- Arachnoiditis
- Interviews
Deborah's interview
How did all start?
Incomplete resection of meningioma
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Yes. About a year.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Physiatrist
Neurologist
Neurosurgeon
Family Practice physician
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Modifying my surroundings to help with my limitations. For example, getting a lift chair, getting a riser for the toilet, using a walker when necessary, using a cane
What have been your biggest difficulties?
The pain is uncontrolled.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Family is very supportive.
I lost my job due to inability to work. My finances are more challenging. I am fairly isolated from friends right now.
What things have you stopped doing?
I can’t work anymore.
I have great difficulty doing the shopping for the family.
It is impossible to exercise due to pain and weakness.
Some days I cannot cook due to pain.
I am having trouble remembering due to pain.
What do you think about the future?
I am worried.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
When I was in my late 30’s and than again in my 50’s.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
I would like to be able to exercise and to work. I would like to be able to play actively with my grandchildren.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
I am determined to stay positive in the face of never-ending pain and difficulty moving.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Find doctors that will work with you to maintain your mobility and control you pain. Don’t give up!
