I’m A Young Adult With Autoimmune Disease. Here’s What Folks Don’t Get About Chronic Pain 

Hey guys, Abrial here :), firstly, thank you so much for your kind words and support! It means the world to me to know that our story has resonated with so many people suffering silently. Being part of this story was a truly incredible experience, and I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to share my AS journey with others. It's been heartwarming to see how this story has impacted people in different ways. Some have reached out to share their own experiences, while others have expressed their appreciation for the hope, awareness and resilience that it conveys. I'm truly humbled by the outpouring of positivity and support that I've received. But I think most importantly, it opens up the conversation for people who are struggling to be understood due to the inconspicuous nature of our illnesses - to be heard and seen. I hope that this documentary has inspired others to never give up the fight with their invisible illnesses and to persevere through even the toughest of challenges. Thank you again for your support, and I look forward to others courageously sharing their stories with their love ones, friends and even strangers to further help others understand their struggles better. P.S. Special thanks to the Eileen from CNA Insider who made this documentary possible from day 1 and not forgetting the amazing videography work done by Zachary Tang.

The hardest part is.. you are expected to go through it on a daily basis because we don't "look" sick. No one can understand the amount of pain we go through when the flares come. Thank you for creating this awareness of our silent illnesses🙏

There is nothing wrong to get a seat or ask for one if you need it. In the last 6 months, I did encounter an elderly couple who sarcastically say out loud that young people (me) are not giving up their seats. I stay silence for a couple of minutes before I spoke back to them that I have a health condition. I even offer to show them my latest hospital diagnose from Healthhub and even my whatsapp msg to my HR explaining my condition and that I can't walk and had to be in a wheelchair. Eventually they did apologies and my ending words to them is that I need to take care of myself in order to continue working and support my family and not be an burden to others. For the past 6 months, I did not feel bad or shameful just because I need to grab a seat for myself.

I'm 17 yo , and I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disorder a year and a half ago , it's an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid gland . Watching this video , it felt like a hug honestly , because I totally understand what Abrial is going through . In my case , teachers would give me the "looks" and not believe me when I tell them the reason for my repeated absence is actually illness , and the thing is my flare ups happen so often , and my body keeps going from hypothyroidism to hyperthyroidism , and during the latter , my body become extremely exhausted , but my skin and hair look very good , so even my close friends when I tell them that my health is at it's worse right now , they doubt me , I was once told by a teacher after I was absent for a month "you look so good , when you didnt come for an entire month I thought you were bedridden or something " , I was actually bedridden ; Thank you so much Abrial for sharing your story and thank you CNA for making the video .

Nothing wrong to carry backpack, as long as you able to perform your job well!

I have fibromyalgia and I use that yellow card. Sometimes I feel embarrassed at asking for the priority seat, but when I don’t, my pain flares up after a while. The worst was when I collapsed after getting out of the train and I just couldn’t walk anymore. Thank you for bringing these invisible autoimmune conditions to light. It’s depressing but like you, I have to fight against it, continue to exercise and stretch, because if I don’t, it’s like I’m giving up on myself.

The public needs to have more awareness that sickness and disease does not only affect the elderly but to any ages too. As a nurse, I have seen many patients young/old, that have various diseases so I look at life and people differently now and I understand why people behave in a certain way.. Please do not judge others without knowing what underlying condition they have... be more empathetic... It can happen to me, you or anyone. If you are healthy, do count your blessings because we do not know how these people feel. My late mom was diagnosed with SLE and I know how hard to live with such a disease.

