I’m a Mom Living with an Autoimmune Condition: Every Day is an Adventure

For countless mothers, there’s an overwhelming sense of never measuring up, a feeling of inadequacy that creeps in. This shame is often fueled by societal expectations, curated social media feeds, and flawless Pinterest boards. We’re constantly inundated with unrealistic portrayals of motherhood. Now, imagine layering on an invisible burden—an autoimmune condition that transforms even the simplest parenting tasks into significant challenges. Being a mom with an autoimmune disease feels like running a race in reverse.

Normal days are a rarity for moms like me. You can draft the most detailed to-do list the night before, but there’s little room for control. You awaken to find that a flare-up has changed everything. Perhaps your joints ache painfully, or your digestive system has declared a rebellion, keeping you near the bathroom. Maybe you feel unsteady and dizzy because your adrenal glands are off-kilter. The dreams of a fun day at the park or climbing gym vanish, leaving you to explain to your eager child that today will not go as planned. You see their excitement fade, and resentment bubbles up as they exclaim, “I hate your autoimmune disease!” You fight back tears, reminding them that this is beyond your control, but they’re too young to grasp such abstract concepts. Guilt and shame wash over you; you’re not the mom you envisioned—the one who brings joy and adventure.

As self-doubt spirals, you battle the familiar voices that have dismissed your struggles in the past. “You’re just not trying hard enough!” “Have you considered a juice cleanse?” “I manage my autoimmune disease without it holding me back!” “Are you sure it’s not all in your head?” “You look fine to me!” “When I was a mom, I didn’t take ‘sick days’!” Sometimes, those voices win, and you attempt to push through, only to regret it when a bad day stretches into a week or month of discomfort.

Over time, however, you learn to show yourself compassion and patience. You become more attuned to the signs of an impending flare-up and take proactive steps to care for yourself. You prioritize your mental, emotional, and physical well-being by engaging in activities that help replenish your energy. For your physical health, you find a gym with childcare and opt for an anti-inflammatory diet. For your mental health, you seek out a therapist who understands the unique challenges of motherhood and autoimmune issues. For emotional balance, you make it a point to enjoy regular dinners with friends.

Though guilt and shame may occasionally try to resurface, you’ve learned to keep them at bay. You no longer feel overwhelmed by the need to rest, and shame no longer distorts your identity as a mom. Your autoimmune condition is an unchosen companion, but one you’ve learned to navigate.

As time passes, your child grows more empathetic and understanding. They no longer resent your condition but recognize its challenges and the toll it takes on you. Because of your experience, they learn that everyone faces hidden struggles. They carry a depth of compassion that many adults have yet to cultivate. Your journey has shown them the value of self-acceptance, struggles included. What greater lesson in motherhood could there be?

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In summary, being a mom with an autoimmune disease means navigating uncharted waters daily. While the journey can be fraught with challenges, it also offers profound lessons in empathy, resilience, and self-acceptance that enrich both your life and your child’s.

Keyphrase: Mom with an autoimmune disease

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