Laura's interview
Error
How did all start?
Nothing sudden. Just noticed feet kept getting red and hurt after my shower and then started getting worse. Each evening between 7-9 when getting settled in and starting to rest, my feet would flare.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Not yet.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Neurologist and PCP.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Gabapentin.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Pain in the evening. Hard to be on my feet for too long.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
I have no friends other than online EM'ers and SFN'ers. Hubby is good to me but he has his own health issues. I have never sought to be close to anyone anyway.
What things have you stopped doing?
Shopping unless necessary. I do a lot online and order and pick-up. No going out to movies. I really don't go any place. I try to avoid going out due to pain.
What do you think about the future?
I try to be as upbeat as I can, but it's hard. I feel I am disabled now but I don't know what to do about it.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
2009 got married. We used to go out of town in the car. I would ride with hubby while he worked. We would dance. I would take care of the dog and the house. I worked (still do). Stayed busy all the time.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Lose some weight. Go on walks with hubby and our dog. A tiny bit of traveling.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
I am 49-years-old and I am decrepit and tired of being in this much pain.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Write things down and share them with your doctor (s) that way you don't forget.
