I went on to give birth to a girl, but during the pregnancy I lost a stone in weight and felt very tired.   I also had heart problems.  After giving birth I developed postnatal depression and severe fatigue.   I think I was written off as a hypochondriac.  Years went by after visiting my GP with many vague symptoms and infections.  My daughter at 9 years old was found to have a heart condition.  When she was nearly 14, I discovered I had cervical changes and had to have a hysterectomy as I had many problems gynecologically since having my children.  I had many a battle with doctors, as I stood up to them, knowing that I was not imagining these symptoms.  One of my GP, s apologised to me after my hysterectomy, for not listening to me.  I had many problems and was lucky to be alive.  If I had not had the operation, I would not have been here today.  The story is long winded, but it explains the battles some patients have when trying to get a diagnosis.  I had to have the surgery again 4 years later as the cells had returned.

     It was after this that I started with the fatigue in 2000.  I developed a goitre and put on weight and had night sweats.  I developed tendonitis in 2001 and was in a cast and looking after my father who was terminally ill.  After my father died in 2001, I had an angina attack. By then the fatigue was interfering with my day to day life, but I battled with it.

     Determined to fight this, but knowing I was not well, sometimes got the better of me.  My husband had to retire early as he had a back injury in 2002.  We decided to sell up and move to another district near the sea and renovate a property.  I was still not well and battled with doctors to find out what was wrong with me.  During these latter years I developed a distinct facial rash on my face.  I had many other symptoms.  I then had to have a heart scan and was found to have blockages in my arteries, confirming the angina, but I had a severe reaction to the drug used as a contrast causing an anaphylaxis.  This was the trigger again and a rapid decline in my health.  I was still working but had to frequently go on sick leave, and was treated as a malingerer.  I knew something was not right, so embarked on my own investigations.  I had to go private and told my doctor that I wanted to see Dr. Graham Hughes in London as I believe I have Lupus, as my grandma had SLE.   My GP disagreed but referred me.  I had a consultation with Prof. Hughes.  I was found to have Lupus, Sjogren's and Hughes Syndrome (Sticky Blood Syndrome) discovered by Dr. Hughes.

     I have had many other symptoms over the years, too numerous to mention.  I now  have a committed medical team, I am receiving the care and medication, and I have gained my life back, and I am now able to continue with my career as a Midwife and run my hotel, but have to listen to my body.  I am currently taking Hydroxychloroquine- 200mg, Warfarin and my medication for hypertension and angina.  I am so glad I pursued and listened to my intuition as I always knew something was not right with my health.  It has been a battle, but I have persevered.  The positive of all this is I will not let my children or my grandchildren have the same battle has me.  My daughter's heart condition was due to my conditions.  For those out there who are battling with the condition or trying to get a diagnosis,  Please do not give in, listen to your heart.   I do hope this helps someone.

 Bernadette ( England)