RJ's lifelong journey with unexplainable and undiagnosable symptoms- a learned mindset.

I’m RJ and I’ve had issues since I can remember, both mental and physical health related. I've had eczema since I was born, and when I was about 6 I asked my mom if everyone else could feel their food digesting too (she said no).  I developed costochondritis/Tietze syndrome (aka ribs ouchie) in 7th grade for seemingly no reason. I also got my first migraine around this time, and chronic nosebleeds (thanks mom for those genes).

I am 19 now and SO much has happened/worsened over the years. recently, however, the flares of whatever I have wrong with me seem to be worsening dramatically.  My migraines went from lasting a day to being slightly milder (thanks propranolol) but lasting weeks at a time instead, and now I get this weird tingling on the back of my head too. I have also developed a plethora of new symptoms; muscle weakness, throwing up tomatoes, frequent nosebleeds, sinus infections, muscle twitches/spasms, strange rashes that didn’t quite match my usual eczema, seizure-like events, etc. So now here I am, finally getting to see a bunch of different specialists to try and figure all this out. All the testing and stuff is exhausting but I just want some answers you know.

I've actually been in a good bout of health recently, and of course it has me doubting all my experiences thus far. I just want everyone out there that’s still searching for a diagnosis to know that you are valid. I know it’s hard but remind yourself that you are valid in your experiences and symptoms! No matter how many people try to tell you you’re crazy or that there’s a ‘simple fix’ for everything. you deserve answers and proper care. <3