Aldelly V.

Part of being diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), zero-negative, is being limited to what types of treatments there are. I was recommended to go on Rituximab, every six...

There was a point in my health journey when it’s just bothersome to constantly get questions about my neuromyelitis optica (NMO) diagnosis. While I love advocating for NMO and sharing...

The hardest situation to deal with is a chronic disease like neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) that continues to debilitate you, to the point of not caring who is watching...

Every time I’m asked at a physical therapy consult, “What’s your goal?” my answer is almost always to walk - in high heels. Before my neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD)...

Plasmapheresis is a complex therapy which I’ve undergone four times in my journey with neuromyelitis optica (NMO). Every time I’ve completed a treatment my results are phenomenal. But what is...

Confidence is the most beautiful aura one can wear in public. The feeling of wearing an invisible security blanket around yourself and loving every part of your being is priceless...

My neuromyelitis optica (NMO) wish list: As the iconic song “All I want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey goes, it opens the Christmas spirit in me and most of...

Getting to know your body is very important when living with a chronic illness like NMOSD (neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder). With the years I have living with NMOSD I’ve learned...

Navigating the healthcare system is hard enough for a regular English-speaking person. But imagine being diagnosed with a rare condition like NMOSD (neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder) and English not being...

Once I passed my drivers license test to drive with hand controls, I was super excited to start shopping for a vehicle. I was excited to get back to what...

Driving, for me, is an essential part of life–especially where I live. It’s how I transport my kids to and from school, activities, my medical appointments, work and more. I...

Over the triumphs and tribulations of dealing with NMO, I’ve had to adapt my home. Thankfully, I have a handy husband who love home projects (said no husband ever) and...

I've learned a few things about self-advocacy since the beginning of my journey with frequent doctor’s visits. It can be intimidating to ask questions during your medical appointments because you...

In May 2016, I received my NMO diagnosis over the phone. “You have something called neuromyelitis optica, and we must treat you immediately.” I was confused, and I thought it...

It was pre-pandemic when I decided to start sharing my NMO story on social media. I started sharing my story online because I was getting tired of people asking what...

For months I was experiencing an increase in my NMO symptoms. While I communicated this to my neurologist, I had no new lesions to back up a new acute treatment...

Postpartum is a roller coaster of emotions for most mothers after giving birth. Some can manage on their own. Others need a bit more help to get through. I certainly...