Category Archives: autoimmunity recovery

Circle of Strength: Embracing Sisterhood to Overcome Autoimmune Challenges

Dr. Karla and Dr. Carolyn

This past weekend was very special for me as I celebrated the beauty and value of good sisterhood relationships. I was invited to participate with one of my close sister friends on a panel in which we discussed what makes our bond so precious.

My panel partner is my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Carolyn Lightford. We developed a friendship that quickly evolved into a sister bond many years ago during our 3rd year of medical school. Our relationship deepened during our time together in the same Family Medicine Residency program.

Carolyn and I have shared so much during these past few decades. Together we have laughed, cried, studied, celebrated, complained, prayed, and encouraged one another. We have also served as each other’s physician! God allowed our paths to cross many years ago and we agree our bond is for life.

The same day of the sisterhood panel, I acknowledged a milestone with another group of special ladies. My sorority line sisters, Vivian, Karen, Cathy, Monya, (my sands) and I celebrated becoming members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 44 years ago.

Take Five – MuRho-Delta Sigma Theta

These ladies became my family during a time when I needed support, community, friendship, and positive influences. We became that for each other during our quest to become members of the sorority. Forty-four years later we are still connected. We live in different towns; however, the love remains.

During the panel discussion we shared some of the “Golden Rules” of friendship which include:

  1. Listening well
  2. Honesty
  3. Extending a shoulder to cry on
  4. Genuine interest in one another
  5. Loyalty
  6. Acceptance
  7. Love

When I became ill a few years ago with auto-immune disorders, these sisters were among those who prayed for me, checked on me, loved on me, and encouraged me on my journey to healing and recovery of health. My sisterfriends are important in my holistic wellness.

I grew up in a home with brothers; however, I have been blessed with precious “sisterfriend” relationships throughout my life. I don’t take them for granted and I am forever grateful. If you are blessed with special sisterfriends, reach out to them and let them know how much they mean to you. They can be “lifesavers”.

If you are struggling because of autoimmune disorders and ready to invest in yourself for a high-level of dedicated, personalized, 1 to 1 support in taking control of your health to thrive, I invite you to make an appointment with me for a free Overcome Autoimmunity Discovery sales call to see if and how I can help you.

Click HERE to schedule your appointment today!

Blessings,

Dr. Karla

From Illness to Wellness: A Journey of Healing

Sometimes, it’s good to take a look back and reflect on where you have been to appreciate how far you’ve come.

I was recently looking through my photos and came across two that share a glimpse into my journey with autoimmune disorders.

The picture on top was taken in 2019, shortly after I became ill and this was how I dressed for bed. I was looking a “hot mess” with compression socks, Elastic bandage on my ankle, knee brace, and I had a heating pad on the floor next to the bed.🤣🤦🏽‍♀️

My body hurt from my neck down to the bottoms of my feet. My joints and muscles were inflamed and I had trouble moving around. It was NOT FUN. 😩

I prayed for instant healing but, it didn’t happen that way. However, as I implemented my step-by-step process for health recovery, my mind, body, and spirit were rejuvenated.

The picture on the bottom was taken 2 years later in early 2021. Praise God!🙌🏾. After my most recent visit with my doctor’s office last month, I was informed that everything continues to be stable! I can keep doing what I’m doing!

In my private coaching programs, I help my clients take control of their health using the same process I use for myself.

Recently, I launched my “Reclaim Your Health and Thrive” 12-Month Private Coaching Program, which allows my clients to experience a full year of a high-level of personalized 1-1 wellness coaching.

If you are ready to invest in yourself for this type of support to take control of your health, I invite you to make an appointment with me for a free “Reclaim Your Health” Discovery Sales call to see if and how I can help you.

Please CLICK HERE to schedule your call today. I look forward to speaking with you!

Blessings,

Dr. Karla