Jamie's interview
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How did all start?
I had bouts of the "24 hr flu" when I was young that would often lead to hospital visits. After I was 19, the attacks began to get worse and more frequent. Then by 22 I was in the hospital at least every other month, soon every month and then multiple times in a month. I was prescribed Amitriptyline in April 2016 and have not had an attack that was uncontrollable and have no been to the hospital.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I was diagnosed at age 27 and once diagnosed, I was medicated and it seems to have worked wonders. It took almost a decade of searching before I was diagnosed. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, went dormant, came back and passed away before I was even diagnosed.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
I take Amitriptyline daily and it has been a complete life saver.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
My family and friends have been unbelievably useful and peppermint essential oil has been a lifesaver for nausea.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Getting doctors to treat me with respect or at least not like a drug seeker. I offer a treatment plan that works for my attacks and I just hear that they don't do it that way. I've been refused Benedryl in an emergency room before.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
A lot of extended family don't understand it, especially if they have never seen an attack. I have a few family members that think I am simply bulimic.
What things have you stopped doing?
I hardly ever touch alcohol.
What do you think about the future?
I am always worried about having another attack.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
I would like to believe it would not have taken me a decade to receive my associates degree, and would like to believe I would have finished school.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Keep moving forward!
