The Chronic Diaries: Emma’s Journey with Migraines, Scoliosis, and Spondylitis
Where are you based?
Leicester
What chronic condition(s) do you have? Please briefly describe what they are?
- Migraine: is a neurological condition that can cause multiple symptoms. It’s frequently characterized by intense, debilitating headaches. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, difficulty speaking, numbness or tingling, and sensitivity to light and sound.
2. Scoliosis: is a sideways curvature of the spine that occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty. While scoliosis can be caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause of most scoliosis is unknown.
3. Spondylosis: is a type of arthritis spurred by wear and tear to the spine. It happens when discs and joints degenerate, when bone spurs grow on the vertebrae, or both.
What symptoms did you deal with before you were diagnosed?
Headaches, rib pain and minor back pain, this became worse after an accident.
How were you diagnosed? What was your journey to diagnosis?
Over 7 years ago I had a car accident which impacted on my back and excelled my conditions, I ended up with multiple slipped discs.
Did this journey have an impact on your daily life? Eg, dropping out of college, quitting your job/getting fired?
I had to leave many jobs as I found sitting for long periods of time extremely difficult and painful due to my lower spine being compressed and the sciatica caused by the herniated discs. I always wanted to teach but I thought I wouldn’t be considered due to my spinal issues.
Are you on any medications?
I was on oxycodone, tramadol and gabopentin but I’m now on nothing as I don’t want a life reliant on medication. Occasionally I will take these if my pain is extremely bad, I have regular osteopath appointments, hot baths and stretch which help.
What side effects do you encounter, if any?
Migraines, fatigue, I can’t sit for long periods, I can’t walk too far, sleeping is uncomfortable, my back and leg pain is awful at times.
What occupation do you have?
Currently a teacher as it helps that I’m able to stand for most of the day.
How does your illness effect your job/employment?
I found commuting difficult which means I can only work close to my home as sitting for longer that 30minutes causes a lot of pain. I feel uncomfortable having to disclose my condition to employers and because it isn’t always apparent I have a spinal condition when it does flare up, I’m often questioned.
How does your illness impact you mentally?
I am very anxious doing anything which means I’m sitting for long periods or walking for long periods. Sometimes my pain means I have to stay indoors which can trigger depression.
How do you keep motivated dealing with your chronic condition in your daily life?
I try and keep busy so I don’t think about it, but it doesn’t always work.
Is there any advice you would like to give to people who are on their chronic illness journey?
Keep pushing doctors for diagnostic tests, you know your body better than they do, they just give you the name of your condition. If something feels off, speak up and don’t be fobbed off.
How do you encounter people having your illness? Do people understand? Are they ignorant? What level of difficulty do you have with this, if at all?
People are ignorant or if you have had surgery expect you to recover. Chronic long-term illness is not like that we are living with long-term health problems.
Or the general public who do not have a chronic illness? Not all disabilities are visible if someone is young but walking slowly be mindful of them, often I’ve been pushed over by people during rush hour who can’t see my disability and just think I’m being slow.
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