|
to Fay's Story
I am a 45 year old mother of 3 and have been married for 24 years. I can honestly say that I never remember a time that I didn't feel tired.
I always had problems breathing and aching during my childhood. I remember
going to have my blood tests when I was getting married and being told at that
time by my family doctor that the results came back abnormal and that
I probably had Lupus. I didn't pay this too much attention; just continued on
and helped my husband while he was in school and residency training.
My real problems came in my 30's. After the birth of my third child, I never fully recovered. I started back with breathing problems and aching. I ended up having to have a hysterectomy because of some complications that I had after childbirth. Thankfully, my children did not have any complications. At the age of 37, I was rear-ended and had a severe injury to my neck. That is when things only became worse. My family doctor thought at the time that I had developed Fibrositis due to
the trauma from the car wreck. I just did not seem to get any better.
Unfortunately, 20 months later I was injured in another vehicle accident, again
no fault of mine, and ruptured a disc in my back. My body just never recovered
from this accident. My doctor sent me to a Rheumatologist. She ordered several
panels of blood work and noted that my RPR came back elevated and diagnosed me
with Lupus Antiphospholipid. I still continued with sinus infections, asthma
& chronic bronchitis, fatigue and joint pain.
When I turned 40 years old, I felt that my eyes literally were being cut with glass. The Ophthalmologist put permanent plugs in my eyes and that seemed to help. My teeth then literally started falling apart and I had 7 crowns in 1 year and had terrible dry mouth. The joint pain only continued to get worse and the fatigue debilitating. I finally gave up working. I could not work any longer and take care of a family. My Rheumatologist did more tests and these tests came back positive for Sjogren's. The problems still continue. I have had both ankles "rebuilt" due to loss
of cartilage around the joints. The bronchitis now seems to turn into pneumonia
and breathing is still problematic. I am treated for panic attacks secondary to
the pain. Also, I continue to battle problems with rashes, fatigue and joint
pain. I take many medications which have been helpful; but I never really feel
well.
I have learned after years of battling health problems that the "little things" that didn't seem to matter - now really matter. I am married to a wonderful man and have 3 good children; but feel guilty about my health and all the expense that comes along with these problems. I remain resolved and pray daily for a cure. Thank you all very much for allowing me to share my story. Lynne, your web
site is truly a blessing.
Story Copyright © 2007 Fay Page Design Copyright © 2007 Lynne Messina
Disclaimer The author of this page does not promote, support, or recommend any particular treatment or medication for any medical condition. The opinions expressed in stories or links are the responsibility of their authors. No treatment should be undertaken without the supervision of a physician. |
