March is National Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) Awareness Month. This month is an opportunity to raise awareness and understanding about the rare autoimmune disorder. Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), primarily affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. It can cause severe and often irreversible neurological damage, leading to blindness, paralysis, and even death.
As someone who has lived with NMO, I know firsthand the challenges it can bring. In my book, Shattered But Not Broken: A Doctor’s Transformational Journey From Illness to Resilience, I share my story of the physical and emotional toll that NMO took on my life. I began having weakness and different sensations in my upper and lower extremities followed by incurable hiccups. After having shortness of breath which led to respiratory failure, I was intubated and placed on life support. After several weeks I was extubated, the tube was removed and I found to be blind, paralyzed, and faced with the difficult journey of recovery. Watch a short clip of my recovery transformation here.
Living with NMO wasn’t easy, and I struggled with feelings of anger, frustration, and isolation. However, with the support of my faith, family, and friends, I found strength and resilience. Despite the challenges, I refused to let NMO define me and worked hard to regain my ability to walk, talk, and live my life as a physician. Today, I am an advocate and health coach devoted to helping women with chronic illnesses learn and practice healthy habits that improve their quality of life through a holistic approach that promotes physical, mental, and emotional wellness.
My story is just one example of the resilience and strength of people living with NMO.
It is essential to raise awareness about this rare disease, to improve early detection, diagnosis, and treatment to provide better support and resources for people living with NMO. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with NMO, it’s important to work closely with your healthcare team to manage your symptoms and maintain your quality of life. You can also find support and resources through organizations like the Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation and The Sumaira Foundation, which are organizations dedicated to building communities, funding research, and advocating for people with NMO.
National Neuromyelitis Optica Awareness Month provides an opportunity to increase understanding and support for people living with NMO. My story of resilience and determination is a reminder that, despite the challenges of living with NMO, there is hope and strength to be found.
To read more about my story, purchase my book here.
