In this interview we learn about Mariah from Maryland and her experiences with many chronic conditions. Read on below to find out more!

Hello Mariah! It is awesome to talk with you today. Could you please tell us a little about yourself?

Hi! I like to describe myself as chronically ill, I live in Maryland, and I love to draw and watch SpongeBob on my free time. My family has been a blessing for me, helping me when I was unable to do anything for myself.

Do you have a diagnosis for your symptoms?

I am diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, hidradenitis suppurativa, and rheumatoid arthritis. Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition that causes lumps in places like the armpits or groin. For me specifically, it affects my armpits, my private area and buttocks. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder usually affecting small joints in the hands and feet.

Does having a diagnosis help you?

Yes!

How long did it take for you to get a diagnosis?

For my Crohn’s it took a couple months and not long after I got a diagnosis for my RA. For my HS, it took about 3 months.

When did you first realize that you had chronic and how has your journey been since then?

I first realized something was wrong with me when I developed (what I thought at the time) sciatica, but I was so confused because I never strained my body to the point I would have a pinched nerve. It wasn’t until I started having the usual symptoms of Crohn’s, like bloody stools and loss of appetite, when I knew it was serious and time to go to the ER. Because of Crohn’s, I developed an anal fistula and had surgery for it last year in mid-July. But overall, my life now is in a much better place physically. I’m in remission for both my Crohn’s and RA. Unfortunately, I’m still dealing with flares from my HS but they’re not as bad as they were last year.

How has your experiences of the world changed since your symptoms started?

I view the world in a much different light now. I try not to take for granted the little freedom I have now and trying to live a normal and fun life like a young woman in her 20s should!

Which of your symptoms do you find the most debilitating and why?

When my Crohn’s was active, the most debilitating symptoms were the bloody stools and light-headedness. I had one very scary night that has pretty much scarred me. I get scared if I feel any sense of dizziness now. One night I had the urge to use the bathroom (which at that time I knew it was just going to be clumps of blood) and after I finished, I passed out on the bathroom floor. When I woke up, blood was everywhere! And I knew at that position it would be nearly impossible to get back up due to getting lightheaded anytime I stood up. Somehow, I managed to sprint to my bed and pass out again. I woke up to my mom panicking and screaming if I was okay. She helped clean me and the bathroom up that night.

Can you describe what a bad day symptom-wise looks like to you?

Waking up with fatigue and not feeling like getting anything done, not even getting out of bed. Or even getting up to eat.

When you have a good symptom day, what do you like to do?

Draw and play the Sims!

What has been the most helpful for you as you have gone through this journey?

God, family, and friends 🙂 you can’t ask for better help!

Is there anything you would like people to know about your chronic illness or chronic illness in general?

If you were recently diagnosed with a chronic illness, do not feel alone! There are great communities out there that can help remind you that you’re not the only one suffering. I found a great community on Instagram where I’ve made friends 🙂 The community that has helped me feel like I’m not alone in this journey @chronicloveclub on Instagram!

Thank you Mariah! You can find Mariah on her Instagram pages: her main account @loveee.spongebob and her art account @spongieart