Category: My Autoimmune Journey

The best Christmas gift ever.
Christmas is by far my favorite time of the year. The festive decorations, the lively, heartwarming music, the twinkling lights, and all the joyful celebrations create a magical atmosphere that fills my heart with warmth and happiness. It’s what I look forward to every year and start celebrating as early as September.

Last Christmas was one of the toughest I’ve experienced. I had to skip all the usual celebrations and isolate myself to avoid getting sick, especially with the wedding coming up. It was hard not being able to see friends or enjoy the holiday festivities, but I knew I had to do it to stay healthy.

This 2024, however, is a different story.

I’m so excited to share the good news with all of you who’ve been part of my journey—my doctors have officially told me that I’m now in clinical remission!

Clinical remission means that the signs and symptoms of a disease are significantly reduced or undetectable, even though the disease may not be completely cured.

In short – I’M OKAY!

It’s been a while since I last updated this blog, so let me catch you up on everything that has happened along the way that led me here.

In the first half of the year, I still had several symptoms. I shared in my previous post that I was experiencing the following:
- Hair loss
- Skin allergies, acne and redness especially on the face
- Swollen and stiff fingers and joints after sleeping or being inactive for some time (it goes away when I start moving)
- Heart palpitations especially at night before sleeping
- Fatigue if I exert too much effort and/or don’t get a good night’s sleep
- Some blurred vision especially at night
As the months passed, most of these started to disappear. The only things I experienced left were redness on my face (especially when stressed), very minimal swelling on my fingers in the morning, and blurred vision at night (a medication side effect).

I also continued to undergo lung function tests every three months, and the most recent one had the best results yet. Compared to how it was in 2023, my results were finally within the normal range.

From July to September, however, I would get sick with the flu or some bacterial infection. The silver lining, though, was that my doctors realized that my medicines may be suppressing my immune system too much. Since my tests and symptoms were good, they decided to lower the dosage and possibly have me stop taking the medicine completely. The only treatment that would potentially remain for now is the Rituximab infusions.

This medicine is the one that I really wanted to stop, as I am not allowed to get pregnant while on it. I hoped I’d eventually stop, but I stayed patient and disciplined. I even tweeted about this on the 17th of August, hoping to manifest that it would come true.

As we near the end of 2024, I’m proud to say that I’m no longer on the medication!

Does Twitter/X have some kind of magic? Maybe not, but I do believe that when you put something out into the universe, it has a way of listening. To quote one of my favorite books:

“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

Paulo Coehlo, The Alchemist

My husband, Robi, and I officially received the good news back in November when we went to Singapore to meet my doctor. She told us that it’s really a blessing that I am doing great.

Robi turned to me and said, ‘This is the Christmas miracle you asked for.’

My doctor then looked at me and replied, ‘No, you’re the Christmas miracle.’

I couldn’t help but tear up. This is what I prayed for, and so did all of you here. It’s finally real.

My Christmas wish came true.

I will forever be grateful to everyone who has supported and prayed for me along this journey. Please know that your prayers made a difference. They gave me the strength to keep going—and I did.

I still receive messages about how this blog has been helpful, and now I’m excited to pay it forward by sharing more tips and lessons that helped me recover—hoping they can benefit others too. I have big plans for 2025, but first, it’s time to enjoy the holidays with those I love.

Thank you, Lord, for the early and best Christmas gift ever. –
December 15, 2024

#autoimmunejourney, #family, christmas, chronic illness, health, life, wellness
Trying to live a ‘normal’ life again.

To anyone still reading this blog, hello again!

It has been three months since I last wrote a post, mainly because life got in the way. I may be physically better but the journey of healing from this disease is a life-long discipline. And it was time for me to return to living a ‘normal’ life.

Admittedly, it has been difficult. There have been a lot of wins but I can’t help but feel the losses even more.

First big win – I started working again!

