Kelly’s Story (Fibromyalgia, Cornea transplant)

Hi My name is Kelly Bragg, and I’m 43 years old, but most days I feel 90. I’m a single mom to one son, Mikey, age 12. My illness started 12 years ago. I was tired all the time had pain throughout my body. It hurt to touch my hands to my toes. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Back then, it wasn’t really a DISORDER, and most people said, it’s all in your head.

Over the years, I tried medications such as Savella, Neurontin, Cymbalta and Lyrica. None of these truly helped me. Most of them made me swell or gain weight. I work two jobs and am constantly on my feet. Most days, I can hardly get out of bed. I fight this DISORDER or disease with everything I have. Doctors in my state refuse to give the narcotics, which for me would be Lortab. I’m given a steroid shot and muscle relaxers—Zanaflex—which helps for about an hour. I’m so tired of doctors not listening to me. Fibromyalgia is a NERVE DISORDER.

I fight every day to get out of bed and go to work. I had to have a cornea transplant in 2013 due to chicken pox and shingles virus in my optic nerve in my brain. I was totally blind for 5 years before that. The first one failed, so I had to have another one in 2016. So far it’s a success. I don’t have 100% vision, but I’ll take what I have.

People take things for granted. I couldn’t drive in that 5 year period, so I had to walk everywhere I wanted to go. Things can always be worse. The worst for me is CANCER. My grandma is dying from this. I watch her suffer, so I don’t complain about what I go through daily. I’m truly blessed to be here. My advice is to adjust your crown and be the best boss bitch you can be daily.

Kelly
West Virginia
Submitted 11/03/2017

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.