Hello, my name is Joy Bing Fleming, MBA, CC. I’m an Advocate for the Misdiagnosed & Misuderstood.
I underwent my own battle with a misdiagnosis, and in 2019, I made the switch from Online Marketing Coach to Advocate. However, my career started out on a completely different path. Here’s my story.
Back in 1996, I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Clemson University, and went on to earn my MBA from Winthrop University. While attending graduate school, I began working as an Accountant in Charlotte, NC; however, I found myself unfulfilled & unsatisfied in “Corporate America.” I knew there was something better for me out there.
I purchased a Dance Franchise and became a Real Estate Broker. As a dance teacher, it was wonderful to see my students’ faces light up, to see them learn, grow, & gain even more confidence. As a Realtor®, being able to assist 1st time homebuyers with achieving their dream of homeownership was an honor & a pleasure. I always loved to encourage, empower, and inspire others. That led to me becoming a Certified Life Coach (receiving my Certification through the Life Purpose Institute). Next, I began learning about online marketing because I wanted to use the internet to market my life coaching business. After experiencing some exciting results (international clients & being featured on TV), I became very passionate about online marketing. So, I decided to specialize in Online Marketing Coaching.
HERE’S THE KICKER!! At age 21, I began experiencing symptoms of dysphoria. These feelings got worse over the years until they developed into full blown anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. At age 44, I finally discovered that the cause was severe ALLERGIES, but I had been misdiagnosed for the previous 23 years (because I didn’t have any of the most common symptoms of allergies like watery eyes, sneezing, or hives). During those 23 years, I hid my feelings of dysphoria from most people. However, I did speak to doctors. They told me they thought these feelings were caused because I’m adopted, or they simply said “get over it.” They didn’t take me seriously. I felt alone, scared, and desperate for answers. So, I took responsibility for my life and underwent a myriad of treatment options. Unfortunately, nothing helped (since I wasn’t being treated for allergies). I also became a workaholic perfectionist (that’s how I survived those years – by keeping busy & believing that if I worked hard enough, the symptoms would stop). However, I was only getting worse and even had suicidal thoughts.
Finally, at age 44, I was referred to COEM (Center for Occupational & Environmental Medicine). I found out that panic attacks and dysphoria can be symptoms of an allergic reaction. They tested me, and I discovered that I have severe food allergies, mold/inhalant allergies and the big one – a sensitivity to the hormone, Progesterone. If you’re sensitive to Progesterone, and you take a birth control pill containing Progesterone, that can cause dysphoria. At age 21, I began taking this type of birth control, and if you continue taking it, the dysphoria can develop into Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Once you have PMDD, even if you stop taking birth control, the PMDD still remains. That’s what happened to me.
THE DAY I FOUND THIS OUT WAS 1 OF THE HAPPIEST DAYS OF MY LIFE. At COEM, they custom made drops for all of my allergies/sensitivities. Within a few weeks of using the allergy drops, my life began to change. My symptoms started going away, and I could truly relax for the 1st time in 23 years because I finally knew what happened to me.
That’s when I decided that I wanted to become an Advocate. My purpose is to make a difference by providing support, guidance, & acceptance to anyone who feels scared, alone, misdiagnosed, or misunderstood. You are not alone! Keep persevering and never give up!
You can visit:
- LifePassion.net/exploration-session to schedule your 30 Minute “Exploration” Session
- LifePassion.net/Misunderstood – to Learn More about our Coaching for the Misdiagnosed & Misunderstood
- PMDD – to Learn More about PMDD
- The Allergy Solution: Unlock the Surprising, Hidden Truth about Why You Are Sick and How to Get Well – to Learn More about Allergies
- Facebook, Facebook Group, Facebook Fan Page, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Twitter to view my social networking profiles
I hope my story has given you some encouragement to never give up & to follow your goals in life.
*Please note that I am not a medical doctor (I can not provide a medical diagnosis), but I am here for support & guidance to help you through a misdiagnosis.*
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Thanks Susan. Thank you for the kind words. You are so kind. I look forward to our meeting on Tuesday. Take care. Have a great day!
Your story is more than an inspiration to me ….. need to be with you for a little bit over the next week or two….have customers for you, but want to have more insight in regard to your process…Thank you…
What an inspiring story,Joy!I actually love to learn from inspiring people who have a track record like yourself! Wow!
I love how you and Keith have branded yourselves!You actually exude love, enthusiasm and wisdom and that’s what I need around me.Thank you for being you.God bless you!!
a very inspiring story 🙂
Hi Florence – Thanks for the “fave!” The theme is called “flexibility theme,” and it can be downloaded at http://flexibilitytheme.com. Thanks for your comment. Have a wonderful day.
I found this blog on digg.com social bookmarking site. I liked it and gave you a fave! By the way I also really like your blog theme! Did you create it yourself or can I download it from somehwere?
This was a great post, voted ya on vot.eti.me too!
Hi Joy I really loved your story — it always seems I run into a gift when I need one thanks so much for the love and kindness your article has really lifted my day — Steven
Joy, I am so happy to know that everyday more people like you and Keith are sharing their stories. Life is a blessing and once you know the secret you begin to attract everything you desire.
Hi Joy, your bio is very inspiring, and reassuring 🙂 When you said you made a choice to take 100% responsibility for your life, you’re speaking my language!
Best wishes to you and Keith!
Enjoyed reading about you and love the inspiration
Hi Joy you are a strong woman, rare in this life
my dear Joy! having read your bio, i felt something special..this is quite impressive for me. I wish more people to be as well-wishing as you are..Since i v read The Secret i started to understand, how much i did need this powerful support from side of myself. Nowadays (InshAllah)i became more self-confident and these feelings arrived at the proper time i think.
I just wanted to say that i am very happy to have a such wonderful friend.
Welcome to Kazakhstan & never hesitate to contact me
May god will guide & shed a sunshine wherever you are
hugs,
Gulnaz
Hi Joy, thanks for the add at Twitter – nice to meet you! As a network evangelist from Norway I just love to relate with people in mutual trust for equal opportunities.
I like your style and attitude and know I have a lot to learn from you. If you like to know about me as well as Norway and the Nordic countries, your always welcome to read my blog.
See you around in Social Media 🙂
Each and everyone of us have our experiences. What makes the difference is if we allow those experience to keep us stuck or if we use them as fuel for our successful life. You obviously decided to do the latter.
Stay confident and be empowered.
really inspiring.I am trying to change my life also, but it is hard work, as the believes you have are so deep down, you really have to be 100% positive to change them to better ones…..I am trying and never give up, until I can write a similiar story about me…
Love this site.
Great site…I’ll spread the word…your message is really the essential component to creating a prosperous life…thanks for sharing it with the world!