Re: New to the group/Gail

[Guest guest]

Welcome to you, Gail. You've certainly been through quite a lot with your

health.

I hope you get a lot of support from being part of our group.

Jeanne in WI

Hi my name is Gail and I was diagnosed with Fibro and Lupus in 1998. I

progressively got worse and by 1999 I was unable to work. I am married with two

boys now 13 and 15. I first started getting sick in 1997, so compared to most

people I was diagnosed very quickly. By 2001 I was bedridden and on so many meds

I didn't know which end was up. On top of all of it I was diagnosed with a brain

tumor in January

of 2002, had a stroke in March of 2002 and then of all things had cancer in

May of 2002. That was a year from hell for my family. Finally when I went off

the deep end I was hospitalized and I came off all my medication. I only take my

insulin now. I just knew I was going to die. Well I am still here and glad to

be. I do live with a lot of pain but at least I am aware of my surroundings now.

It was very rough for my family; my kids were so young and not sure of what was

happening. I was very active prior to being ill. I worked went to school and was

a volunteer paramedic. I lead a very full fast paced life. Boy did things

change!

I was lucky and had a good doctor at town University Hospital. I was

lucky that I worked for the state and was able to collect disability from them

and then a year later I applied for SSI and got it in 60 days. I gave them all

my medical records and they never

fought it. For those that wonder if it is worth it yes it is. I know with the

medical things going on that I could die any day and in fact I am a do not

resuscitate but it does not mean that I want to quit living. Every day that I am

with my family is a gift and I never thought I would see my boys grow to be

teenagers and here we are.