Read time 6 minutes
There are moments when life shifts, not with drama, but with quiet confusion.
For me, it started with an unexplained weight loss. I dropped nearly 10 kilograms, and for a long time, no one knew why. What followed was a rollercoaster that turned my body into a battlefield, and my mind into a map of confusion.
This isn’t a story about illness; it’s a story about rediscovery.
The Early Signs Nobody Could Explain
In theory, I should’ve been thriving. Instead, I was shrinking; physically and emotionally.
The signs began subtly: recurring infections, random fevers, overwhelming fatigue. Some days, I couldn’t muster enough energy to get through basic tasks. I didn’t feel sick in the traditional sense; I felt invaded by something invisible.
Friends, coworkers, even doctors began to notice something wasn’t right. My immunity had gone rogue. I couldn’t shake off even the simplest illnesses. Fevers, coughs, colds—they visited more often than anyone else. The hospital became my second home.
My body stopped protecting me. My immune system, once my silent guardian, had gone offline.
Eventually, after endless tests and escalating symptoms, I was hospitalized for answers. What came next was anything but simple.
My Diagnosis: A Rare Cocktail of Conditions
I still remember the moment my doctor looked at me with a mix of sympathy and surprise. The verdict wasn’t just one disease—it was a complex cocktail of rare and chronic conditions.
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Isaacs’ Syndrome, a neuromuscular disorder causing constant muscle activity.
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Lyme disease, triggered by tick bites, is stealthy and relentless.
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Glaucoma, quietly damaging my optic nerves.
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Membranous Glomerulonephritis, a kidney condition with long-term impact.
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Plus: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Diabetes, Frozen Shoulder, Eczema and Blood Pressure issues.
Each condition brought its chaos. Together, they rewrote the entire script of my health.
But beyond these diagnoses, something deeper was happening: my immune system had crashed. I was immunocompromised; unable to fight back, heal properly, or stay protected.
What Does Immunocompromised Actually Feel Like?
Being immunocompromised isn’t just a medical label—it’s a lived reality.
Every infection becomes more dangerous. Recovery is slow, painful, and unpredictable. Your body feels like it’s standing unarmed in the middle of a battlefield.
Doctors explained that my immune system couldn’t produce or regulate essential defenders like histamines properly. My gut, which houses good bacteria essential for immunity, was out of balance. I lacked the very organisms that help us digest food, absorb nutrients, and fight off invaders.
Suddenly, my body was fragile in a way I didn’t know was possible. The very systems that were supposed to protect me were now putting me at risk.
Four Ways Poor Immunity Made My Life More Complicated
Here’s how immunity failure affected me:
- More vulnerability to infections – I caught everything, from viruses to bacteria, faster than others.
- Slower recovery process – Illnesses dragged on far longer than they should have.
- Extra symptoms – Conditions didn’t come alone; they brought a whole entourage.
- Delayed or poor treatment response – What worked for others didn’t always work for me.
Being immunocompromised turned every doctor’s visit into detective work, every symptom into a puzzle. But instead of breaking me, it challenged me to take ownership of my healing.
The Turning Point: Learning to Build Immunity from Scratch
I made a decision: If my immune system wouldn’t protect me, I’d protect it.
That choice led me to lifestyle changes, some profound, some surprisingly simple. They began turning the tide. Here’s what helped me reclaim control:
Leaning into Ayurveda
Ayurveda helped me find balance. It’s not just herbs and oils—it’s a philosophy. Anti-inflammatory treatments, digestive support, and immune-boosting herbs like Ashwagandha and Giloy became part of my daily routine. It was ancient wisdom giving modern hope.
Stress Management & Mental Peace
Stress was like a silent toxin in my life. It amplified my symptoms, disrupted my sleep, and weakened my immunity even further. So, I fought it with meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, and regular massages. Inner calm became my secret weapon.
Gentle Movement
There were days when I couldn’t do much but even on those days, I moved. Slow stretches, short walks, deep breathing all helped release tension, improve circulation, and support my immune response.
Sleep Rituals That Worked
I stopped taking sleep for granted. I turned my bedroom into a sanctuary, no screens, calming scents, soft music. Quality sleep meant better recovery, clearer thoughts, and improved immunity.
Nutrition That Served My Body’s Needs
Food wasn’t just fuel; it was medicine.
- I ate plenty of seasonal vegetables and fruits.
- Whole grains, nuts, and seeds became daily staples.
- Healthy fats from avocado and olive oil supported my body’s repair mechanisms.
- Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt improved my gut health and immunity.
Every meal became a chance to heal.
Hydration & Hygiene
Proper hydration kept my digestion stable and supported detoxification. I also became hyper-aware of hygiene, clean water, masks in public spaces, hand washing, and safe food prep became habits I never skipped.
Professional Guidance That Made All the Difference
My doctor didn’t just look at lab results—he looked at me as a person. His personalized approach, combining conventional treatment with lifestyle support, helped me navigate complexities with more confidence.
The Power of Support & Education
I read, asked questions, and educated myself and my family. Understanding my conditions helped reduce fear, improve cooperation, and build an environment that supported healing.
A Mental Shift That Changed Everything
While my body was fighting battles, my mind was learning something powerful: acceptance is not surrender.
Instead of wishing it all away, I started asking, “What can I do today to help my body feel better?” That question anchored me through setbacks.
I realized:
- Positivity impacts immunity
- Resilience is built, not born
- Self-compassion heals silently
Each small habit, each thoughtful choice, became an investment in my healing journey. The diseases didn’t disappear, but they stopped defining me.
Why Immunity Deserves More Attention Than We Give It
We talk about immunity only when we fall sick. But truthfully, it’s working around the clock, protecting us from thousands of threats daily. We don’t see it, but it sees everything.
Here’s what I’ve come to believe:
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Strong immunity is a way of life, not a one-time fix.
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Supplements and medications help, but daily habits matter more.
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Seasonal, natural foods are powerful.
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A weak immune system is not a life sentence—it’s a wake-up call.
Whether it’s a rare disease, a chronic condition, or just a pattern of feeling unwell, immune support is foundational. It’s where healing begins.
Final Thoughts: My Body, My Story
My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been deeply transformative.
I learned how fragile and brilliant our bodies are. How listening to subtle signs can save you. How rebuilding is possible, even after complete collapse.
If you’re walking through something similar, know this:
- You are not alone
- Your immune system needs you to show up fully
- Healing isn’t linear, but it’s real
Strength isn’t found in perfection; it’s found in persistence. In trying again. In choosing love and health every single day.
And while I’m still healing, I’m also thriving. Not despite my rare disease, but because of everything it taught me.
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not represent any kind of medical advice.