Today we’d like to introduce you to Lala Juarez
Hi Lala, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In 2013 it slowly became difficult to do everyday tasks. I would get tired so easily. I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in 2015. It is a narrowing of the hair strand sized arteries connecting to the lungs (there are so many). With exertion it feels like breathing thru a coffee straw.
There are three levels of those tiny arteries at which medications can target. I started on one pill (level) & worked my way up to all three. I tried a subcutaneous medicine to replace one of the pills.. it didn’t work out. So I just continued with the three oral medications.
I had a double lung transplant consultation in about 2019 which I took so seriously, taking my parents & my bestfriend to get details I may have missed. You need to be sick enough to need one & strong enough to recover from major surgery. They told me I was too healthy for one. After some time, I then did IV therapy, being connected to a pump 24/7.
After a couple years, I had another consultation for lung transplant. I felt healthier that time around so I really didn’t think much of it. I was certain I’d be told I’m too healthy again. I was told it was time March 2021. I was all tested & listed a couple weeks later, received my call & successfully transplanted June 19, 2021.
After two years of healing (physically was about 6mos) I’m back to working & doing normal people things again, looking like nothing ever happened.
It was a crazy decade’s story, but in the weirdest way, I am so happy & thankful it happened because it changed me forever, for the better.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been an easy road at all.
After being diagnosed, I was so severe I wasn’t able to work anymore, which alone was soo difficult to accept.
I gained a self talk strength with myself I don’t recall having before. Since walking & talking was difficult, I couldn’t walk fast for more than a minute. I’d tell myself that everyone around me had no idea what I was going through, since it is an invisible illness. Don’t let their frustrations in me moving slowly get to me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love being creative.
Creativity was my outlet to not think about my illness.
I love makeup & Halloween makeup.
I like bedazzling liquor bottles.
I like the rhinestone art.
I enjoy canvas painting from time to time.
Baking was an excellent escape. & I do enjoy baking it all.
I’m also a support group leader for Northern Utah (Layton) for our invisible illness. & involved with other local leaders.
What’s next?
My big plans for the future is just rebuilding. I feel like I’m rebuilding from scratch, but this time around with experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Linktr.ee/xoLalaBear
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/xoLalaBear
