Columns

How I’m grappling with symptoms of 3 more autoimmune disorders

My health situation has become incredibly trying recently. I’m hesitant to shed any tears because I fear they won’t stop. When I was diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), I was told I might face one or more additional autoimmune diseases in my lifetime. Initially, this warning seemed…

Knowing when to go to the emergency room isn’t always easy

Knowing when to make that crucial trip to the emergency room is a concern that plagues everybody with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). It’s a dilemma that leaves us anxious and unsure. I’m battling a bladder infection, and admitting I have one typically fills me with embarrassment. But each…

Is my advocacy for NMOSD self-serving or selfless?

Serving our community should matter to all individuals. I’ve always believed that if each person were to dedicate time to a charitable cause, our society could bring about profound change. Just imagine the kind of world we could create together. Even though I came of age in a household with…

How medical marijuana eases my daughter’s NMOSD pain

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with medical marijuana products. Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. Living in Colorado is a dream for many reasons, including the fact that there are over 300…

The secret to success with NMOSD is preparation

I’ve been trying to stay active, but after a long family bike ride, I was exhausted. I opened my fridge looking for a fast and easy snack and audibly cheered when I found the strawberries I’d washed, chopped, and neatly placed into Tupperware earlier that day. Had I not found…