Victoria Cotero (She/Her)

December of 2021 my health was declining, and I had my first emergency room visit. I went into ventricular tachycardia and had severe abdominal pain, but no doctor could explain what was going on. I had my first referral to see a cardiologist and gastroenterologist. When I saw my specialist’s is when I sadly experienced being dismissed, medical gaslighting and feeling of invalidation. Shortly after that I saw new specialists in which gave me my proper diagnoses and put me on a treatment regimen. While it was not an easy journey and required many emergencies room visits, battling flare ups I still experience it today but not to the same severity. But I wouldn’t be where I was if it wasn’t for my primary care, cardiologist, gastroenterologist, and neurologist who all gave me hope and treated me in the most difficult times of my chronic disease journey!

I advocate to ensure no one who suffers from a chronic illness feels alone. I understand the feelings and obstacles that come with having a chronic disease and I want to ensure people have the resources and community to help them in need. With that being said, I want to share my personal experience with chronic disease to give people hope in their times of need to ensure that they are not alone.