- Central Pain Syndrome
- Interviews
MesaLife's interview
How did all start?
It started with an MRI which diagnosed an inoperable brain tumor on my brain stem
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Years .. just years to find a doctor that cared enough to think outside the box.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
I am not sure how to answer this question. Medical specialties? I was told I had syndromes from fibromyalgia, to anklosing spondalytis, to " it's all in your head".
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Medical cannabis oil.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Being bed ridden when the pain is too much to take.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Tremendously. I'm a recluse basically. I rarely leave the house. My children are grown up now but I missed a lot of school activities and events due to my illness.
What things have you stopped doing?
I use to be a belly dancer, I use to play the guitar, I use to socialize, I use to take college courses for edification. I use to volunteer at a local horse sanctuary for retired race horses. I'm a shell of my former self.
What do you think about the future?
I keep moving forward, hoping for better days and knowing the bad ones won't last forever.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
30 years ago, when I was in my 20's. I was an aerobic instructor, I was in nursing school, I was living a fulfilling life, unafraid of anything in the world.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Everything I cannot do now.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Existing.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Just don't give up. Life can change at any moment. Be good to those around you. Do what you can to help others even if it's just through the internet. Learn to get in touch with your Spiritual side and honor the Divinity within yourself and everyone you meet. Find ways to be at peace and be grateful for all the little things in life. The sun on your skin, breeze in your hair, pets that love you and need you :-) The smell of fresh linen and cozy blankets. The human experience is tremendously fantastic, whether it's good or bad times.. Know that you are loved and that I wish you all things good.
