Let’s welcome this weeks warrior, Daniela!
Hi! I’m Daniela, Coach Dani. I’m currently living in Durham, NC with my husband and Boxer, Cinnamon. I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus in 2008 at 16 years old. The process of being diagnosed at the time, I believed, was very drawn out. I was (mis)diagnosed with multiple other things: juvenile arthritis, alopecia, gallbladder disease, etc. before being diagnosed with Lupus. This all took 18 months. Comparatively though, that is actually a rather quick diagnosis process.
When I was first diagnosed, I was playing high school sports. I had to take a step back from sports and school activities during my 6 months of chemotherapy. I was exhausted all of the time and experienced a lot of digestive issues, both common side effects of chemotherapy. But over the last 14 years, I have discovered many systems, including daily movement and improved hydration habits, that have helped me to have as much of a normal life as possible.
Right now, Lupus interferes with my life minimally. Thankfully, I have been in remission for a couple of years. But there is the constant dark cloud that lingers of ‘when will it show up again?’ I think anyone with a chronic diagnosis always wonders how long the good times will last and when will the next flare-up be. My journey with autoimmune disease has really shown me that I am empowered over my own health. I realized that the choices I make or do not make contribute to autoimmune activity. And having that awareness has empowered me to make the best choices I can for my health. I get to choose the outcome of Lupus.
Words of wisdom: Believe that you indeed have a say in the outcome of your disease. Be careful about getting into the mentality of ‘it is what it is.’ Indeed, you get to decide what it is – the thing that defines your entire life, or the stepping stone to a better you. Choose the latter.
In my spare time I really enjoy traveling with my husband. We like to wander around and find hidden gems in big cities.
Lupus really helped me find my passion for empowering others to take control of their health. I’m an autoimmune movement coach because I truly believe that movement is medicine.
Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring story Daniela! Be sure to give her a follow in IG @daniela.spear