When I got super sick in July 2023, I stopped everything and left my work abruptly without properly transitioning the projects I was heading to my team. I’m so grateful that they were able to manage it without me and let me have my time to recover and get better. I couldn’t give them a definite date on when I’d be able to return (if I even could), but they never let my sickness be an issue. They allowed me to stay on until I was ready to come back.

It took me 8 months till I was able to officially go back to work. I lucked out with the company I work in and the people I work with and for. I’m sure not everyone would allow this but they did. It meant so much to me to have been able to keep my job. I promised I’d be back and I stuck to my word.

But coming from 0 work and barely having a social life, I had a hard time adjusting. I felt like a new student all over again. I was so anxious that I was too scared to even say or do anything and to see and talk to people. But I just powered through and kept telling myself – “Just keep going”.

And after a few weeks, I found my place again.

Second big win – I started to drive!

Ever since I was young, I was insecure about not knowing how to drive. I was just too scared to do it. I did learn though – once after graduating college in 2012 and the other in 2022.

Robi and I would already talk about settling down back in 2022 and that’s when I realized I needed to drive. I enrolled myself in the Honda Safety Driving Center and I made sure to practice as often as I could. I was making so much progress but then, I got sick. I thought that was it for me and driving.

But early this year, my supportive husband told me to try again. And I did. I have been driving by myself for almost a month now. I still need a lot more practice but it’s surreal that I am actually doing it. It took me 10 years but I achieved it.

I really believe that it’s never too late to do something. If you really want it, it will happen.

Aside from managing a home, these two things have taken up most of my time lately. So it has been difficult focusing on my main priority – my health. I haven’t been able to go to rehab or exercise as often. The more I go out, the more tempted I am to eat food that is not good for me. My sleep has also been less than it should be. I get tired from work but I also want to enjoy and see friends even though I should rest.

It’s like a constant “Should I or should I not?” in my head and it’s tiring. I am also a people-pleaser so I tend to get pressured easily. I hate disappointing people and the guilt eats me up inside when I do. And lately, I also feel like I’ve been disappointing myself. I sadly had to increase my medicine dosage because of some test results and symptoms I’ve been experiencing again.

I sometimes miss the days when I was focused on myself and just living quietly at home. But that’s not a normal life. And maybe my life now is not normal anymore. I have to accept this new me fully and reassess my priorities to ensure I don’t get sick again. Time to get back on track!

Life is challenging. One day you’re up, one day you’re down. But I will cherish the wins and the fact that I am okay. I need to just keep reminding myself of this. I just have to keep going.

–

June 17, 2024

#autoimmunejourney, chronic-illness, chronic-pain, health, life, mental-health
Life as a married woman.
2024 was off to a great start because… I GOT MARRIED!
On the 6th of January 2024, I got married to my now husband, Robi, and it was THE BEST DAY ever. I was at my strongest and happiest all throughout. It felt like there was some kind of magic in the air with how perfect everything was. The day was filled with so much love and joy from everyone who celebrated with us. God really blessed us with the most beautiful wedding and we are so grateful.

For those of you who have followed me on this blog, you’ve read how the journey to even get to that day was not easy. When I got sick, we weren’t sure if the wedding should push through as I needed to focus on my health first. But I refused to change my plans and I was determined to get better no matter what.

Looking back on it now, having this goal and deadline was crucial to my healing. It gave me a purpose to strive for and to strive for it fast. I have always been a goal-oriented person. If I want something to happen, I will do everything I can to make it happen.

Accompanied by my faith and a genuine belief that I would be okay, I worked extra hard to be better on the day of the wedding. I had to make a lot of sacrifices, especially over the holidays. I spent most of Christmas alone and stressed as everyone around me kept getting sick with COVID-19 or the flu. It was as if I was crawling in pain just trying to make it to the wedding.

But I kept praying that all the sacrifices I made would be worth it. And they definitely were!

Now, the new journey begins – MARRIAGE.

I haven’t written in a while because it has been a hectic three months since the wedding. We attended a total of five other weddings (it’s that time of year), moved into our cozy home, learned how to clean and organize everything, and learned to prepare our own food while continuing all my medical checkups and workouts.