As a patient with more than 10 years of experience with autoimmune disease and invisible mobility issue, my biggest takeaways are 1) have thick face and don’t care about what strangers think of you, put yourself at highest priority and do what you need, no matter if it’s grabbing a seat or asking for help in lifting stuff or using priority access 2) we are not obliged to explain our condition to everyone, and very often the explanation can only make things worse instead (people who don’t know the condition may think it’s contagious and start avoiding us or assume that we cannot have children, cannot perform reliably etc), on days that my limping gets worse, whenever my colleagues ask me what happens, I usually just say I got some old injuries coming back. It took me a few years to understand that there’s nothing wrong with taking pills everyday. And for conditions that are not curable, it doesn’t mean we can’t have a good life under proper treatment. Hope everyone who is fighting in their life finds peace and love❤

He looks fit and that is why people wont realise. It takes a lot of courage to tell anyone about the condition. Most people may not even know such illness and what is a pain of 7, 8, 9 or 10 cos they will never experience even a pain of 3..

I just want to say that this video is so relatable…Although I do not have any autoimmune disease but I have been suffering from migraine since 14 years old. The pain when it strikes is so unbearable that I have to be bedridden. Often times, this also means cancelling meetings with friends, missing out at work, or even important family events. I remembered a particular incident that I tried going to work with a small migraine but ended up in such pain that I was seeing stars and everything was dazzling around me. But all those years, a lot of people still thinks that migraine is just a headache that will past if I drink more water or have more sleep. Invisible illness is real and the impact to our life is huge. Thanks for doing up this video CNA and Abrial for sharing.

My sister has been diagnosed with autoimmune disease since about 6 years ago. Some days she's super energetic, other days she looks like the living dead. It has always been a challenge for her to explain it to some people, even some who are closest to her, whether extended family, friends or colleagues. Since I live with her and know her daily routine, it infuriates me when some of them think that she's lying or craving for attention because she looks quite healthy on the outside. Or when they say that she's just lazy, it's all in her head, her doctor's overreacting, she needs to be closer to God, etc. 🙄 the ignorance level is so unbelievable.

I have auto immune disease , SLE since 1994 when i was 12 years old. And now I am 40! Unfortunately, my kidney failed due to SLE in 2018, but I managed to get a kidney transplant also in 2018. Life is not easy for me, but I tried to live life to the fullest . I am still working as a full time teacher. I had a few of friends left the world due to auto immune disease. I do not know when is my turn. But then, I just want to enjoy every moment of life. Jia You to all my friends with auto immune disease .

I am born with blood disorder and diagnosed with AS at 16. Legally blind too because my degree is over - 20.00 per eye. Because of our age and appearance, people actually scolded me on mrt when i sit on non reserve seats. They expect me to give my seat to seniors. I will give my seat up when someone asked me no matter how painful i am because i believe they must be really desperate to ask directly. Now with the yellow "may i have a seat" card, people usually give up their seats for me on mrt. Really grateful to the person who recommended this idea to the government.

Living with Lupus for 11 years, there were times where i can't even pick up a piece of paper. I hope all autoimmune warriors feels better! ❤ shoo shoo all flares!

Your future partner would be so lucky Abrial. I may not know you from a personal level from this docu, but you seem very responsible and outgoing regardless of having an autoimmune disease. I hope you won’t have to worry about that part. Keep it up! :)

My mother just passed away from an autoimmune disease (Lupus/SLE), and Abrial really helped explain and give a perspective of she had to go endure. Thank you CNA for producing this video and sharing awareness and understanding about these hidden sufferings

I have severe Rheumatoid Arthritis which gradually started at age 18. No one believed me, family and primary physician for a long time. So I was forced to do everything myself for over a year without any pain medications. Now it's severe because of neglecting checking blood and catching it sooner. Severe right now and Rx meds are not helping. Saw my Rheumatologist this morning and getting put on another Rx med with the present one for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Community in city I am in now are more supportive and understanding because they are going through Rheumatoid Arthritis themselves. Rheumatoid Arthritis is common here in my present city; alot of people has Rheumatoid Arthritis. Now I am age 42.

I personally have this Ankylosing Spondylitis and I thank CNA for doing this coverage!

I was diagnosed with autoimmune disease but no doctors can pinpoint what. I was a healthy, young person until I got so sick one day all of a sudden which put me on medical leave for 3 months. I had to re-learn how to walk, pick things up, drive in proper position etc and I'm recovering ( or at least get better). Thank you for posting his video. It also feels like a hug for me.

