Two things I think many of us share with autoimmune diagnoses: The long time it takes to get a diagosis and problems with brain fog. I think your example is very clear! I became ill when I was 30. I was told "it's all in your head", sent to psychiatry, told nothing was wrong with me, etc. I didn't get a diagnosis of Sjogrens Syndrome and R.A. until I was 52! I'm hoping things are more clear now but I know there is a big shortage of rheumatologists. While I was going through all those many years, I realized I had to find peace and joy in my life, even just a little every day to be able to cope. I knew I couldn't wait until I got diagnosed to begin my life.

Brain fog: In my case it is all due to extreme fatigue. My spouse just asked me today, Why are you so confused? Well, I'm so exhausted inside that I cannot sort out many things at once. People call this multi-tasking, I call it overwhelm! You deserve to slow things down. I've had it on and off for many years and I became a poet, stayed married 36 years, learned that my brain is going to be different than others because I'm fighting 4 autoimmune illnesses and treatments, medications for them.

My biggest suggestion of all: I sleep for an hour every single day in the late afternoon. No appointments, phone calls, anything. My brain needs this to recharge.