This week I interviewed chronic pain warrior Casey. We talked all about how she was diagnosed with her chronic pain and what she has done since. She also had some great advice on those newly diagnosed.
What do you suffer from?
Fibromyalgia, Asthma, Anxiety and Depression
When were you diagnosed?
I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, (which is my main condition) when I was 16.
What was it like when you were diagnosed?
Tough. With everything I had gone though, it took years for me to even believe that what was wrong with me was that. Did you know a lot about your condition?
I knew nothing about my condition. I was diagnosed and told to live with the condition. I was misdiagnosed with a lot of things before hand though so it was hard for me to believe that was what I had.
What is a piece of advice you have for someone who doesn’t understand or believe?
Look it up. Take the time to actual research what other people are going through. It’s hard enough for them to deal with what they are going through. They need support more than anything.
What was your support system like? What is it like now?
There was no support from school or doctors. I still don’t have a doctor to review my condition.
What is the hardest part about dealing with Your Illnesses?
The hardest part was other people. Getting the things I really needed in school. Getting any medication or doctor to even believe how much pain I was really in. I still struggle to this day. People don’t see you as disabled so you have to fight for everything.
What is a piece of advice you have for anyone who is just being diagnosed?
It’s gonna take a while to sink in. It will take a lot of self reflection and coming to terms with the condition. The internet really is a great place to find people who truly understands what you’re going through though. It can often give you much more information on your condition as well.
What helps to keep you Forever Strong?
I want to help others more than anything. I want to help people to learn about what we go through. To spread awareness and understanding. These conditions are real. Just because you can’t physically see it, it doesn’t mean it is all our heads.