Abrial, members of the support group and the production team, I was tearing when I'm watching the video. I'm an SLE patient who was diagnosed at 19yo during a major flares and it follows by the worse few years of unstable and frequent flare up. But actually the signs and symptoms can be traced throughout my childhood and puberty life. I rejoined the work force, get married and having a daughter gradually after my conditions are more stable and less flare up in the next few years. I was trying hard to living a normal life as possible but I'm constantly facing the challenges from life. It's never easy to be understood either in work place, society, and also marriage. I'm 33 YO this year, I'm more mature in facing challenges in my life, getting more familiar and knowing how to living with the invisible disease, most importantly resolve with myself. It's a constant and life-ling journey of having conversation with my inner self and adapt to the changes in different stages of life following the progress of the disease. Thank you so much for making the video as well, as it's really an indirect way of showing support to people who are suffering alone with the invisible autoimmune disorders, and reminds us that we are not alone.

In the past, I would try to sympathise. But now, after being diagnosed with lung cancer at the age of 29, and now that I am getting better, I can relate to how unaware people are of invisible pain. My pain comes more from the side effects of the chemo treatment, which accumulated after 2++ years of treatment. It has been a lonely journey. And I can also relate to how people will judge me when I get tired quickly, tho I am still in my early 30. Even when there are so many of us who are fighting invisible pain, we don’t reach out. Awareness is super important, but I also want to encourage those fighting with hidden pain to reach out to others. It is hard, especially if we want to be seen as our identity rather than our illness. But no one will ever understand if we never tell people. Thanks for sharing

I like his fighting spirit. Nothing holding him back. He took a step at a time and simply just do it attitude. Even go for gym still. Brave. Workplace can be a toxic arena even in public places...... hope this story reach to many more. Sial ah, all we need is understanding. Bright young man this one. Keep fighting

Abrial is a very positive, forward looking, hard working and a very commited insurance agent. (He is my insurance agent and family friend) Even though he has this condition, he will always maintain a positive outlook. He is very focused, knows what hat he wants to achieve and strive will for his future. It is inspiring that he doesn't allow this physical set back to hinder his desire to live well and normal. In fact he exercise and train to maintain his physiques than better than most of us!

As someone whose been diagnosed with Lupus (SLE) & Rheumatoid Arthritis since 2019, I'm glad invisible illnesses has been brought to light. We might look fine on the outside but we're also battling joint pains that comes and goes whenever there are flareups even at a young age.

Thank you, Abrial, Sherry and CNA for creating awareness for the autoimmune conditions. As an 8-yr patient diagnosed with spondyloarthritis, it is a long way we have come to get people to understand what autoimmune conditions mean, and the understanding we need esp. on public transport. Like Abrial, I chose to take cabs when I have extreme pain, but if the pain goes on for an extended period of time, it becomes highly unaffordable. If we are not exactly in the low income bracket, and not permanently disabled, we have no support for taking cabs

I was diagnosed with RA at the age of 24. Thank you for shedding light on autoimmune diseases especially with the rise of younger people suffering from it. Although my condition is currently under control, there still is a constant fear of it flaring up again one day. I do wish for more awareness that our pain is not just a sprain..

I'm 24 with an auto immune disease.I do have pain in joints all the time.I was put to live with one hell of a roomate,she would say hurtful stuffs like I'm faking my disease,if I'm ill,i should behave/dress up like a patient-(like not to dressup good).callin me ugly tho i beleive I'm not. After all these,she would apologise since she felt bad about saying all these to me. I don't want to but i wish she should live my life atleast one day to realise how toxic she was to me.Humans shall be human enough.Thanks abrial for ur story❤

Man I relate to this so much. Been diagnosed since 18 and it's been tough. Sending prayers and support to everyone affected.

Finally, there is some amount of media coverage on such illnesses. It's pretty sad to see that many people just believe that a person who looks normal may be normal and not know that such a person has a hidden medical condition. And this helps show people that sometimes diseases aren't able to be seen on the outside.

