- Fibromyalgia
- Interviews
Trish's interview
How did all start?
I can only answer this in retrospect. I had symptoms slowly reveal themselves over several years, and during those years I didn't realize it was Fibromyalgia. I tried to ignore and work through the symptoms but they got worse.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Yes. It didn't take long once I had an idea of what it was. I met with a Rheumatologist and he examined me, and immediately knew what I had...
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Neurology, Rheumatology, Internal Medicine, Sleep Medicine, Pain specialist, Dermatology, Podiatrist, Ophthalmology, Gastroenterology, oral surgery. Most useful? With the wide range of problems I face, I cannot pick just one.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Physical Rehabilitation.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Lack of good sleep (REM), constant fatigue, "Fibro fog", lack of energy, periodic depression, chronic pain.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
My family and friends try to understand, but it does strain things. Unless they experience what you experience, it's difficult for them to truly understand.
What things have you stopped doing?
I cannot hold down a job anymore. I cannot drive long distances any more. I was an avid reader, but it's difficult for me to read a book anymore, or even a long article due to eye fatigue/general fatigue/concentration difficulties.
What do you think about the future?
I try not to think about it that much. I try to live in the moment and appreciate the now.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
I would say despite my very real difficulties I am facing, that the last few years of my life have been the best years of my life. I finally met the love of my life and moved back to the country, and to the general area (northwest Minnesota) I originally came from.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
I would like to work, to be more physically active, to read/write/create more.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Country girl lives many lives and learns the hard way.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Do NOT give up. Keep fighting, keep learning, and live in the moment - enjoy your life!
