Living

Love is something most people want. It’s warm, it’s safe, it’s comfort, and it can be unique. It can be a million little things really. But to me it’s a...

Living with a suppressed immune system is hard. Especially as a student, going to university, taking public transport and eating out for lunch. You have to take extra precautions because...

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...

When I tell people about my condition, they expect that my lowest point must have been in hospital after my first neuromyelitis optica (NMO) attack. I was paralysed from the...

For most of my rare disease journey I was a sick and unemployed college dropout with minimal work history. The first three years of my diagnosis I applied for disability...

My daughter and I are truly indebted to this website, and to our community family members, the warriors and there are heartfelt reasons for it… After coming to my senses...

Living with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) for the last 15 years has definitely had its challenges, however, trying to explain how I feel when living with an invisible illness is extremely...

I've learned to protect my peace by doing what’s best for me despite how someone else may feel, and not feel bad or be hard on myself. Since becoming sick...

Recently, I found out from one of my friends that someone from my school had said that I was faking my illness for attention, when I first made my Instagram...

Since my Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) diagnosis in 2014, I find it hard to strike the right balance between enjoying a bit of reflection and spending too much time with my...

NMO has changed me in many ways. From odd ways of saving me to taking away things I love. Some things I had to learn to give up and others...

Sometimes, it’s like my brain is in a revolving door. The thoughts spin fast, sometimes slow or not at all. My brain’s exhaustion is from my thoughts constantly dancing pirouettes...

I remember being 12, hiding in my mother’s room, and using all her makeup without her knowing. I wasn’t good at it at all, but after years of practice I...

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...

You constantly hear the phrase that you need to advocate for yourself with doctors and in appointments you hear how you need to stand up for yourself. And, if you...

It had been a little over a year since my last visit and I was excited for new contacts. My eyes have been a little off but I figured I...

I was working in management for a charity organization in 2014 when I had my first Neuromyelitis Optica attack. I haven’t been able to work conventionally since. That's due to...

By definition, mental health is taking care of psychological, emotional, and social well-being but for me (mine slightly injured mental health) was an inseparable friend that I’ve had for a...

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...