I can't believe how society likes to find fault even with little things that do not matter, such as what kind of bag we choose to carry. It's already difficult enough with fighting and struggling to keep up with life, the demands of life and live each day while enduring the illness, pain and fatigue. Seriously, I used to ask why is there always something wrong with me. Now, I always ask what is wrong with the minds of society.

Feel sorry for Mr. Pang. I was in a recent motorcycle accident. Difficult to get out of bed. But recovered in weeks. I can't imagine living with an autoimmune disease. Wish him the very best.

As a person who has heart failure at 29 years old, this is so relatable. Its hard to explain to people that even if we appear "normal" everyday, it doesn't mean that we are feeling good too. Sometimes, it takes so much energy to pull yourself from the pain and anxiety that the condition brings.

I have AS for 30 years since I was 18 years old. People in my workplace doesn’t understand what I am going through even though I look normal outside. Due to flare ups 20 days medical leave every year is consider normal as we really can't control the pain and lethargy. Hope the authorities or government can do more to help us create awareness so that we are understood. Ultimately, getting the support from our superior/employer and acknowledging what we are going through without any discrimination.

Thank you Abrial for sharing your story, couldn't have said it better. I was diagnosed with lupus (SLE) in 2006 at the tender age of 14. There's countless ups and downs over the years, including flare ups and multiple treatment resistant. Lots of tears were shed throughout the pain and failures of my body responding to the medications prescribed, but I am lucky I had a very loving and strong support system (family, friends, colleagues) and I managed to cross paths with some of the best doctors who were willing to take risks with me by trying different approaches to contain the SLE. After graduation, I had to give up going overseas for studies or applying for scholarships because I had flare ups (they rejected me anyway even though my results were brilliant, maybe because I was a liability since I declared my condition). However, I was very blessed that most of my employers were understanding of my condition and allowed me concessions when I need to take days off to see the doctor or when I am in pain. I also had alopecia, mild RA, lupus nephritis, plantar fasciitis and depression. There were days where my soles were so inflammed and swollen till I couldn't fit them into my flip flops. It's totally not an exaggeration to say that sometimes painkiller does not even soothe the pain. I even took my crutches to work. There were dark days where I actually had su*cidal thoughts. Only people who went through the pain will really understand how bad it gets, and the mental strength that you need to pull through everyday. Fast forward to 2022, I managed to wean off steroids and immunosuppressants that I have been taking for 16 years. Finally medication and pain free now! I managed to move to Singapore for work and I'm grateful. I'm trying to live my life to the fullest, and I constantly try to create awareness about SLE on my socmed. I always tell people around me that I do not want sympathy or handouts, I am just like you and me, I work for what I want. To date I still get people saying to me that I don't look sick, but now I am prepared to educate them!

Totally feel him. I used to get gossiped about & had my performance discounted cos I was taking MC all the time. Truth is, NOBODY enjoys feeling shitty & being sick. And there are loads of “invisible” conditions. So people really oughta learn to stop gossiping based on assumptions cos the damage is real.

I have a form of spondyloarthritis that flares up very badly every few years. I can definitely relate to Abrial's desire to stay fit and active because when you're in constant pain, you will treasure every moment that your body allows you to move freely. Unfortunately there will be people who will never want to understand the physical pain that people with autoimmune diseases go through, but life is still worth going through despite all that judgement.

I was diagnosed with Graves disease when I was 22. Although it never caused me chronic pain the way Abrial's or others might experience it did make me question a lot of things especially at such a young age. Can definitely relate to how Abrial feels as a young adult with an autoimmune condition. On the positive side, it did push me into getting serious about my fitness and diet and made me appreciate the things my body does for me daily. Cheering you on Abrial!

