Alexa Sutherland
Chronic condition(s):
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Graves Disease
How long has your condition(s) played a role in your life? Feel free to share when you were diagnosed/started having symptoms/etc.?
My earliest diagnosis came when I was just fifteen months old! I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis after my mother noticed I had reverted back to crawling after I had already learned to walk. My knee was also 3 times the size of my other one and after running a lot of tests I was given my first diagnosis.
What has been your greatest challenge with your chronic illness?
I think learning to use my voice and advocate for living with four invisible illnesses was something I wasn't always comfortable with and over the years I've truly overcome it. I've had countless strangers literally yell at me and confront me for parking in disabled spots in a parking lot and it used to really cripple me with embarrassment. I never knew how to respond, but learning to stand up for myself and aiming to educate others that you cannot always physically see what is wrong with someone based on their appearance has become very important to me.
What has been your greatest accomplishment with your chronic illness?
I'd say all the people I've been able to connect with and help with their own struggles through social media, podcasts, blogs, and public speaking have brought me so much fulfillment. I'm always so happy when I receive a DM or email from someone who has read or listened to my story and found comfort in it and it just makes me want to continue to be vocal on advocating for invisible illnesses, especially amongst young adults.
Do you have any advice for someone new to the world of chronic illness? What is one thing you wish you had known that would have made your life easier?
I honestly don't really remember life without a chronic illness since I was diagnosed so early on. But within the last 2 years, I was diagnosed with Graves Disease, or hyperthyroidism, and immediately took to social media to find videos and posts of other people's experiences with the disease to see people's everyday life living with their symptoms and what tips and tricks they've learned throughout their journey. I advise people to reach out on social media! Join Facebook groups, and find health bloggers who aren't afraid to share their stories. I found so much comfort in making connections this way and it really makes you feel less alone. I have found some of my close friends simply by reaching out and forming a bond online that has since translated to in-person friendships and now any time I'm not feeling my best, looking for advice or words of encouragement I know I can turn to them since they truly understand what I'm going through. Also remember that your diagnosis, and your health journey is not linear. It will have ups and downs it will be difficult and other days you'll forget you were ever even sick. Give yourself and your body grace because life with a chronic illness is different from day to day and recognizing that will only help you!!
And, if you’d like to follow Alexa on her chronic journey, please check out her links below:
Instagram @glowlexa
TikTok @alexasutherland13
Website glowlexa.com
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