- Intracranial Hypertension
- Interviews
Nicol's interview
How did all start?
I had severe sinus issues and they said it was allergies and sinus pulips and a Basel deviation
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I am diagnosed and it took over several years to diagnose me.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
I have been treated for the fluid retention which has worked but my vision is horrible and they say there is no corrective surgery for my eyes. The headaches are unbearable still
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Not using the computer, which is hard when that is what I do for my job
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Seeing and dealing with the discomfort
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Family has been great, doctors have been stumped for years and now they realize what is happening. One doctor was rude, I was always a petit person, (115 lbs) for years up to 9 years ago) and I started putting on weight and retaining fluid for no reason. This one retinal specialist told me to lose weight and I would feel better! I was not happy with him! I changed to another doctor and he was great and more sincere with my issues. Work is a struggle and it is hard for me to be honest with myself let alone to others. I want to work and I am not used to not being able to do what I used to do!
What things have you stopped doing?
It is a chore to do anything in life. I haven't stopped doing anything but it is harder and takes longer.
What do you think about the future?
I hope I get this disease in remission and can live pain free and can see.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
My young years when I was hello and enjoying my children. Loved sports and school activities
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
There is nothing special, it is just that it is a struggle cause I want to be pain free and be able to see
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
I am not the same person!
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Stay proactive with your health and keep on the doctors. Doctors don't know much about this disease and it is hard to detect.
