I served in the United States Navy in the 1980s and was recalled to Desert Storm. I worked in the clinical laboratories at military hospitals when OHSA did not exist. When I was diagnosed, my life was out of control. I did not know where to go or what to do. In my career stages, I did not have a husband to support me. I strived hard to keep my jobs.
Diagnosed with diffuse scleroderma with positive lupus antibodies, I’ve had this autoimmune over 25 years and can honestly say: it does not scare me anymore. It had haunted me as I struggled with a lot of difficulties with jobs. Yes, I made it but it was a battle. I felt that I better not disclose this to my employer.
Ten years ago, I developed my arts and crafts abilities when I had a stressful clinical research job in the prevention of breast cancer. It was from that job especially, something in the universe told me to take up sewing. I needed to come home to something relaxing. My energy level was depleted from a hectic career and sewing became my outlet.
From that point on, I kept taking classes in all areas from wearable arts, quilts, gourds, inks, and jewelry making. Most, I am my best healthcare advocate against being sick. I deal with chronic illness by not letting it walk all over me and bottling it up inside.