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.
Let me make it clear that I am not opposed to questions about my disease and why I use a wheelchair. In fact, I encourage them. I mean, we ... Read more
For several years, I’ve been feeling nauseated in the mornings after I eat breakfast. Whatever food item occupies my plate that morning — be it a chocolate chip muffin ... Read more
Last Wednesday, July 24, was the four-year anniversary of the day I got my first and only tattoo. One month earlier, I had turned 18 and graduated from high ... Read more
Last year, I wrote about the unfortunate side effects of the medication Lyrica (pregabalin), which I’ve been taking for my fibromyalgia pain. For a while now, I’ve considered the ... Read more
Spoiler alert: This column contains stories from the book “Strangers Assume My Girlfriend Is My Nurse,” by Shane Burcaw. It was during one of my late night YouTube browsing ... Read more
My early years in this world were spent being a girlie girl. Along with my stash of crowns and fake pearls were things like brightly colored nail polish and ... Read more
Prior to my diagnosis, my family spent much more time traveling than we do now. Even though I’ve never traveled outside California, I still have memories of long, scenic ... Read more
As women, we reach a point growing up when we must enter the intimates section of the department store to begin shopping for bras. Finding a comfortable bra is ... Read more
My life with mitochondrial myopathy has been a roller coaster, but my dog Andre was always there to brighten my world. After days spent healing in a hospital room, ... Read more
Initial misdiagnosis is a common experience of those living with chronic illnesses. Many diseases have similar characteristics, and during the process of elimination, patients can receive an incorrect diagnosis. ... Read more
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