May 31, 2023 | By Lisa Lauter. Reposted with permission from Lisa Lauter Journey to Health

A message from IAES Blog Staff:

The entire staff at IAES is very excited to share with all of you a blog published by one of our own members from her own website.

This is an anniversary blog of sorts. Almost 4 years ago to the day IAES published the first blog about Lisa that includes a video clip regarding her AE(LGI1) diagnosis and journey.

Four fast and eventful years have passed. Lisa is doing well along her AE journey, has had her share of ups and downs, has moved, has an active website and has written a book published that is soon to launch. Please feel free to follow Lisa, read her blogs and celebrate her book launch @ https://www.lisalauter.com/

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Life is Marked by Journeys

What started as a journey north from Texas to hunker down during the pandemic in a little mountain town in British Columbia, evolved into a permanent move back to Canada and the realization of a dream to build our forever home on the edge of a lake, surrounded by mountains. I have to keep pinching myself to believe that’s it’s real, but I wouldn’t be here without supportive friends and family.

The Shady Ladies

I have a group chat with a circle of women who are some of my closest friends. We call ourselves the Shady Ladies – sounds a lot more dodgy than it is. We support each other daily by giving random advice on everything from politics, to fashion, to children, to aging parents, to what the heck should I make for dinner. They are my tribe and they got me through some really dark days. When helping me decide what to write today, one of them said write about “how to cope with multiple projects without losing your mind!” (There may have been a well placed expletive in that sentence). I immediately chirped back, “great idea, but you’re assuming I haven’t lost mine yet!”. Another one said, use a couple of inspirational quotes – the kind you get on tea bags! Hence, today’s blog.

Pace Yourself

If you’ve been following me for a few months, you know that I had a setback recently that threw me for a loop, bringing back symptoms of numbness, tingling and gait changes, and slowing down my cognitive function. It reminded me of the importance of listening to my body and giving it what it needs (sleep, good nutrition, positive mindset, exercise), and learning that sometimes, something’s gotta give.

But here we are! Almost at the finish line and about to move into our new home. The busy-ness isn’t over yet. We still have to move out of the rental we’ve been in for three years, and unpack a truck load worth of stuff and memories that have been in storage all this time. (Pace yourself, Lisa, make space for the daily walks and meditation, eat well and rest.)

Taking Chances

Sometimes you have to take chances to realize dreams. Like my journey to health, we put one step in front of the other, made a ton of lists, and day-by-day checked things off. Sometimes I don’t know how I did it. My camera reel is full of screen shot reminders and my desk and kitchen are plastered with sticky notes and endless lists. Sure, we make mistakes along the way and it’s not always easy, but we try to laugh and remember the big picture. It may sound cliché, but don’t sweat the small stuff. Keep your eye on the prize and have another cup of tea (herbal of course). You never know where you might end up.

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Become an Advocate by sharing your story. It may result in accurate diagnosis for someone suffering right now who is yet to be correctly identified. Submit your story with two photos to IAES@autoimmune-encephalitis.org

International Autoimmune Encephalitis Society (IAES), home of the AEWarrior®, is the only Family/Patient-centered organization that assists members from getting a diagnosis through to recovery and the many challenges experienced in their journey. Your donations are greatly appreciated and are the direct result of IAES’ ability to develop the first product in the world to address the needs of patients, Autoimmune Encephalitis Trivia Playing Cards. Every dollar raised allows us to raise awareness and personally help Patients, Families, and Caregivers through their Journey with AE to ensure that the best outcomes can be reached. Your contribution to our mission will help save lives and improve the quality of life for those impacted by AE. 

For those interested in face masks, clothing, mugs, and other merchandise, check out our AE Warrior Store!  This online shop was born out of the desire for the AE patient to express their personal pride in fighting such a traumatic disease and the natural desire to spread awareness. Join our AE family and help us continue our mission to support patients, families and caregivers while they walk this difficult journey.