About Me
I came down with shingles in March 2008 and as a result of it I now have Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN). It isn’t common to get Shingles at my age. It isn’t common for anyone to get PHN, a chronic pain condition/disability that can’t be treated, just managed. I’m working with the neurologist to find ways to make this easier on myself. I feel as if this has consumed my life over the past years.
In August of 2010 I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) after over a year of testing and eliminating other illnesses. Like PHN, for now CFIDS can't be treated, just coped with. Though I've had the symptoms for so long the diagnosis is fresh so I haven't yet learned all the coping skills I'm going to need.
In May 2011, after three years of tests and illness, I was diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.I've just begun taking Copaxone and I'm excited to see how much of my abilities I can regain.
The PHN is centered in my left arm and hand, making it so I can no longer lift and carrying things the way I used to. I also can't type the way I used to because 120 wpm for an 8 hour day is quite a bit out of my reach now. I'm more like 30 wpm for 1/2 hour with a 3-4 hour rest afterward. I've also become a very slow knitter thanks to the PHN pain. The CFIDS makes me sleep 16+ hours a day yet leaves me chronically exhausted. I'm frequently in pain, it aggravates my asthma, and it makes me susceptible to the weirdest infections and illnesses. Someday I'll tell you all about the giant lump on the side of my neck that vanished as quietly and quickly as it appeared. The MS is fairly typical, causing weakness and trembling, problems in walking, and even more fatigue.
I attended a Seven Sisters college as a non-traditional aged student and graduated in 2011 with a double-major in English and Peace & Justice Studies. I used to work for a non-profit dealing with women's issues and I wanted to continue that after graduation, but right now it isn't looking likely that I'll be able to work any time soon. I'm a feminist, a domestic violence activist, a writer, a reader, and a knitter. I make the best margaritas you've ever had.
Mostly, though, I'm just looking for a way to get through it all.
