Aldelly V.

My hopes and dreams of one day getting up from my wheelchair and walking freely are partly kept alive by my rehab team. Don’t get me wrong, there are other...

One of my very first symptoms before getting diagnosed with NMO was having problems with my bladder. After experiencing many embarrassing moments with my bladder, getting pelvic floor therapy, and...

Deciding to get a suprapubic catheter for a wheelchair-bound person like myself, with my neurogenic bladder with severe UTIs, was a no-brainer. I had been dealing with a severe and...

I laid on a flatbed in a curled baby fetal position and was told by the anesthesiologist to try and stay still as he prepped my back for a spinal...

It was the year 2016, months before my official NMOSD diagnosis, and I was limp walking around the hospital hallways to get to my very first neurology appointment. The first...

The best feeling for me during the summer months was the warmth of the sun wrapped around my skin and getting a golden-brown tan. Oh, how I used to love...

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...