Recovery Story

This is a story about Laura and how she became a woman in recovery. Many people say I look great and I don't look sick. However, the truth is I have invisible illnesses that affect my daily life struggles, triumphs and recovery. What kept me thriving and surviving was the hope and faith I had in a higher power.

I battle with invisible illnesses, one is called Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and the other Rheumatoid Arthritis. SLE is the most severe type of lupus one can have, which affects the immune system and causes inflammation in the joints, skin, heart and kidney including eyes. As a result, I have limited energy and often would feel fatigued. A great way I describe SLE is that my immune system is always under attack or at war. 

Since my diagnosis at age seven following a stroke, my loved ones have been overly protective of me and told me that I should not continue school and that I could not become independent because of my invisible illnesses. However, I proved them wrong. I graduated and obtained my Master’s degree in social work at the University of Washington as a way of proving to my family and healthcare professionals that I can strive and my willpower is strong.  

After my graduation at the School of Social Work, I began working with people with disabilities because I also identify as someone with a disability. Due to multiple stressors and complications with my health, I remember SLE attacking my brain which led me to becoming paralyzed and being in a rehabilitation center to get myself back to stability. At that moment, I realized I had to take time off for myself to heal and take care of “Little Laura.” It was during that year that I started falling into a deep depression which led me to drinking more, partying and smoking weed to help numb my pain and my inner child.  A year later, I was then diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Bell’s Palsy. Fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that causes widespread pain throughout the body and can be fatal if one doesn’t seek treatment. Bell Palsy is paralysis on one side of the face caused by multiple stressors. And so I started exploring weed and CBD to help with the pain and to help with that anxiety. It was during the year 2017 that I started working as a club promoter and as a go go dancer. I remember landing at the ER one night as I was drinking and smoking hookah at an after party. To my surprise, that triggered Bell’s Palsy to come back.  From that moment on, I sought acupuncture, massage therapy and any other types of pain management therapies I could find. It took me a lot of trial and error, but I was able to stick with massage, cupping therapy and injection therapy. 

My DVR counselor inspired me to become a Certified Peer Specialist because of my traumatic brain injury, substance use and medical challenges. I served on the Walk Committee for the Lupus Foundation of America and participated in their annual WALK TO END LUPUS NOW and also building community at Community Life. I am active in my community and facilitate a Sunday Self Care group focusing on the 8 dimensions of wellness. I have also completed the Trauma Informed Yoga Education Training in February so that I can be more aware of my body and sensitivities but also learn how to teach others about body awareness. 

Today, I am a proud Peer Facilitator at Peer Seattle, Peer Recovery coach and member of SOR2.  My job is to provide support and encouragement to those battling chronic pain and chronic illness. The groups I facilitate are called Fearless Pain Warriors and SOR2 and in September I will be facilitating Tea Time at Peer Seattle. I am also a Recovery Coach and proud pioneer member at Community Life. These accomplishments not only led me to become stronger mentally, but also inspired me to achieve my aspirations, goals and dreams. I can understand shame, fear and acceptance. Having an invisible illness, mental illness and substance use challenges has taught me to persevere my dreams, transforming me into a stronger and more independent woman I am today.

Recovery to me is a lifelong journey that requires commitment, willpower and dedication. I know I’m in recovery when I am able to get out of bed with a clear mind, pain-free and perform my daily living activities without feeling lethargic or hungover.  Staying in recovery means attending recovery based meetings, changing unhealthy habits into healthier habits, such as eating an anti-inflammatory diet, yoga, salsa/bachata/break dancing and mindfulness, attending medical appointments and taking my medications on time. Recovery all starts with me and I know I have to be the one to make the changes. One day at a time. Just for today. Make one small change. What are some ways you know you are in recovery?