My name is Hillary Lee. I’m a wife, a mom of two, and a business owner. I was first diagnosed at the age of 13, and over the years my journey has expanded to include Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). Living with multiple chronic illnesses has shaped my life in ways I never expected, but it has also taught me resilience, perspective, and strength. While much of what I face isn’t visible, it impacts how I move through each day—balancing my roles as a mother, partner, and entrepreneur while learning to listen to my body.
5 Invisible Symptoms
Some of the invisible symptoms I live with daily include:
- Chronic fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest.
- Brain fog that makes it difficult to focus.
- Frequent dizziness.
- Ongoing daily pain.
- Episodes of heart racing.
4 Things That Help Me Manage Pain and Other Symptoms
I manage my symptoms through a combination of practices, including:
- Yoga.
- Leaning on the support of my family.
- Learning to ask for help when I need it.
- Relying on my service dog, Boo.
3 Ways My Life Has Changed
- As a highly motivated and ambitious person, I’ve had to learn to accept and respect my daily limits.
- I’ve also had to set strong boundaries and say no to people and things that drain my energy.
- Through this journey, I’ve developed a deeper compassion for others, recognizing that many people may be silently struggling, whether mentally or physically.
2 People Who Inspire Me
- I’m deeply inspired by my family and friends who continue to support me and never give up on me.
- I am also inspired by female business owners who live with chronic invisible illnesses and still find ways to balance it all.
1 Thing I Want People to Know
A little compassion can go a long way. Sometimes asking for help can make us feel like a burden, but the truth is, we are never a burden to the people who truly love us. Just because I may look perfectly fine most days doesn’t mean I’m not struggling. I make an intentional effort to look my best because it helps me feel my best mentally, even when I’m not feeling my best.
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