Calling Bullshit ...Recently I saw a post on a fb group I'm part of - that while I adore the support and lifting up of women - this one post I have to go BULLSHIT about. 
It's not a new thought by any means - but it's time to put a counterpoint out there.

You can name your disease - and that doesn't give it power over you!
Quite the opposite I believe.  If you hide what you have to fight or live with in the shadows - then the disease symptoms can sneak up and SMACK YOU like Jethro to Tony D.
Talking about a disease - does NOT make it take over your body again!
OMG I wanted to get a little violent on this one.  What the fuck?  Who can imagine that saying "I had XYZ Disease " can in any way make your body think you have it again?  It's not like the thought is hiding a pocket of that virus, fungus, disease away in your brain and it suddenly throws itself at your immune system for you to deal with all over again. 
YOU BEAT THAT FUCKER! That means you have a type of near immunity - no it's not guaranteed - but anything you beat 100% once - you have the map on how to beat it again if you need. 

I have Hashimoto Thyroid Disease and DISH
Okay - what that means is long term for me.  Am I afraid of it?  HELL NO.  It's just part of my journeys story!   I've undergone 22+ surgeries and procedures in 17 years dealing with the side effects of these autoimmune illnesses.  I still laugh, smile, live, enjoy life!  How I face each event related is "I will be better after - I will have no pain, I will regain X, I will have a new story to share, a new chance to share my journey with others".
Guess what - while not every surgery went perfect - I LEARNED from each and now have more potent stories to share.  More information to pass on in what to avoid or what to do!  This helps others that are new to having a disease journey to walk.  Sometimes I have answers - sometimes I don't.  But I can always find a connection of understanding!

DON'T BE AFRAID OF TELLING THE STORY OF YOUR JOURNEY

Sharing our journey - can help shine hope into a life where others may feel only desperation!
What doesn't kill us makes us stronger - CAN be our motto <grin>
I'm here to have fun - no matter the body that I live in!  
The tests are to make me a better teacher not to make me perfect.
Huggs and Abrazos to the brave souls that share the story of their journey! 
Thank you for being an inspiration, a beacon of hope and for living in the light.