Kristin's interview
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How did all start?
With a small, maybe one inch, diameter numb patch on my finger.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Only about a month, I had an MRI, EMG, and blood tests to rule out everything else.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
I saw a Neurologist for the Wartenbergs MSN, and a Rheumatologist for the Fibromyalgia which quickly followed as a codisorder. I have also seen various eye specialists for episcleritis, probably also auto immune. These got me a diagnosis, but as every one is idiopathic, I just see my GP, a Chiropractor, a Massage specialist, and an Acupuncturist to keep me on a level. I also use TENS, heat, and other home adjustments. Its a fine tuned balacing act!
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
My sense of humour, and pig headedness not letting it all get me down.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Adjusting to my husband having to do so much for me now, after working full time all week.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Theyve all been great really.
What things have you stopped doing?
Walking anywhere, getting a mobility scooter instead. I also retired on health grounds as things got worse.
What do you think about the future?
None of it is life limiting, so Im keeping busy, mainky with crafts and my dogs, and enjoying life despite the pain.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
Oddly enough, I am very happy with my life now! I never had big dreams, just a nice husband, a small thatched cottage and a couple of dogs, and enough money to have nice things.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Id probably still be trying to rule the world!
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Life is like a wild tiger, you can either lie down and let it lay it’s paw on your head, or you can sit on its back and ride it.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
If the pain is always going to be there, then you can hurt and enjoy life anyway, or hurt and not enjoy life. I choose to have fun despite the pain, and look at kick back pain like a hangover - I choose the day out with friends, knowing I’ll hurt tomorrow, but at least I will have good memories while I recover!
