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Mare's Story

mare7@home.com

I was diagnosed in 1994 after having had two major surgeries in one year. Prior to that, I was healthy and active. Now I live with excruciating pain, debilitating fatigue and limited mobility. It took two years to get a diagnosis. Then I had to learn about this illness on my own as my doctors knew little about it. For years I was dismissed and called a hypochondriac. I developed IBS, TMJ, Raynaud's, Sjogrens and now possible lupus. I have spent almost 6 years fighting for disability benefits and it has been a long, exhausting journey. I still haven't had an answer as to whether or not I have been approved. I lost my job and my relationship with my friends and family have changed dramatically. This illness affects not just us but everyone around us. I still grieve and mourn the person I was and never will be again. The hardest for me is not getting the validation that I deserve from the medical community and more help in managing my pain and sleep and everything else. Since FM is an "invisible illness" people can't "see" it. I feel so alone with this suffering. My story is long. This is the short version. 

Thanks for listening. Mare