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! –
Hi, it's Maiqui. 