Part 6: Uveitis Update: How Functional Medicine Helped Me Ditch Steroids and Discover My Trigger Foods

Year+ Check-In: Uveitis, Functional Medicine, and Learning to Listen to My Body

It’s officially been over a year since starting my deep dive into healing from uveitis and supporting my autoimmune health through a combination of specialty care and functional medicine—and I’m feeling more grounded, empowered, and aware of my body than ever.

I walked into appointments with both my eye specialist and rheumatologist with that mix of hope and anxiety that anyone with an autoimmune condition understands. Over a year later I continue to walk out with a clean slate.

No steroids. No immunosuppressants. And two doctors genuinely pleased with how well my eye is doing.

To say that felt like a victory is an understatement.

Functional Medicine Support

Even though I’ve been spreading out my appointments with my functional medicine practitioner, Dr. Schena, was thrilled to hear the updates. Longer intervals between visits feels like such a milestone—a sign that maybe, just maybe, my body is finding a rhythm again.

But of course… then came the big question.
The one I was almost afraid to say out loud:

“How am I supposed to go to Italy—ITALY—and not have wine or cheese?”

Because my brother’s wedding is this late spring, and while I was excited beyond belief, the anticipated FOMO over skipping two signature Italian joys was real.

Trying to Reintroduce Wine: A Bubbly… Burpy Disaster

Following Dr. Schena’s guidance, I started slowly.

I poured myself a tiny glass of one of my favorite wines—something that’s been patiently waiting in my fridge like a long-lost friend.

Except…
It did not feel like a friend.

Within minutes, I was bloated, uncomfortable, and burping nonstop. Not cute. Not enjoyable. Definitely not worth pushing through. I didn’t even finish the glass.

And honestly?
That reaction told me everything I needed to know.

Round Two: Dairy Makes a Comeback… Briefly

A couple weeks later, my fiancé and I went out for dinner at an Italian restaurant—the perfect setting to test dairy again.

I ordered delicious lamb chops topped with a cream sauce with a side of gluten-free ravioli. It was incredible. The first dairy I had enjoyed in over a year!

And less than 24 hours later… the headache hit.

Not just a headache—
A piercing, ice-pick-through-my-skull headache that lasted five days.

The first 24 hours were brutal:

• Sharp, stabbing pain

• My eye twitching with every surge

• Even my scalp felt tender

I’ve had headaches before, but nothing like this. I knew instantly: Dairy was back off the table.

Italy… But Make It Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free & Alcohol-Free

So here I am, preparing for Italy—still excited, still grateful, still committed to my well-being.

Sure, it might look different than I imagined a year ago. But avoiding pain, inflammation, and eye flare-ups is more important than any short-lived indulgence.

Italy will have plenty for me to enjoy—just without the things that don’t love me back.

What’s Next?

My eye specialist will see me in another six months, and with the way things are going, I’m hopeful I’ll continue hearing more good news.

As for my rheumatologist?
We’ve officially moved to yearly check-ups—a milestone I once wasn’t sure I’d reach.

What I’ve Learned This Year

• Healing isn’t linear, but it is possible.

• Functional medicine has been a powerful piece of my puzzle.

• My body speaks loudly—sometimes with burps, sometimes with headaches—and I’m learning to listen.

• Boundaries with food aren’t limitations; they’re protection.

• Joy doesn’t have to come from wine or cheese—it can come from feeling healthy enough to be present.

Here’s to another year of clarity, confidence, and caring for this body that’s been fighting for me all along.