Spoonie Spotlight: Kimberley

Welcome to this week’s Spoonie Spotlight. Today I’m featuring Kimberley! Spoonie Spotlight is my way to use my platform to share the stories of others living with arthritis or an arthritis-related condition. The point is to share the realities of living with arthritis and to make others’ voices heard. (New posts every 2 weeks.) If you would like to participate, fill out the form!

What’s your diagnosis?

Fibromyalgia, Myofascial pain syndrome, spinal degeneration

When were you diagnosed?

Fibro 2013, myofascial about 2007, spine 2013

How long have you had symptoms?

Decades

Have you been limited in any way from your illness? If so, how?

Yes. The pain is causing decreased mobility and decreased ability to do daily tasks.

What’s your story?

I’m in the application for long term disability phase right now. I’ve had chronic pain for as long as I can remember. Almost a year after surgery to remove my cancerous thyroid I was still having postoperative pain. Now almost two years later, I’m unable to do my job without increased pain. The staff health physician says I can’t return to my job and my doctor agrees.

How has your illness changed your life?

I’m having to reevaluate everything.

What are your goals for the future? (Not related to your health)

I recently started publishing crochet and knitting patterns. I’m writing a book, published month by month, of my life in 2015.

I’m trying to hold onto my house until government sick leave and disability payments kick in.

What are your goals for the future? (Health related)

Increase awareness of invisible diseases. Learn more about my own diseases and how to maximize my quality of life.

Hoping, daily, that the funky lymph nodes on my last two ultrasounds are not the return of my cancer.

Do you consider yourself handicapped or disabled? Why or why not?

I didn’t but I’m having to rethink that now that the doctors are putting me on the disability track. I thought I was still too functional to be disabled.

What would you like readers to take from your experience?

Adaptation is possible. Plan ahead for the future. Don’t be surprised when your employer thinks differently than you.

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Kate Mitchell

Kate Mitchell is a blogger, chronic illness patient, and advocate who helps people understand chronic illness and helps chronic illness patients live their best lives.