Recently diagnosed with AS and my Dysthymia was triggered by said diagnosis, to the point were I can't hide my depression towards my coworkers no matter how hard I tried... I know this condition is not fatal, but being that I am very jumpy and active before to my current pains and minimal movements, it's such a drastic change to my lifestyle, and watching this documentary somewhat helps me process through my current feelings

if we have fatigue, ppl say "you think im not tired? everybody is tired". if we have joint pain and arthritis they don't get the pain, they say "but you're still young, isn't it just muscle aches? i have muscle aches too". or "you look fine, you gained weight so you must be heallthy" when it's the effect of the meds that makes you bloat. it's tiring.

As someone with Myasthenia Gravis, I completely understand where he is coming from. But his drive to continue life is amazing.

I was also diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. When the flare was really bad, I took the opposite direction on the MRT just to get a seat. I will not take the reserve seat and I will not wear the yellow tag too. I felt that people should learn not to judge one another. The biggest flare I had was after one month I took my 2nd covid shot. I cannot climb my office staircase at all and I have to quit my job. After resting for 6 month, my condition is so much better and I am living a normal life again. I took the 3rd covid shoot and nothing happen to my body.

This is an excellent documentary! I have an auto immune condition too. I can feel the pain that these people have been dealing with. We need more of this sharing

Thanks for this insightful documentary. My fiancé struggles with chronic fatigue and a few chronic bacterial infections and it's true the flare-ups are the worst. Change of season (here in the southern hemisphere) is the worst time :( I wish you all the best Abrial, jia you!

Wow this really hit home, I am a 35 year old personal trainer with Ankylosing Spondylitis, I was also diagnosed around 25. Keep going folks!!

I’m sure he makes many female hearts flutter with his good looks, and his beautiful inner soul shines through. Abrial obviously has a very high EQ so thank you for making people aware of these horrible invisible conditions. Also, as someone who has young family members with RA, I still feel optimistic about future medical cures. I have to remain optimistic because the fact that the long term treatment medication currently is methotrexate worries me greatly.

Be strong, Abrial. I wish you all the best.

Thanks for making this episode about AS. I have been suffering from AS for almost 18years and people around me doesn't understand what I went through and am still going through when it flares up. Watery eyes while watching it as I can really relate.... 😢

Actually they should hv this card that is automatically issued by the health institute that states u are in need of seats (be it handicap persons or pregnant women or ppl with 'hidden' conditions like this) there should be seats allocated in every cabin that has a beep sensor to fold down whenever someone has this card with him/her. And when finished using it will be auto lifted up again to make space for people to stand.

My symtoms started since Primary School, finally diagnosed when I was in Secondary School a decade ago and now I'm 27 with Ankylosing Spondylitis. Keep going on man! I feel you.

Truly an excellent documentary shedding light on autoimmune diseases and disorders around us. To Abrial and all of the commenters suffering from similar ailments, hang in there!

I have Fibromyalgia and myofascial pain disorder but this is just sooo relatable that i am speechless cause i have been bedridden cause of pain.Not able to work cause i can't sit or stand for more than a few minutes due to pain. So yeah i face the stigma a lot.But i am learning to live with it and trying to manage it.

I also recently got juvenile idiopathic arthritis in 2021, i suffer the same joint pain in my SI joints and this year is my O level year. I struggle with juggling with school work as I’m also sick since I’m on immunosuppressants and sometimes i feel like my teacher and friends doubt me and just assume I’m just pinning school. My family members also aren’t the most understanding of it and I’m currently still struggling with accepting my condition and very often break down emotionally asking myself why it had to be me to get such a thing, why do i have such a condition at such a young age. This video made me feel understood and i really appreciate bringing such awareness! I feel you too abrial!

Thank you for letting people who are suffering silently every single day feel heard for once. It’s finally a step in the right direction for sure 💪🏻

Backpack is kiddish? I’ve no words.

Y'all have no idea how badly this country treats those who have invisible illnesses, neurodivergence, disabilities, or any sort of different human experience, it's actually downright atrocious. Especially in this pressure-cooker hustle-culture society we've been told "is necessary".

