Angie's interview
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How did all start?
It started 10 years ago. I rolled over in bed and literally could not move. I had never experienced such horrendous pain and I gave birth to two kids.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I do not have a formal diagnosis. I have been diagnosed with many other things, ie. cervical disc disease, neuropathy, CRPS/RSD and others. I have had a total of 7 neck and back surgeries.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Nothing I have been treated for has been useful. In addition to surgeries, I have had a pain stimulator surgically implanted and removed a few years later because it gave me no relief.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Honestly, I have yet to find anyth8ng.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Trying to find a doctor that listens to me, works with me and doesn’t look at me and treat me as a drug seeker. I have a great family physician that works with me on pain management and a great orthopaedic surgeon that has been super.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
My friendships have changed and most are nonexistent now. I had to go on disability a few years back and that has impacted my life in many ways.
What things have you stopped doing?
I am not nearly as active recreationally or socially as I used to be. I can’t ride horses any longer or ride on the motorcycle with my husband.
What do you think about the future?
I am hoping that my future holds much more than pain. I remain hopeful for someone or a procedure that can restore just a small part of my life that I had before this. I live close to Washington University in St. Louis and know they have done extensive research in PTS. I am going to see if my PCP will refer me.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
Will answer later tonight
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Will answer later tonight
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Will answer later tonight
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Will answer later tonight
