- Factor V Leiden
- Interviews
Rebecca's interview
How did all start?
December 2014 started taking birth control again. By March 2015 I got really sick with the Flu and Pneumonia and from there I couldn't seem to get well. After visiting a Pulmonologist and under going a CT, I had bilater PE's. I was lucky there was no hospital stay. Afterward, genetic testing was done and I have 1 gene of FVL.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
After being diagnosed with the PE's and the lab work that was drawn and sent off, it was about 3 weeks before I had all the results back.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Hematologist was who I mainly saw. Now that I have had to get a Pacemaker, my Cardiologist has taken over my care.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Not letting it all get to me. Since the PE's I have continued to be sick. My heart ginally had enough and in August 2017 I had a Pacemaker inserted due to the strain of the PE's on my heart. So realizing that I can overcome it and be stronger has helped me. It isn't a death sentence for me, just a reminder that God is in control.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Being so sick for 2 yrs after the initial diagnosis and still really not feeling like me. Slowing down has been hard. It has taken a toll on me in every sense of the way. But regardless I am going to get up and start again. Knowing my daughter saw me so sick has broke my heart.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
There is really only me and my daughter and she is 8.
What things have you stopped doing?
For the longest I stopped exercising as my heart and lungs couldn't handle it.
What do you think about the future?
I have no place to go but up. The sky is not even my limit anymorem
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
Having my daughter was my best year.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Be a police officer.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
My life seems to be like a thunderstorm, slow and easy at times, but stormy at other times.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Pray. Don't give up. Keep pushimg everyday.