It’s been tough and tiring but we’ve slowly figured out how to manage it all. A lot of challenges but when done with the person you love, it’s also been a great and fun experience. Thank you to my husband for really being the absolute best!

And with all this, how have I been with my autoimmune disease? I am doing much better now!

Since the wedding was done, I became less pressured and started to live my life again like before. I would go out and see people more. I went on a few trips and experienced new things. I also haven’t been on steroids since December, which helped lessen the risk of being prone to infections.

But as I mentioned before, there is no cure for this disease, and it will somehow always be there. I learned to just manage it better with continued medication, vitamins and supplements, a healthy diet, exercise, and a good night’s sleep.

Here are a few symptoms that I do still experience though:
- Hair loss
- Skin allergies, acne and redness especially on the face
- Swollen and stiff fingers and joints after sleeping or being inactive for some time (it goes away when I start moving)
- Heart palpitations especially at night before sleeping
- Fatigue if I exert too much effort and/or don’t get a good night’s sleep
- Some blurred vision especially at night
Considering how I used to be, these are all better. There is also still some emotional and mental stress as I continue to deal with the trauma and grief of losing my old self. But I’m taking it one day at a time.

To anyone who may be dealing with their own illness or going through a difficult time, I hope my story can bring you some hope. But I also want to THANK YOU all for being a part of my journey.

This blog really helped me in so many ways and I’m glad it has inspired others as well. I wouldn’t have been able to get here without the support everyone has given me and I share my success with all of you.

I end this post with my wedding video, as it perfectly captures the culmination of that journey.

WE DID IT! –
March 14, 2024

#autoimmunejourney, chronic illness, health, life, weddingjourney
The year that was.

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A post shared by Maiqui (@maiquipd_)

I don’t even know how to begin describing how my 2023 was. It completely changed my life. I started the year with many plans and goals but everything changed in an instant. The only goal I focused on was to live.

2023 broke my heart several times because I felt like I lost so much of myself and more. I even lost someone I loved so much in the middle of it all, which still stings until now. I felt so alone, so scared and so isolated in my experience that I felt like I was losing touch with everyone around me. As someone whose love language is both Quality Time and Physical Touch, this was very challenging.

But as I look back on the year, I can’t help but still feel grateful. I’m grateful for all the people who supported me, prayed for me, took care of me, and helped me get better. I’m grateful for all the new experiences I had and even being able to travel despite it all. I’m grateful for Robi, my family and my friends who made life more meaningful and worthwhile.

Most of all, I am grateful to be here.

I went from my weakest to my strongest and I’m entering 2024 with a tired but hopeful heart. I pray that all the struggles and sacrifices I made last year will be worth it. Until then I’ll just continue to keep carrying on with courage.

Happy New Year and a late Merry Christmas to you all! Here’s to. a better 2024 for all of us! –

January 1, 2024

#autoimmunejourney, chronic illness, health, life
At the happiest place on earth.
When I got really sick in July, one of the things that came to my mind was that I didn’t know when I would be able to go to an amusement park again. I just came from Universal Studios Osaka in April and I had such an amazing time so I felt sad thinking I wouldn’t be able to do that for a while.

I never expected that less than 5 months later, I’d be at the happiest place on earth – Disneyland. Life hasn’t been so kind to me this year but admittedly, it still finds ways to surprise me.

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love all things Disney. I grew up as a classic Disney kid and became a Marvel fanatic as I got older. When my sister started to plan her trip to Hong Kong Disneyland with her kids, she asked if I wanted to come. I honestly had no idea how I’d be by the time we would go but I just said yes and thought I’ll make it work no matter what.

With perseverance, hard work, and the grace of God, I was able to go. I made sure I planned it out properly given my condition. We were staying at one of the Disney hotels so that made it more convenient. I even rented a wheelchair for the whole day in case I needed it. I didn’t end up using it to go around but it was very helpful when I wanted to sit and rest and for carrying all our shopping bags.

