Misti Blu is originally from Southern California and migrated to Springfield, Missouri before settling down in Rockledge, Florida. She was born with a congenital heart defect called Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, which is an extra bypass tract in her heart that caused arrhythmias such as SVT. This was undiagnosed until she was in her teens.
After 4 cardiac ablations to correct the issue, she needed open heart surgery to repair her severe aortic valve insufficiency, another issue that took years to discover. In 2017, Misti ended up with a pacemaker for Sick Sinus Syndrome and Neurocardiogenic Syncope, also an issue that had always been there.
With years of several chronic illnesses such as her multiple heart issues, IBS, endometriosis, migraines, POTS, dysautonomia, sleep disorders, fibromyalgia and Raynaud’s (to name a few), it was then pointed out that her hypermobility was actually another clue and that she had Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis.
Years passed by with medical negligence, misdiagnosis, being dismissed and belittled by healthcare professionals. After spending her entire life searching for answers, Misti decided her purpose in life was to help others learn to advocate for themselves and to teach doctors how to listen, even if it doesn’t seem likely. No one should ever wait their entire lives to get diagnosed and treated. She is currently a student at EFSC working on getting her Bachelors in Biomedical Sciences.
Amber is a Florida native, wife, mom, and one of the creative minds and co-founders behind The Invisible Diaries. After graduating with a degree in radiologic technology, she fell in love with the medical field and helping people. In 2009, after a hospitalization for a ruptured ovary due to complications of PCOS, she was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis. With contradicting information that left her feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and frustrated, she could see there was a need for change and began working to build a community and platform where she could raise awareness and connect with others.
Since 2009, Amber has been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Dysautonomia, POTS, IST, Traumatic Brain Injury, and is still seeking answers for suspected genetic and neurological issues. Amber is now a Certified Health Coach, focusing on helping people with autoimmune disease navigate their unique health situations, and has made it her mission to advocate and help give a voice to those who feel unheard and unseen due to their invisible illness. She hopes to return to school to pursue a degree in nursing and continue to work with patients and physicians who are in the ever-growing field of chronic and autoimmune diseases. {When she isn’t working on The Invisible Diaries or The Autoimmune Advocate, you can find her journaling, writing poetry, or in nature camping with her family.}
The Invisible Diaries 