Meet NMO patient Leda Bresnov, a strong and inspiring woman who is originally from Brazil and has been living in Denmark since 1991. Leda, a wife and mother of two adult children, is overcoming the challenges of Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and is trying to raise awareness of the disease. In this interview, Leda shares her personal journey with NMO, from the shock of her diagnosis to her coping strategies and the support systems she has found along the way. Through her story, she offers valuable insights into living with NMO in Denmark, how to advocate for yourself, and how to find hope and strength in the face of a rare disease.
Table of Contents
Introduction – Who is Leda Bresnov?
Born and raised in Brazil, moved to Denmark in1991 to live with my husband.Together we have a daughter aged 23, a son aged 19, two dogs and a cat. I have a background as a laboratory technician and worked for the same company for 16 years, before the NMO.

Personal Experiences and Coping Strategies
Can you briefly share your personal journey with neuromyelitis optica (NMO), how fast or long it did to get diagnosed and how it has impacted your life?
In 2018, after feeling numbness in my fingers and face, I woke up in a hospital bed with the left side of my body paralyzed and had lost 80% of my vision.
Four months later, the doctor told me that I had NMOSD and would start immunotherapy treatment soon.
I had never heard about this disease before and felt completely alone.
My family and I had to adjust our lives learning how to cope with this disease.
In your experience, what are some of the most effective coping strategies or self-care practices for managing the daily challenges of living with NMO?
I take short pauses during the day and meditate.
We always plan our vacations and social life so I can have time to recover or
save energy.
How important is mental health and emotional well-being for individuals with NMO, and what support is available in this regard?
Mental health plays a very important role in this disease, as every symptom can get much worse if the patient is dealing with psychological issues.
Treatment and Care in Denmark
What types of NMO immunotherapies and symptomatic treatments are more commonly recommended or accessible in Denmark?
Immunotherapies such as Rituximab, Eculizumab, Satralizumab.
Symptomatic treatments such as corticosteroids, physical therapy, pain management.
Are there any specific laws or regulations in Denmark that protect the rights and promote the well-being of individuals living with neuromyelitis optica?
Denmark has great healthcare laws and regulations aimed at promoting the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities and chronic diseases, including those with NMO.
Can you share any recent advancements or developments in NMO treatment, care, or support in Denmark that you find particularly promising?
Clinical trials for new treatments.
Multidisciplinary Care Teams.
Patient Support networks.
Research initiatives.
Challenges and Support Systems in Denmark
Can you provide an overview of the healthcare system in Denmark and how it supports individuals living with neuromyelitis optica?
Denmark has a universal healthcare system funded primarily through taxation, providing comprehensive medical coverage to all residents. The system ensures access to specialist care, including treatment for chronic conditions like neuromyelitis optica (NMO).
What types of healthcare professionals are typically involved in the care and management of NMO in Denmark, and what role do they play?
Doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and all the necessary healthcare professionals. together they are a good support improving the quality of life for the patients.
Are there any specific resources or support networks available for NMO patients in Denmark or internationally, such as patient associations or community organizations?
NMOSD and MOGAD belongs under the MS organization umbrella, but there’s also independent groups on social media, such as NMOSD/MOGAD Danmark or international organizations like The Sumaira Foundation.
Education, Awareness, and Advocacy
Which specific initiatives or programs exist in Denmark that focus on raising awareness about neuromyelitis optica?
I have to be honest saying I don’t know. I do many things advocating on my own, throw myself on social media.
How can individuals with NMO in Denmark actively advocate for themselves and ensure they receive appropriate care, support, and accommodations?
Educating themselves about their own disease and their rights. Finding a community where they can exchange experiences.
What role do family members and caregivers play in supporting individuals with NMO in Denmark, and what resources are available to support them?
Not only in Denmark, but everywhere, family and friends play a huge role supporting and understanding the life and struggels of a NMOpatient.
Personally, I have never heard of it in Denmark, but our Facebook group is open for caregivers as well.
What advice would you give to individuals with NMO in Denmark who may be feeling overwhelmed or discouraged? How can they maintain a positive outlook?
You are not alone!
We have many patients in Denmark supporting each other. listen and respect your body.
Allow yourself to have different kinds of feelings, focusing on the good things!
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Quickfire Q&A Session
Complete the sentence: "For me, NMO is...."
A not cute baby that needs attention all the time.
Which website can you recommend for people living with NMOSD or MOGAD in Denmark?
if you miss a NMO/MOGAD community, you can find it on Facebook NMOSD/MOGAD Danmark or if you want to listen to webinars(many different languages), with very good neurologists. You can find it at The Sumaira Foundation website.
What development would you like to see in the field of NMO in the next 5 years?
I wish NMOSD was more known to the general public. And a new treatments for the symptoms from the NMO.
Farewell
Finally, what message of hope or encouragement would you like to share with individuals living with NMOSD or MOGAD in Denmark?
It is possible to have a good, meaningful life with NMOSD.
How and where can interested people find you online?
Email: [email protected]
On Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), TikTok as Leda Bresnov.
Thank you very muh hfor all your efforts and being so active on social media Leda to get other people inspired and become active and to increase the awareness for NMOSD.
See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele
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