Hi, I’m Kristina! Autoimmune crusader, writer, patient advocate, and lover of dogs (and a cat who thinks he is a dog). Despite having a background in healthcare, it took me over a dozen doctors, hundreds of tests, and nearly 5 years to get diagnosed with seronegative Sjogren’s and Myasthenia Gravis (and all their common sidekicks like small fiber neuropathy, MCAS and dysautonomia). Throw in Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos and I was a barrel of fun for doctors.
I quickly realized that these autoimmune diseases are highly overlooked and misunderstood. Sjogren’s is NOT simply a dry eye and dry mouth nuisance syndrome, but a chronic, systemic disease. MG doesn’t always present with a drooping eye. While these diseases can never be cured, I am now on the other side – feeling better than I have in years. Self-advocacy played a huge role in getting me from drowning to treading water to a very skilled adult doggie paddle.
Once I started to feel better, I felt a strong passion to help others who were in my position – to share the lessons I learned and maybe, just maybe, help expedite their journey to answers, validation, and better care.
So, I went back to school and became a board certified patient advocate. I attended numerous conferences and webinars on autoimmune diseases and connective tissue disorders, and commonly associated conditions. I want to share that knowledge with you in an easy, energy-saving way. My goal is to help others reduce the time to diagnose, care and confidence.
In short, I am:
- a Board Certified Patient Advocate.
- accredited by the Patient Advocate Certification Board.
- an autoimmune and connective tissue patient who is regaining her life.
- experienced in advocating for patients as a former Healthcare Services Coordinator with the Muscular Dystrophy Association
Little Engine Patient Advocacy 