My name is Kim and I’m 27 years old. I’m not sure where to start with my story since there are so many facets to it. I grew up as the “super sensitive kid” who was labeled a hypochondriac. This was due to always complaining about hurting and being sensitive to smells, sounds, and touch (which caused pain). I was always falling asleep in odd places (even standing up), frequently feeling tired for no reason, feeling faint with a rapid heart rate with strenuous activity, and chronic sinus infections. I had my first root canal at about age 11. I had a sensitive stomach and GI tract. I kept complaining but my family was the kind that rarely went to a doctor and both my parents had problems of their own so no one noticed. I learned to just live with my various issues and dealt with them the best I could.
In my early twenties I had a couple of car accidents and falls down stairs. I started to have chronic pain pretty much everywhere, I couldn’t eat anything. I fell asleep very frequently, rarely slept, and started my many doctor visits and search for answers. I now have been diagnosed with scoliosis, narcolepsy, fibromyalgia, gastroparesis, chronic sinusitis, tendonitis, tmj, and tarsal tunnel syndrome.
I was content with my answers and managing the best I could day to day. But I’m experiencing new issues with my left eye, nerve pain in my face, nerve pain and numbness in my left shoulder and arm, unvoluntary muscle jerks, increased pain, and flare ups with my gastroparesis. Its leading me to search for more answers and find how all of this could possibly be linked together.
I struggle to draw a line between searching for answers and becoming too focused on the negative. I recently have found inspiration from fellow people with their own personal health struggles and am so inspired by their strength, long-suffering, and perseverance. I am determined to not give in to depression and to not lose hope. I don’t know what to expect from day to day or how I may feel. My life is very unpredictable but I will NOT let it take my life away from me. I am grateful for every day I am given. I have already learned so much from my struggles and hope to share my strength with others.
Kim
Arizona
Submitted 7-14-11
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.
