speak can be confusing, especially when first learning about complicated conditions like PI. Doctors say a lot of things; having a solid grasp of what those words mean can make all the difference for really understanding it and managing it well. Here are 10 sets of easily confused terms related to PI, and a simple discussion of their meanings. [More]

Living with a chronic illness like primary immunodeficiency (PI) requires a strong healthcare team to make managing your health easier and improve your quality of life. Here are some tips to help you build a reliable care team and communicate effectively with your providers. [More]