- Relapsing Polychondritis
- Interviews
Lisa Matthews (Lissy)'s interview
How did all start?
Worsening breathing issues that progressively got worse and worse.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
it took over six years to get a diagnosis
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Surgery on trachea. Monitoring of my condition with specialist
What have been your biggest difficulties?
coping with how life has changed for me
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
varied... as I 'look' ok, it can be difficult for friends to understand I still feel poorly. It has definitely affected my relationships...sadly some have disappeared not being able to cope with life with RP.
What things have you stopped doing?
Gym, activities like walking, playing sports.
What do you think about the future?
i try not to think too much about it!
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
thirties..before diagnosis... i managed to travel quite a bit!
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
be more active! have a family!
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
A survivor! doing the best she can with the cards shes been dealt with
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
dont despair..join our support group and share experiences...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/RelapsingPolychondritisAwareness/
take a look at the website:
www.relapsingpolychondritis.org
www.relapsingpolychondritis.co.uk