Our timing was also perfect because the World of Frozen just opened. To avoid having to wait in line too long, we got the early entry pass and went inside the park one hour earlier than the opening time. The moment we got in, we headed straight to the Frozen rides.

Since my heart rate was still higher than normal, I knew I couldn’t ride any of the rollercoaster or fast-paced rides. We did the Frozen Ever After ride thinking that it would just be a relaxing and interactive ride only to be surprised that it had two drops – a baby drop and a not-so-baby drop. My heart rate went up a bit but I was okay! It was fun and was good to see what I was capable of doing.

After that, the rest of the day went smoothly. I accompanied my nephews to the rides they wanted to go to and all the shows that they wanted to watch. The holiday season already started so there were Christmas shows all throughout the day which I really enjoyed. I rode whatever ride I could ride, and found food I could eat but cheated for a bit with some ice cream. It was hard to resist!

To cap off an already amazing day, we ended it by watching the “Momentous” nighttime spectacular show at the castle. It was probably the best light show I’ve ever seen. I ended up crying all throughout because I was just so emotional, grateful, and just so happy to be there.

Disney has been inspiring me since I was a kid and until this day, the messages they convey mean so much. They’ve always taught me to have faith in myself and overcome whatever challenges I face – to become the hero of our story.

The songs they chose were some of my favorites and it reminded me to just keep going. With lyrics like these, it was something I really needed to hear.
```
Come stop your crying
It will be alright
Just take my hand
Hold it tight
I will protect you
From all around you
I will be here
Don't you cry
~ You'll Be In My Heart (Tarzan)

And I won't look back, I can go the distance
And I'll stay on track, no I won't accept defeat
It's an uphill slope
But I won't lose hope, 'till I go the distance
And my journey is complete
~ Go The Distance (Hercules)

And through the trials we face 
The races that we're running
We always keep the faith 
In who we are becoming
Every day's a different page, a story to unfold
Remember, young and old

Time's always moving, we can't slow the hands
Won't last forever, so take every chance
To learn, and to love, and to dream, and to dance
Just live the moment and love the memory
~ Love The Memory (original song for Momentous)
```
12 hours, 5 rides, 3 shows, and 13,000 steps later, I survived Disneyland and was the happiest I’ve ever been in a while. There was magic in the air that day. It really is the happiest place on earth.

Whatever stage you are in and whatever challenges you are facing right now, just remember – Don’t lose the magic. Keep believing. –

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If you can dream it, you can do it.
Walt Disney
December 24, 2023

#autoimmunejourney, #travels, life
What I learned while wedding planning.

Hello again! I know it has been a while since I’ve written a blog post but I decided to take some time today to write one again.

After taking a break from everything to focus on my health, I am back to wedding planning. I had a lot of catching up to do so it has been a busy past few months, to say the least. Planning a wedding requires a lot of patience, understanding, flexibility, and…money.

It hasn’t been the most ideal wedding journey for me but I am thankfully getting better and stronger every day. I have been able to manage the wedding planning, and my rehab sessions while still finding time to rest and relax. However, the side effects of the medicines were still affecting my self-esteem. Every bride wants to look their best but I didn’t feel that way because of how I looked.

One of the things that we had planned to do before the wedding was a pre-wedding film. Instead of just the usual prenup photoshoots, a pre-wedding film allows us to share a glimpse of our story. It was something I was looking forward to doing until my face changed. I was scared to put myself out there because my face was still swelling and I felt very conscious.

But I realized that this is a part of our story. And I can look back on this video knowing how hard I worked to even be there that day and how far I’ve come since. It was a big achievement for me. I’m proud of the team we worked with and how everything turned out. Robi and I have always been real and this is as real as it gets.

This video was shot on November 8, 2023, and I can happily share that my medicines are slowly being weaned off already and my face is almost back to what it used to be.