This is so relatable on many levels, though I would say mine is on a much lesser degree. I am diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and the severity of it really varies day to day, based on diet and from person to person. The worst part of it is when you bring it up to work colleagues or peers, they seem to not take it seriously or judge you as trying to malinger, especially the major trigger for me which is alcohol and anything spicy. Luckily for me, I do have close friends who understand and are more understanding to me explaining what it is and willing to research on their own what the disease is like, which I am greatful for.

Although Im not officially diagnosed with Marfan's Syndrome and EDS. I have been living with hypermobility and joint laxity. I can totally relate to Abrial Pang living with somewhat an "invisible disability". Some days are good and some days are bad. Am tight at the wrong places due to certain reason. We seem "normal" to others but deep internally its hard for people to understand us. Muscle does not gets turn on because my body is kind of "desensitize" to it. Totally get the bag pack part as for someone with thoraco-lumbar scoliosis. The weight shift is real. Thanks for sharing this story. Do what you can with what you have. its a challenge definitely (esp finding fitness industry or health-wellness people) to get people to really understand what we're going through.

Huge respect to you Abrial and to everyone who has auto immune diseases who's still fighting it.

Thank you for being so brave as to share your story. I have rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogrens disease, and I can attest to all that you deal with regarding an invisible disease. Unfortunately now, I am experiencing outward joint deformity and it causes me a great deal of stress thinking that everyone is looking at my hands. It’s so unfortunate that we cannot deal with our challenges openly without fear of job loss or disbelief. Many blessings to you and your continued journey ~ much love from America 🌸🌺💛

Hi Abrial, I feel what you go thru cos I am one of them.. People hardly understands the pain we have as its invisible.. life goes on and this too shall pass.. thanks for your sharing

I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis when I was 20, mine was very aggressive and I couldn't walk for a month, it was in 1990. I have been living with it for 33 years. Sometimes it is too much to bear, the people still don't understand chronic pain and depression that comes with it. I take life one day at a time and I stopped caring what people think of me. I went to law school and graduated, but didn't practice long, because I suffered a complete physical and mental burnout. I am not giving up, hoping to get more fit and try to do it part-time.

It is so good to share this vid around to let more ppl understand these groups of ppl, invisible autoimmunity illness is the worse among all chronic disease bc outlook of the person just look so fine but literally they’re suffering all levels of pains & discomfort within themselves w no one able to know to see to feel to understand it unless one’s able to feel it themself then probably will be able to understand how tough it is.

This is really a good documentary showing an example of autoimmune disease. This will hug all the people experiencing it. Hope more people see this video.

Indeed, the most difficult sickness are the ones that don't make you look sick enough, as others can't understand.

As a 21 year old who was diagnosed at 16, thank you for sharing and bringing awareness !

This video is so important and more should watch this. As a person who was diagnosed with a rare chronic disease with very invisible symptoms in my 20s, I can relate so much to Abrial.

Abrial, I can fully understand when you said you struggled to get up from bed. Me too, suffer the same AS. When it flare up.... no one understand how it feels except your body. Getting up and out of bed is the greatest struggle. Stay strong!

Thank you Abrial and CNA. I can so totally relate and understand. I was diagnosed with autoimmune condition, Sjögren’s Syndrome in October 2020, and I had to remain silent about it. People go like “huh, what is that? You look perfectly normal & healthy”… What they don’t see is the debilitating days of chronic fatigue that I can just shut down & the super dry eyes and the difficulty eating. I was also diagnosed with early onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis when I was in early 20s. And I have had spinal fusion done with titanium implant in the spine, which makes “hidden disability” my best friend. I have since to be forgiving of others who laughs or jokes or stares ignorantly, but it gets very demoralizing at times. Thank you Abrial - your sharing gives inspiration to a lot of people. God bless.

Thanks Abrial and CNA for making this video to spread awareness about Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). I was diagnosed with AS too in 2017. There were times when the flares were so bad that I couldn’t even walk. The feeling is as though there are weights weighing you down and your mobility gets affected. Thanks so much again for making this episode to spread awareness. Jiayou for those who are fighting against this illness. 💪❤️

Love this documentary and thanks Abrial for bringing awareness to this (and many other forms of) invisible suffering. His positivity is amazing!

