Invisible Illness, Visible Resilience

Last night, during a yoga class meant to be inclusive, I found myself reliving years of medical dismissal. You see, I have an invisible illness, and the teacher, like so many doctors before, simply didn't believe what I was experiencing. It's a familiar feeling—being gaslighted, told it's 'all in my head.' I've spent years battling this, after my body reacted violently to trauma during my military service, leaving me bedridden for seven years.

I learned that having an invisible illness means you're often ignored. People see you, but they don't see the struggle. They don't understand the limitations. I've had doctors dismiss my symptoms, blame me for things I couldn't control. But I refused to be defined by their ignorance.

That yoga class, though frustrating, reminded me how far I've come. I’ve gone from being carried onto planes to participating in a yoga class. It’s because I took control. I self-diagnosed, taught myself to walk and talk again, and became an advocate for patients like me.

Now, I'm working to change healthcare. I believe patients should be leaders, not just passive recipients of care. We need better communication, education, and a system that acknowledges the reality of invisible illnesses. I'm proof that with resilience and self-advocacy, we can reclaim our lives and make a difference.