Before getting sick, I think I placed a lot of pressure on myself to make sure everything would be perfect. But after what happened, I learned to focus on what really matters – the life I will start with the one I love the most. –

December 12, 2023

#autoimmunejourney, weddingjourney
What’s next.

Can you believe that only two months are left until the year ends? We are now in November. Where did the time go?

I’ve been trying to reflect back on how my October was. In all honestly, it was a blur. I stayed home most of the month because I wanted to be extra careful as I was adjusting my medicines. There were too many stories of people getting sick with COVID again or the flu so I made sure to avoid going out and being exposed. However, the isolation did get to me at some point.

Ironically, as I was physically getting better, I started to struggle more mentally and emotionally. I could do more things but the fear of making a mistake or ruining my road to recovery would take over. Whenever I went out or saw friends, I would have a great time in the moment. But when I get home, the fear and guilt would creep in. If I felt even the tiniest symptom – whether it’s a headache, a cough, swelling or palpitations – I would start to feel bad all over again.

I spent the past six months just focusing on getting better and I feel like I’ve slightly forgotten how to live life again. I would only be in my house, the hospital, or Singapore. I would only see my family, a few close friends, my fiancé, and my doctors. I stayed within my comfort zone because I was afraid people wouldn’t understand if I didn’t look well, if I had to cancel last minute or if they had to adjust because of me.

I learned that most people with a chronic illness or autoimmune disease feel this way. It’s sadly a burden we have to live with. But the good thing is that more and more people are opening up and speaking about what it’s like. I’ve found several Instagram accounts that have been very helpful in educating people about it. I think the more aware people are, the more understanding they can be.

This is the main reason why I continue to write on this blog. I still get messages on Instagram from people who went through or are experiencing similar conditions, symptoms, and treatments. I try to reply and help them as much as I can because I know what it feels like to be lost, confused, and scared. One person even asked me if I knew of any Philippine autoimmune support group. I tried joining more global support groups but I haven’t seen any locally.

Is this a sign to start one? Is this what’s next for me? What do you guys think?

As I reflect more on that idea, what’s really next for me is to start adjusting back to life again. Since my tests and body continue to improve, I have shifted back to focusing on my wedding, my future home, and everything I need to do for it. I have also decided to try therapy to deal with all the trauma that I went through because of the condition. I got a personal trainer to start working on strengthening my body again. And, I am also looking forward to seeing a lot more people this holiday season and just enjoy all the Christmas festivities.

Ending this post for now with some of the Instagram accounts that I’ve found to be helpful. Let’s continue to be kind and compassionate people always. –

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A post shared by Lexie Kathleen (@rarevisibility)

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A post shared by 𝕎𝕒𝕚𝕪𝕖𝕖 ❤️ (@myositis.and.me)

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A post shared by Jodie (@fourmorespoons)

November 5, 2023

#autoimmunejourney
Learning how to breathe again.

Did you ever realize that we were never taught how to breathe? We all just came out of our mothers’ wombs and we just knew. So it was surreal for me that I had to enter a program that was teaching me how to breathe again.

Because of my autoimmune disease, I developed some form of interstitial lung disease (ILD). It causes inflammation and scarring around the lungs, which can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pains, dry cough, and weight loss.

One of the main treatments for this is a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program that would help improve my lung function. I did my rehab at the Institute of Pulmonary Medicine at St. Luke’s Medical Center – Global City, Taguig. The standard program consists of 16 one-hour-long sessions usually done three times a week but I decided to continue it up to next year to be safe.

A session usually starts off with an incentive spirometer and basic breathing exercises. The goal of these exercises is to take deep, sustained breaths, which can help re-expand the lungs. This is where I learned that I need to be using my diaphragm and not my chest when breathing.

Diaphragm breathing is when you breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose and exhale slowly and completely through the mouth. The abdomen should rise and expand as you inhale and fall as you exhale. The doctors even gave me a trick to remember it – “Smell the roses then blow the candle”.

