- Arachnoiditis
- Interviews
Nikki's interview
How did all start?
Following surgery for a bulging disc. Had a dural year and blood patch to repair the leak of spinal fluid
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I got diagnosed in 2018
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
I haven’t received any treatment really. Physio doesn’t treat my condition
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Researching my condition and remaining mentally strong
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Adapting to a different life. I am unable to do the physical things I used to
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
I am not working and I can’t be as spontaneous as before due to pain so I feel a burden on my family especially my husband
What things have you stopped doing?
Mainly physical activities, working, jogging, ice skating, sitting/ standing too long
What do you think about the future?
I worry that I will end up in a wheelchair so it gets me down but I have been making positive changes to my thought process to prevent depression
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
From 16-40 raising my sons. My proudest achievements.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Go climbing, skiing ice skating jogging
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
My life is good. I have a wonderful family and friends. I live in constant pain but there are many people worse off than me and I’m eternally grateful for what I have.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Research your condition and seek advice from groups. Take some things on board and leave others. You are going unique and your symptoms may be the same but your outcome and life doesn’t need to be.
STAY POSITIVE and good luck
