What They Don't See.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Immunology
• Medical Sociology

Background:

• Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is a chronic autoimmune disease leading to hypothyroidism.
• The condition is more prevalent in middle-aged women but can affect younger individuals.
• Invisible chronic illnesses present unique challenges in diagnosis and social understanding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To share a personal narrative of the Hashimoto's Thyroiditis diagnosis process.
• To illustrate the "unseen" aspects of living with an invisible chronic autoimmune disease.
• To foster empathy and understanding among those without such conditions.

Main Methods:

• Personal narrative as a qualitative research method.
• Poetic inquiry to convey subjective experiences.
• Autoethnography to explore lived experiences within a specific culture or group.

Main Results:

• The diagnosis of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis at age 23, contrary to typical demographics.
• The profound disconnect between the author's internal experience and external perception.
• The limitations of visible symptoms in communicating the severity of chronic autoimmune conditions.

Conclusions:

• Personal narratives and creative methods like poetic inquiry can illuminate the lived reality of invisible chronic illnesses.
• There is a significant gap in understanding and empathy for individuals with autoimmune diseases among the general population.
• Raising awareness about the multifaceted nature of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is crucial for patient support and societal comprehension.