“Just because I look well on the outside does not mean I’m feeling well.”
Liam, 41, lives in Central Queensland, Australia. A parent and self-employed boilermaker/welder, he first began experiencing symptoms around 2013, when he was 29.Unnoticeable. Unmistakable.
When symptoms became part of everyday life
Finding a way to manage his symptoms
In recent years, Liam has found a medication regime that has helped him better manage his symptoms, with fewer hospital visits and shorter episodes. However, everyday activities can still take a toll.
He recalls working outdoors on a particularly humid day when he developed a headache and severe flushing across his face, shoulders and arms. Despite taking precautions and drinking plenty of water, the flushing continued for around four hours, leaving him so uncomfortable that he couldn’t wear a shirt.
Looking well doesn’t mean feeling well
For Liam, one of the biggest challenges is helping others understand that looking well doesn’t necessarily mean feeling well.
“Just because I look well on the outside does not mean I’m feeling well, or just because I’m functioning every day doesn’t mean that there isn’t something in the background wearing me down. I make the choice to go out and work, but then I also pay for that choice.”
Liam’s story is a reminder that the impact of living with a mast cell disease isn’t always visible to others.
Unnoticed by most. Unmistakable to the person living it.
Every story matters. Share yours.
Like Liam, many people living with mastocytosis, MCAS and other mast cell diseases face challenges that others may not see or understand.
By sharing your experience, you can help raise awareness, build understanding and remind others that they are not alone.
Your story deserves to be heard.
