My Autoimmune Journey

What is autoimmune disease? In my own words…

The immune system is designed to fight against foreign invaders like viruses and bacteria that attempt to enter the body. When the immune system mistakes a properly functioning part of the body as a threat and defends against it, this can be the beginning to autoimmune dis-ease. There are more than 100 known autoimmune diseases and is determined by which body part has been attacked.

Autoimmune Diagnoses

Graves Disease

In 2008 I was diagnosed with Graves’ disease developed from an enlarged thyroid causing hyperactivity in my body. When this happens, the body produces an excess of hormone, and this is called hyperthyroidism. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is known as Graves’ disease.

Some symptoms

I experienced:

Heart palpitations
Irritability
Shaky hands
Hair loss

Myasthenia Gravis

In 2011 I was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis an autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes varying muscle weakness.

Some symptoms

I experienced:

Droopy eyelids
Double vision
Weakness in face, hands, arms, fingers, and legs
Difficulty breathing, talking, walking, swallowing liquid, controlling eyelid movement
Heat and light sensitivity
Dark circles around eyes

Autoimmune Hepatitis

Also, in 2011 I was diagnosed with Autoimmune Hepatitis which happens a flawed immune system attacks the cells of the liver and causes inflammation.

Some symptoms

I experienced:

Abdominal pain
Enlarged belly
Extreme fatigue
Yellow eyeballs
Nausea and vomiting
Dark yellow urine
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Aching joints

*Graves ophthalmology affects the muscles and tissue around the eyes to include bulging, displacement, blurry and double vision, light sensitivity, pain, and pressure.

*Encephalopathy is an altered mental state resulting in loss of cognitive function, personality changes, and inability to concentrate. Leading up to coma.

With no prior health concerns these adverse experiences led me to share my journey and write and self-publish a book sharing the details of what my life was like when my eyelids were drooping, and I had to hold my eyelid up just so I could see. And when I struggled to smile, talk, walk, eat, drink, and even swallow my own saliva.

One day I found myself on the floor with my dinnerplate to avoid dropping it because my arms and hands were too weak to continue holding it. I laughed at myself initially and soon after began crying due to the frustration of my reality.

I also include the treatments, procedures, pain and embarrassment and confusion that I endured along the way. How I ended up in a coma and having a liver transplant. What it was like in a coma and waking up to another new reality of not being able to talk, walk, eat, or do anything. Also, learn about my recovery, rehabilitation and what it took to get me back to being a self-sufficient person.

Many say I am a living miracle or that they witnessed a miracle.

I hope to be an inspiration to someone.

BUY NOW