I couldn’t get through my first session without coughing every time I tried to breathe deeply. It felt like my lungs were being stopped by a wall that would hit my chest and lead me to cough uncontrollably. Over time and with the help of my medications, that wall-like feeling started to disappear. It was a sign that things were definitely improving.

Aside from the breathing exercises, the rest of the session would be focused on my muscle strength and mobility as well. It would consist of a mix of weights, elastic bands, squat workouts, a treadmill, an ergometer, and cycling. In between the workouts, they would check on my heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen level just to monitor.

The exercises would adjust as I progress with weights increasing, longer minutes on the treadmill, and more intense workouts. I’ve had 28 sessions so far and I can honestly say that my body is strong again. They even made me try jogging for a few minutes, something I thought I wouldn’t be able to do for a while.

However, the journey to get here was not easy even for someone like me who used to exercise all the time. My body had to relearn how to do even the simplest movements like bending downwards, stretching left to right and even just getting up from a chair on my own.

I am grateful that I enjoy working out and have established the discipline needed for it before so it helped keep me focused and determined. It’s easy to just decide not to go but I made sure that I never missed a session. Even when I was in Singapore, I still attended via online tele-rehab. Even when my grandmother passed away and after crying all night, I still attended the next day. I was even more determined because I knew it was what she would’ve wanted me to do.

But what really keeps me going are the pulmonary therapists who take care of me. It never feels like a burden or work when I’m with them. They make each session fun and light despite what I’m going through. It’s so nice to be surrounded with good energy as it motivates me even more.

They even have a graduation ceremony when you complete the 16 sessions with a graduation toga and certificate. Super cute! Thank you to Ms. Cyril Tan, Jeff, and the whole pulmonary team at St. Luke’s Global City for helping me get here. They’re really the best!

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The medicines and treatments I’ve been doing have all been helping but I believe I wouldn’t have improved this quickly without my own effort and hard work. I had to decide for myself that if I wanted to get better, I had to make sure I did what was needed. There are still days when I would get lazy but I try my best not to be complacent. I also learned to allow myself to take a break and rest too. It’s all about finding the right balance.

Seeing my progress in the video above amazes me to this day. I’m glad I decided to document my journey because it’s a good reminder for me to keep at it. Soon I’ll be doing yoga again and maybe even start to run. Claiming it! –

October 16, 2023

#autoimmunejourney, chronic illness, health, life
Singapore diaries #2: A lot to celebrate!
I know my posts are generally optimistic and hopeful but it’s so nice to finally write something filled with GOOD NEWS for a change. I came back home from another medical trip to Singapore with a happy heart (and tummy) because there’s A LOT to celebrate!

Since my last check-up was a month ago, I was due to head back to Singapore to see my doctor and do my routine tests. I was excited about another trip but also nervous because of what happened the last time. If you haven’t read it, I shared the good and bad news that I learned here.

On the day of my check-up, I had to do my usual blood tests – which consisted of a Complete Blood Count (CBC), Kidney Profile, Liver Profile, Bone/Joint Profile, and tested for other markers such as Glucose, ESR, CK, Ferritin, and C-reactive prot. As much as I want to explain them all, I wouldn’t be able to do that properly so Google or better yet a doctor would be your best option.

One of the markers that my doctor wanted to monitor more on was the Ferritin. Autoimmune diseases such as mine (Dermatomyositis) are often associated with high ferritin levels due to inflammation. Basically, the higher the number, the worse it is.

When I did the blood test in July, my results were high and above the normal range. As I began my medications and treatments, the number started to improve.

Ferritin Reference Range: 4.63 – 204.00 (PH) and 10 – 291 (SG)
- July 4 (PH) – 834.42
- August 16 (PH) – 765.81
- August 22 (SG) – 422
- September 3 (PH) – 317.75
- September 21 (SG) – 136
For the first time, my ferritin level was now within the normal range! Plus all my other blood test results were very good too. What a relief! At least we know that all the treatments have been working and we just need to keep monitoring it for the next few months.

