BuckeyeCM

About Me

Sometimes I feel like a different person now than the person I was pre sickness. I am sure that some of you have a vivacious spirit too and feel trapped in the bodies you\'re in. Prior to sickness I was the epitome of health and strength. I worked out at the gym 5 days a week, played in volleyball (indoor & outdoor) leagues and tourneys, played in softball leagues, enjoyed skiing, rollerblading, white water rafting, walking, hiking. I also enjoyed working with people at my job, and I enjoyed being more active in my church (mission trips, serving in different ministries, working with the kids, regular church attendance, etc.) In 2000 I got sick w/Mono and had to drop out of grad school, and my health has mostly declined from there. After my own initial health decline, my mother got sick from Breast Cancer. I quit my job as a librarian to be her caretaker in her last days. She passed on at 51. She was my best friend, and it\'s extremely hard to see someone you love literally wither away and die. Time has helped, and I do have hope that I will see her again in heaven. Eventually an Infectious Disease Specialist diagnosed me with CFS, and Fibromyalgia. Along the way I have picked up a lot of other health issues to go w/the initial ones including high BP, Cardiomegaly (enlarged heart, ) Chronic Sinusitis, Chronic Bronchitis, allergies (dust, Ragweed, mold, & sulfa meds, ) arthritis (both knees, and tailbone - had Meniscus surgery over a year ago and my left knee hasn\'t been the same since, ) chronic pain including from the bulging discs in my back, and PCOS (including all of the symptoms that go along w/all of the illnesses.) The PCOS caused me to have emergency surgery 3 years ago because my bowels were backing up from the pressure of a 17 cm tumor. I lost my right ovary, and it has also caused me infertility issues. I was formerly a pastor\'s wife, but we left the ministry in part due to my poor health. I haven\'t worked the last 3 years because I have been partially bedridden. My faith in God has allowed me to see blessings in the midst of numerous trials. I like to encourage others. I am empathetic with those that have chronic and invisible illnesses and suffer with persistent pain. I am hoping to make some new friends, hear of effective treatments, encourage others, and be encouraged. We were not meant to go this life alone! My journey has also strengthened my faith in God, and showed me a total reliance upon Him. Through my health he has allowed me the opportunity to meet wonderful people online that I would have never met if I hadn\'t been sick. I also have been able to minister and encourage others that have similar struggles because I know what the pain feels like and how hard it is to live w/chronic and invisible illnesses. Would I choose poor health, certainly not, but I am trying to make the most of my life in spite of trials and difficulty. Like I am sure for all of you, there are up and down days. Won\'t you join me on the journey? We\'ll go it together! :)