I have been through a lot throughout my life. When I was eight I was molested and raped by a family friend. At 16 I was ganged raped. I was raped again when I was 17 by my so called boyfriend. I went through a lot of counseling throughout my life in order to deal with all of it. I’ve not only suffered mentally but also physically with migraines, back pain and eczema/psoriasis.
I am now 33 years old. I have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis disease, psoriatic arthritis, chiari malformation, bipolar disorder, manic depression and eczema/psoriasis. It’s not a lot of fun. I take too much medication, and I am in pain.
I work a part time job that I really love and refuse to give up for disability. I know I am still capable of working right now. It beats staying home and feeling sorry for myself! I fight every morning to get out of bed. I have three kids that I fight to get up for. They are my life and my motivation. Without them I’d probably just give up. But I fight like a girl each and every day to get out of bed and do my daily routine, activities or whatever the day brings! Its hard with all the medications I’m on. They make me drowsy and zombie like, but I force myself to stay alert for my family! They inspire me to keep moving! I go to bed in extreme pain but tell myself it’s all worth it, just to see the smile on my kid’s faces!
Vicki
Vermont
Submitted April 15, 2012
This story is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
Hey vicky..your situation sounds most like mine. I am currently in process of being foagnosed, but the pain in my feet, ankles, hip and back finally sent me to the doctor. My dad has ankylosing spondylitis, so I recpgnize the signs. I am 33 and I work fifty plus hours a week. So ive been telling myself its all from working and being in my thirtys. Im freaked, but I guess I am fully expecting a positive diagnosis. Really, worse case scenario would be something else. Thanks for making me feel not alone…
God bless you, you are amazing and fighter. I also deal with many symptoms from Chiari malformation and EDS!!! We are in this fight together. God is with you and always will be!!