About Me
Hello! I’m Annie Reynolds, and I’ve affectionately nicknamed myself “The Glitch.” This might sound curious, but let me share my story, and perhaps, it’ll all start to make sense. Throughout my life, the term “glitch” has evolved into a light-hearted way to acknowledge the unpredictable turns in my health and life. It’s my way of laughing off the stress when things don’t go as planned, helping me maintain a positive outlook despite the challenges.
I’m a 21-year-old student at Texas Christian University, majoring in Early Childhood Education. My journey isn’t just about academic pursuits; it’s deeply intertwined with navigating life with rare chronic illnesses. My first battle began with a diagnosis of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA), a rare form of vasculitis that had me seeking answers for symptoms that no one could explain for the longest time.
As time went on, my medical journey expanded to include Interstitial Cystitis and Desquamative Inflammatory Vaginitis—conditions I live with every day. These experiences have not only shaped my life but have also ignited a passion to share my story and support others facing similar battles.
My Mission
I am determined to live fully and help others do the same. Through my blog, I aim to empower those living with chronic illnesses by sharing personal stories, insights, and tips that have helped me regain control of my health. Whether it’s managing symptoms while juggling college life or finding the lighter side of tough situations, I believe in making the most of the hand we’re dealt.
Join Me!
Dive into my blog for a mix of personal anecdotes, health tips, and real talk about living with chronic conditions. It’s more than just a blog; it’s a community where we embrace our glitches and transform them into strengths. Let’s navigate this journey together and build a life filled with joy, understanding, and resilience.
Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Together, we can find the light at the end of your tunnel, whatever that tunnel may be, and reclaim the beautiful life we each deserve. Let’s turn our glitches into victories, one story at a time.
What Is GPA?
Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA), formerly known as Wegener’s Granulomatosis, is a rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the blood vessels (vasculitis). This inflammation can restrict blood flow to vital organs and tissues, leading to damage in areas such as the lungs, kidneys, sinuses, and other parts of the body. GPA is part of a group of diseases known as ANCA-associated vasculitides, which are defined by the presence of specific autoantibodies.
Understanding GPA: A Quick Overview
Cause: GPA is an autoimmune condition, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it may involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune factors.
Symptoms: Common signs include chronic sinus infections, nosebleeds, difficulty breathing, coughing (sometimes with blood), fatigue, fever, and unexplained weight loss. Some people also experience joint pain, skin rashes, or kidney-related issues.
Diagnosis: Diagnosing GPA can be challenging because symptoms often mimic other conditions. Blood tests, imaging (like CT scans), and biopsies are often used to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment: While there’s no cure for GPA, treatments aim to control the inflammation and prevent further damage.
Immunosuppressive medications, such as corticosteroids and biologics, are commonly prescribed. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
I wrote a book! It's called You Are Strong, and it's a story close to my heart.
I’m so excited to share my book with you—You Are Strong. It’s a deeply personal story inspired by my journey with childhood illness.
You Are Strong is a children’s book filled with vibrant illustrations and an uplifting narrative. It sheds light on the challenges of living with a chronic condition while offering comfort and hope to young patients and their families.
Why This Story Matters
With themes of understanding, empathy, and hope, You Are Strong helps children find their inner strength during tough times and encourages their loved ones to walk alongside them with compassion.
I’d love for you to discover this story of resilience and encouragement.
My Journey: Navigating the Glitches
From the first signs of illness to finding strength and hope, this timeline shares the key moments in my health journey. It’s a story of resilience, growth, and discovering light even in life’s darkest chapters.