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, Chronic Migraines, Cluster Headaches, IBS, PMDD, anxiety
When were you diagnosed?
Migraines, IBS, anxiety- Childhood Fibromyalgia, PMDD- 20s
How long have you had symptoms?
As long as I can remember
Have you been limited in any way from your illness? If so, how?
Yes – being in crowded places is difficult, stay away from loud noises and bright/ flashing lights, shorten outings and car rides, etc.
What’s your story?
When I was younger, I battled low self esteem and addiction issues because I didn’t know how to handle anxiety and being an HSP. It wasn’t until after my diagnosis of fibromyalgia that I realized that I needed to make some major life changes. Now, I am happier an healthier than I’d ever been before and I love myself more than I ever thought possible.
How has your illness changed your life?
Positively
What are your goals for the future? (Not related to your health)
My goal is to help uplift and restore confidence in as many chronically ill people as possible. I know what it’s like to feel worthless. The pain and all the changes having a chronic illness brings can really make you feel worse and lower your self-esteem even more. I don’t want to see anyone going down the same dark path that I was on because they’re depressed or feeling useless. No one should ever feel that way.
What are your goals for the future? (Health related)
I’ve got some hormone issues I am trying to get worked out. I plan to continue to strengthen my body and mind in order to be the best I possibly can.
Do you consider yourself handicapped or disabled? Why or why not?
Only when I get lost in the grocery store because my mind literally just went completely blank or when I have to pull over while driving because I suddenly don’t know where I am or where I am going. Only when I get overwhelmed to the point I have an embarrassing panic attack or I have to wake my significant other in the middle of the night because my irrational fear is spiraling out of control and I can’t sleep. Only when I am too fatigued from nightmares and night sweats to get out of bed or when my head hurts so much its too painful to cry or when I forget how to speak right in the middle of a sentence or when I have to spend days in bed after an outing but not most of the time!
What would you like readers to take from your experience?
That if I can do it, if I can change, improve my life, my quality of life, then anyone can!
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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.
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