Thank you CNA Insider and Abriel for creating this meaningful video. It sends positive vibes to those suffering from invisible illness. Let’s hope this creates awareness to the public and also employers to support this group.

I have chronic anxiety and I can totally relate to Adrial’s condition. Although mine is mental struggle, but I can look really sick in front of people when my anxiety hits. I hope that this society can be kinder to people who has invisible illness and don’t judge by what they see.

Thank you for sharing your story. Although I don't suffer from any autoimmune disease, I have other invisible health conditions that make daily life and activities a little bit harder. I related so much with standing on the train and needing to sit but being a young adult - people cannot tell that there's anything wrong with me but I feel the pain anyway. Invisible illnesses are something that people still don't understand too much of, so this video really was an eye-opening perspective. Thank you, Abrial and CNA.

CNA and Adriel, I'm so glad I saw this yesterday, you guys have really done a lot for awareness on this invisible condition. I was grocery shopping earlier and spotted a guy standing on the road, and he seemed to want to cross over to the divider, but just couldn't. I initially thought it was some sort of insurance scam - he looked fit, young (about the same age as I am) and dressed well. But I felt fearful as the road was quite dark and oncoming traffic was just coming at him. He was looking at the traffic but just couldn't move and was sweating profusely. If it weren't for this video, I wouldn't have gone to accompany him over, and stopping the passing traffic. He was truly so much in pain that he couldn't even speak. It seems like his knee or leg was in pain. It didn't help that some passerbys stopped to try to gawk but it became abit of a social commentary "if he is sick, he shouldn't come out...he should use a wheelchair etc." I was hoping so hard he didn't hear these comments. So...thank you, thank you. Thank you Adriel, for sharing your story. I really hope for the best for you!!

I just found this vid, and it really helped me a lot to face the reality, i just diagnosed with RA at the age of 20, i feel ashamed that i should suffered this disease at such a young age when i should've been productive. The hardest part was when people tend to jugde you because you look young, and strong, and still can do many things properly, the pain is invisible cause we're forced to hide it. Stay strong for all of the people that face the same thing❤❤❤❤ and wish y'll a happy live❤❤❤

I’ve just been diagnosed as borderline Lupus, I can understand your frustration in feeling all the aches and pains and tiredness while looking normal on the outside, and nothing much to show on scans etc. if I say my dry eyes hurt, others will say ‘mine too’, it’s the air con… THANK YOU for sharing your story , Abrial. And I feel encouraged to make the best out of each new day , like you. God bless you!

Glad this video was made to let people know about AS - it's amazing to see ppl down with the condition remain so positive...I do hope with greater awareness through various channels, there would also be lesser need to explain/clarify the condition over again and ppl will be less skeptical towards this invisible condition, God bless always! 😊

Abrial, your fighting spirit is something I would like to keep close to our hearts! Appreciate your courage to share. Jiayous! 😊

Thank you for shining a light on autoimmune conditions ❤ I so relate with the guilt, judgment, frustration that comes with the invisible pain of these conditions. Thank you for you courage, and for articulating the high wire balancing act that is living with an autoimmune condition. 🙌🙌🙌

"Always give people a second chance regardless of the first impression... we won't know the story behind the beautiful face." It's tough... thank you for raising awareness and also being the voice for many in similar situation...

Thank you, Abrial for being brave and sharing with us your story. It mustn’t have been easy.

Pray that he will recover. Autoimmune disorders are really tough to live with.

Hey Abrial, I would like to express my gratitude to you and your groups for sharing your personal experiences regarding your medical conditions. My situation is slightly different from yours, as I was involved in a bicycle-car accident six years ago and subsequently underwent an ACL operation on my right knee. Despite being able to walk and run, I continue to experience intermittent knee pain, which may not be apparent to those around me. I extend my well wishes to you and hope that you will soon find true love and companionship to share both the joys and sorrows of life.

