Posts by: Leah Leilani

Leah Leilani

My name is Leah. I'm 20 years old and I was diagnosed at the age of nine with a a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy called Mitochondrial Myopathy. I'm a former MDA Regional Ambassador and have recently started my own blog. My disease affects my energy levels and I can not get through the day without my wheelchair and taking naps.

October 9, 2018October 8, 2018

The Simple Act of Opening a Door for Someone

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

Society is an odd concept if you really think about it. It controls us like puppets on a string. As society continues to evolve, it seems to value chivalry ... Read more

September 25, 2018September 21, 2018

Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Wheelchair

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

There are many skills to learn if you recently have been diagnosed with a chronic illness. These range from being organized for doctor’s appointments to finding the best mobility ... Read more

September 18, 2018September 17, 2018

A Girl’s Best Friend: Thoughts on Mobility Assistance Dogs

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

One of the best days of my life was when my family and I brought home my dog, Andre. The second my eyes fell on him, I melted into ... Read more

September 11, 2018September 7, 2018

Listening and Surrendering to My Body Isn’t Always Easy

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

Being a healthy able-bodied human being must be nice. Not having to worry about taking medications or planning out your day based on your energy levels. Not having to ... Read more

September 4, 2018August 30, 2018

Finding Doctors Who Understand Your Disease

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

In life, there are good and bad versions of everything. When it comes to doctors, some get lost in their egos or refrain from showing emotion in patient relations. ... Read more

August 14, 2018August 13, 2018

Seeing Both Sides of the Plastic Straw Controversy

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

A few years ago, if you had asked me what it means to be eco-friendly, I would have given you the average answer: “Turning off your lights when you’re ... Read more

August 7, 2018August 3, 2018

How Lyrica Has Affected My Relationship with Food

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

All my life, I’ve been very lucky not to be burdened with food and eating problems. For a brief period as a young teen, I watched what I ate ... Read more

July 24, 2018July 20, 2018

Why I Identify with Being Chronically Ill, Not Disabled

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

Every now and then, when I see my reflection in a window or mirror, I’m surprised. Most of the time, I forget that I need a wheelchair to get ... Read more

July 17, 2018July 13, 2018

Treat Your Mental Health Before It Becomes Too Much to Bear

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

Today, in 2018, the topic of mental health seems to be discussed more frequently than ever before. This is a great thing, however, understanding the signs and symptoms may ... Read more

July 3, 2018June 29, 2018

Managing Body Temperature with Heat Intolerance

columns, You, Me and MD - a Column by Leah Leilani

As you all know, summer is upon us, and that means trying our best to stay cool. Here in Southern California, the June gloom is almost gone and that ... Read more

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