Karen's interview
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How did all start?
Severe stomach pains resulting in intussusception and polyp removal.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Yes I do, my mother told the hospital I was admitted into what I had as the symptoms were the same as what she had.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Surgery, have had colonoscopies and breast screening, breast screening detected pre-cancer cells.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Surgery and research.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
The lip pigmentation as a child, the stomach pains are an indication that something isn't right.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Nope I've not let it.
What things have you stopped doing?
Absolutely nothing, life is for living no matter how long you have.
What do you think about the future?
Only positive thoughts
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
The past 15 years have been my happiest and my saddest, 2008 was the worst ever I lost both my parents within 17 weeks of each other. I met my wonderful partner in 2004 and he has made my life complete.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
I wouldn't change a thing.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Complete and happy with the odd hint of sadness topped with a dollop of illness!!
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Accept your illness, don't be afraid of it, live your life for you not for your illness or how people think you should live it.
