- Cyclic vomiting syndrome
- Interviews
Laura's interview
How did all start?
It all started around the age of 17 when I was on my way to Sydney with a friend. We were driving and we had to pull over multiple times so I could vomit.. the nausea was like nothing else I have ever experienced.. it was from the moment I woke up. My vomiting got so bad my friend decided to take me to a hospital where I needed treatment. . From there, a few days later on I was diagnosed with helicobacter pylori , however after treatment, my symptoms continued daily and we had no answers as another h.pylori test came up negative.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I was diagnosed in 2015. It took me 4 years for diagnosis
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
I have been prescribed with amitriptyline and take that daily.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
My new medications as well as slowly learning my triggers and limitations with this condition.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
The biggest difficulties would be grieving who you used to be before this debilitating illness aND realising all of the things you once had hopes or dreams of doing are now impossible or highly limited due to the condition. You also come to terms with the fact that every episode or attack could be your last. Cvs takes a toll on the body
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
I hAve lost a lot of friends due to CVS and can't fully commit to much due to due not knowing which days will be good and which will be bad. My work opportunities have also been highly affected.
What things have you stopped doing?
I have stopped being as active as I used to be. I have stopped going to bed without having to worry what the next day will be like..Will it end in a hospital trip? I have stopped eating regulAR meals including breakfast as usually it sets off an attack if I'm not already too nauseated to eat.
What do you think about the future?
I have hopes that there will be further advancements in treatment with CVS and also knowledge on the condition.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
Probably 2017 when I was prescribed amitriptyline as it helped ease the severity and cosistancy of my symptoms and attacks. I have been able to get out of the house a bit more and have had less "sick days" off work
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
I would like to be able to do simple tasks including the dishes or vacuuming without being tired or sore afterwards. I would like to wake up early in the mornings and go for walks. I would like to apply in tafe or uni to complete my photography course or to start a new one.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Challenging
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Don't be afraid to speak out to others, especially those with the condition themselves. Keep a journal and document your attacks and perhaps what may have triggered it. Know your limitations and respect them, anyone in your life who doesn't follow suit or bother to understand aren't worth your worries.
