- Adult-onset Stills Disease
- Interviews
DHyrumVaughn's interview
How did all start?
I’ve suffered from chronic fatigue for most of my life. Occasionally I would get EXTREMELY sick. In October of 2014 I fell extremely ill and was hospitalized in San Antonio for 11 days. I was diagnosed with Adult Onset Stills Disease.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Oddly enough, the thing that has helped the most has also been the biggest hinderance: methotrexate. I hate the poison soup but it does help.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Rest. If I don’t get adequate rest, I simply can’t function.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
I don’t have time for adequate rest lol. I’m a father of nine, a band director, and a youth league coach.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
I have very little energy for family, which really stinks because my family is very close knit.
What do you think about the future?
I don’t take things for granted anymore. Holidays, birthdays, even weekends are much more precious now.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
It’s a journey.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Live your life to the fullest. Don’t get down on yourself. And make sure that you tell your loved ones everyday how much you love them.