Because of this, my doctor also decided to lower my steroid dosage to slowly start weaning off it. I was even happier to hear this because of all the negative side effects steroids bring such as swelling of my face a.k.a. moon face.

Me in Singapore 2022 vs. 2023

It may not cause physical pain but it has been affecting my self-esteem significantly. I’m always conscious around people and I don’t like seeing myself in photos now. I keep my face mask on for protection but it’s also a good excuse to hide the swelling. I’m learning to deal with it though because I know that it will go away once I stop the steroids. Hopefully, I’ll continue to be okay on the lower dose so that I can be off it soon.

Hearing all the good news was a great way to start my Singapore trip. It allowed me to relax and have fun with my friends and Robi for the rest of the week especially since it was also his birthday.

Sharing with you all the activities that I was able to do:

We went to the Singapore Night Safari and watched the animal performances, took a ride on the tram trail, and even did the walking trail thanks to the available wheelchairs and the best fiancé.

I was also able to go bowling again! Ended up with a pretty good score too. I rested after one round but still a win!

I tried this indoor mystery-themed mini-golf with my friends. It was a fun and unique experience but I don’t think golf is for me.

Lastly, a trip to Singapore is not complete without trying all the different cuisines they have to offer – from Hainanese chicken to my favorite hotpot and crabs to my new love for Indian food and the most delicious wagyu rice bowl. My tummy was very, very happy.

Despite it having been a medical trip, it was so nice to feel like I was on a semi-vacation for a change. I honestly felt good most of the trip and I even forgot about my condition sometimes. But I also need to remind myself to take it easy and pace myself to make sure I don’t relapse or get sick.

These little wins mean even more me to now and I’m so grateful to continue to be surrounded by amazing people. I definitely lucked out with my friends. Thirty years of friendship and counting!

And of course, the birthday boy himself, Robi. This trip was made even more special because he was able to join me despite his busy schedule. Can’t thank him enough for all that he has done and all that he continues to do for me. All he wanted for his birthday was for me to get better and I’m so glad God granted us his birthday wish.

There truly was a lot to celebrate this week! Thank you, Lord, for these blessings and I continue to pray that the good news continues.

A happy Sunday indeed! –
October 1, 2023

#autoimmunejourney, #singaporediaries, #travels
From blogging to TikTok.
As a millennial who grew up in the blogger generation, I’ve always enjoyed reading and writing. Like most people back then, I had my own Tumblr account, LiveJournal, and even the long-forgotten Xanga (comment below if you can relate and are willing to reveal your age).

I would use them more as a personal journal rather than share my thoughts publicly so it still amazes me how I am doing this today. But this blog has been a great outlet for me to cope with what’s happening. I was too tired last week that I couldn’t write anything and saw the difference it had on my mental health. I thank everyone who continue to take the time to read what this shy girl has to say as it’s been a big help to me.

However, I am aware that we are now living in the 21st century with the rise of the TikTok generation. I think I spent so much time watching TikTok videos lately that I got inspired to create my own video content.

With my current condition, I have to take a lot of medicines that tend to increase or decrease over time. To make sure I don’t miss out on any of it, I organize my medicines for the whole week every Sunday.

Sharing with you my very first TikTok attempt as I invite you to organize my medicines with me. I hope I did this right!

@maiqweeks
Attempting to join TikTok as I organize all my medicines for the week 💊 #asmr #organizingasmr #organize #autoimmunewarrior
♬ sniffing the flowers – demon gummies

Even if I’ve always enjoyed editing videos since I was young, being in them is something I’ve been afraid to do. I’m even doubting myself for doing this as I write. But the fact that it does scare me makes me realize even more that it’s worth doing.

My life won’t be defined by my sickness forever but since this is what I have now, I’ll just make the most out of it and try to have some fun too.

Happy Sunday! –

Follow me at:
- TikTok
- Instagram
September 17, 2023

#autoimmunejourney