She’s Had Open-Heart Surgery and Hip Replacements, but This Woman Says Lupus Is Her ‘Superpower’ — Here’s Why

**K. Victoria Gibbs: From Hedge Fund Manager to Resilient Yoga Teacher After Lupus Diagnosis**

K. Victoria Gibbs, a former hedge fund employee turned yoga teacher, is sharing her remarkable journey through the harrowing challenges of living with lupus. Diagnosed in June 2016 after months of mysterious symptoms, Gibbs describes her experience as both a “blessing and a curse.”

Before her diagnosis, Gibbs regularly commuted between Long Island and New York City while working at a hedge fund. A dedicated yoga practitioner and competitor, she was accustomed to pushing her limits, often disregarding the signs her body was sending. She recalls first experiencing abnormal sensitivity to the sun during a trip to Mexico in early 2016, which was quickly followed by extreme fatigue and a cascade of other debilitating symptoms, including joint pain, mouth ulcers, and fluid retention.

As her condition deteriorated, Gibbs found herself struggling to keep pace with her demanding work and training schedules. The relentless fatigue led to alarming episodes of brain fog, which would leave her forgetting simple details like what floor she worked on. “I was completely out of it—but I’m also very stubborn,” Gibbs admitted, reflecting on her determination not to withdraw from an upcoming national yoga competition, despite her worsening condition.

After a distressing episode at the competition, Gibbs sought medical attention, where doctors conducted multiple tests that ultimately led to her lupus diagnosis. “In the span of about six months, my life and my body were transformed,” she recalled. Faced with a chronic illness that she had never even heard of before, Gibbs felt a profound sense of isolation, as lupus was not something familiar to her family or friends.

With the support of her family and her newfound determination, Gibbs gradually returned to work while managing her medication and navigating the daily realities of lupus. Recognising that extreme stress could exacerbate her condition, she reevaluated her career and life choices, eventually leaving the hedge fund in 2018 to focus on herself and her well-being.

Gibbs experienced periods of loneliness and temptation to revert to unhealthy coping mechanisms, previously battled issues with alcohol and eating disorders resurfacing during these tough times. A significant intervention from her family prompted her to seek healthier outlets, leading her to join a yoga teacher training programme that transformed her life. “I felt like I had a place. I felt like I belonged,” she shared.

Her dedication to yoga not only aided in her recovery but also allowed her to build a supportive community within the lupus-awareness space. By reaching out to others who understood her struggles, she gained insights into managing her condition while actively participating in advocacy initiatives. Gibbs found purpose in sharing her experiences, helping to raise awareness about lupus and its varying impacts on daily life.

Despite successfully managing her lupus for a few years, Gibbs faced devastating health setbacks in 2023. After a sudden increase in fluid retention, she was rushed into emergency open heart surgery to treat a tear in her ascending aorta and an aneurysm. In the face of this life-threatening situation, she recognised the surgery as an opportunity for renewal rather than a setback, emerging with a newfound sense of vitality that reignited her passion for yoga.

However, as life for Gibbs seemed to stabilise, she encountered another hurdle when diagnosed with avascular necrosis in her hips. The news was crushing, but she remained resilient, navigating through the pain towards a full hip replacement procedure. “It feels so much better. I feel like I have my life back again,” Gibbs reflected on her post-surgery experience, where she began teaching yoga once more and using her platform to inspire others.

Her ongoing battle with lupus has also prompted Gibbs to deeply reflect on her personal goals, relationships, and expectations. With her health as her foremost priority, she has learned to embrace life’s uncertainties, acknowledging that each day might bring its own challenges. “I have learned to make peace with a lot of things. My health is my priority first and foremost before anything else,” she asserted.

As Gibbs continues her journey, she views lupus not merely as an obstacle but as a catalyst for growth and resilience. “I call lupus my superpower. It’s been a blessing and a curse in many ways because I had to make these life changes, but those changes have made me stronger,” she concluded.

With a strong focus on self-care and community support, K. Victoria Gibbs sets an inspiring example for others facing similar health challenges, proving that even in the face of adversity, a positive attitude and openness to growth can pave the way for a fulfilling life. She reminds us that while lupus may be part of her journey, it does not define her or limit her potential.