Greatly appreciate the sharing by all the people in this video and thank you for making the conditions visible to rest of the people.

i relate alot to this but my condition is not as serious, im glad to see others flourishing even with such set backs. it makes me feel like i can move forward as well

Stay strong Abrial! God Bless you!🙏

I have arthritis and I'm tired most of the time and have a lot of pain. People always saying I look young and healthy. What I hate is when I leave the hospital and see somebody I know, they're trying to compare cars and look down on me for not having an iphone. I just don't want to be around people like that.

This is a very much needed documentary. Many times, people assume a person is fine just because he is young and looks well. But they forget many disease can't be seen physically. I have IgA Nephropathy disease (autoimmune kidney disease), and although i dont look sick, i may feel tired sometimes, or i may reject food that may affect my kidneys. But people who dont understand will mock me of being over health-concious. Fck that. You don't know what battle a person is fighting with, so always be kind.

Thanks for sharing your story. I am also suffering from an immunodermatology condition called Pemphigus Vulgaris and is on steroids daily to suppress the immunity system. Likewise when the disease is under control, there’s no symptoms but when it flares up, it feels like the world came crashing down. People around tbh don’t really understand what autoimmune sufferers go through so I appreciate you sharing your story.

I have Graves' Disease which can be controlled through medication but the symptoms still continue though not too debilitating. I cannot agree more with a fellow autoimmune disease sufferer that besides the physical discomfort, the most frustrating aspect is the foggy brain which can be downright embarrassing. I told my friends in advance about this foggy braine problem and they accepted it but when it happened, they simply could not comprehend and kept asking me, " ... but we agreed only last night, right ? It was clearly mentioned in the group chat, right ? What gave you the idea that we should meet at that wrong location ? blah blah blah ...." And then I have another "close" friend who questioned me whether I self diagnosed the illness, who the tell want to fake an illness ???? Sometimes, it is better to be alone.

Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis...life has changed so much eversince. Thanks for sharing your story! You are so so brave to bring this to light! Jiayou 💪

keep going Abrial! I know exactly what you are going through daily. There's hope. Keep searching for hope. Thanks for your boldness to share your story!

I can relate to him. Been living with rheumatoid arthritis since the age of 24. NSAIDs have been a lifesaver as it helps me to function normally as an adult as it keeps flare ups at bay.

There no such as specified reserve seats in the mrt, anyone are free to seat...and any seats is priority seats to be given up if someone is needed more!!!!

As a 26 years old with arthritis it’s so comforting to see this However, I have to hide it since I am in the Navy or I will be discharged so it’s a mental pressure as well as a physical one Stay strong Abrial, we can do it !

Abrial, please keeps going. I am sure your story will make positive impact to a lot of others suffering in silence.

I recently got diagnosed with Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein. I can barely stand for too long or even walk up the stairs for my age. Its hard for people around to understand my invisible pain.

Thank you for sharing this story. I have AS too, and it is a struggle to walk or stand straight on a bad day. I wobble as I attempt to walk on a bad day. And today, unfortunately, is a bad day, and quite possibly going to be a bad few weeks down the road. I am on a strict daily diet of pills to keep the disease in check with the awareness that the disease will no doubt progress in the future, still i try to maintain a positive outlook.

I have had sero negative arthritis for past 20 years. The rollercoaster ride to first get misdiagnosed & then get diagnosed after major damage was done, was depressing. At that time, I couldn’t even find a support group. I had to join FB groups which mostly had Americans. Even when I went to get the lanyard, I think the staff looked surprised. Till they saw how my hand & legs were shaking. Thank you for opening up about your case and creating awareness. There are so many of us suffering in silence & alone.

I’m often tempted to tell my colleagues about my chronic pain but it’s just this gut feeling that being honest might make me a liability. So we learn to mask and get a weirdly high pain tolerance. Hope this is discussed more and everyone will be a little more understanding.