Navigating Autoimmune Challenges and Crafting New Creations

While I navigate the ups and downs of my health, I’ve also found solace in my creative endeavors. My studio has become a sanctuary where I can funnel my experiences and emotions into tangible art pieces. The blossoms of creativity are not just therapeutic; they are symbols of resilience and growth. Each new creation tells a story – a part of my journey that I’m excited to share with all of you.

LIFE AS A ZEBRAINSIDE THE STUDIO

Diane Lalomia

10/1/20253 min read

Pernicious Anemia - Year of the Zebra text surrounded by various drawn icons representing bloodwork
Pernicious Anemia - Year of the Zebra text surrounded by various drawn icons representing bloodwork

Unveiling My Health Journey

Hey there, friends! Today, I want to take you on a bit of a journey – one that intertwines my health revelations with the new creations blooming from my studio. As some of you may know, I’ve been diving deep into understanding my health, especially after discovering yet another unique autoimmune condition. It feels like I’ve stumbled across a rare ‘zebra’ in the vast jungle of autoimmune diseases!

The Significance of 'Normal' Test Results

What’s struck me the most throughout this journey is the stark reality that sometimes, a 'normal' test result can be a double-edged sword. It might look good on paper, but underneath, it could be hiding something quite serious and, potentially, lethal. It’s these nuances that complicate our understanding of health. How can a test that appears perfectly fine actually be misleading? This has been a profound lesson for me, and I think it’s something many people can relate to. So many of us take comfort in normal lab findings, but what if they don’t tell the whole story?

Creativity as a Coping Mechanism

While I navigate the ups and downs of my health, I’ve also found solace in my creative endeavors. My studio has become a sanctuary where I can funnel my experiences and emotions into tangible art pieces. The blossoms of creativity are not just therapeutic; they are symbols of resilience and growth. Each new creation tells a story – a part of my journey that I’m excited to share with all of you.

As I craft, I find a sense of empowerment in taking control of my narrative. Whether it's through watercolor, colored pencils, or even digital art, each stroke or mark is a representation of both struggle and triumph. I’ve learned to embrace this unique path, using it as a platform to promote awareness of autoimmune disorders. If I can shed light on the complexities of these conditions, perhaps I can help others avoid the pitfalls of misinterpretation that I’ve experienced.

So here I am, juggling health revelations and creativity with eagerness. I invite you to join me in celebrating every small victory, whether it’s in the form of a health breakthrough or a new piece of art. Life is a tapestry of experiences, and each thread weaves into a beautiful, intricate design. Let’s navigate this journey together, sharing both the challenges and the joys.

Thank you for stopping by! I can't wait to reveal more of my creations and continue this conversation surrounding health awareness. Together, we can shine a light on the less talked about aspects of autoimmune conditions and inspire each other along the way!

Autoimmune Gastritis and Pernicious Anemia

For more information

Visit the Pernicious Anemia website to learn the difference between B12 deficiency and Pernicious Anemia.

Disclaimer:

The information contained on this website is not intended as medical advice, a diagnosis nor is it intended regarding treatments but rather educational material to be discussed with your medical professional.

What is Pernicious Anemia? Pernicious Anemia is an autoimmune disorder characterized by a decrease in the production of red blood cells, due to a lack of vitamin B12.

Colored Pencils Art - since August 2025

I started with my set of 36 Polychromos colored pencils by Faber Castell and once I started I was hooked and got the full 120 colored pencil set. Most of these were done following tutorials on Skillshare, YouTube and Bonny Snowden's Art Academy. In Sept. I joined Bonny's "Ignite" membership to learn more. One of these lead me to adopt a new puppy...guess which one?