My Struggle With Fibromylagia
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Hello, my name is Shawn and this is the story of my struggle with Fibromyalgia and other health issues.
In 1999 when I was 27 years old I began to experience pain in a number of locations on my body, I was working as a retail manager and always on my feet so I assumed that was the reason and dealth with the pain for a couple years. In 2001 it became so severe that I sought treatment and after going through blood tests, X-Rays, a CT Scan and multiple MRIs I was told everything was in my mind and I should see a psychiatrist and was given a prescription for pain killers. I did see a psychiatrist and after describing my issues he felt it was not in my mind but in fact something called Fibromyalgia, which I knew nothing about, and he suggested I see a different doctor than my primary care physician.
In 2002 I was finally given the diagnoses that I am indeed suffering from Fibromyalgia. There is no official test, it does not show up in blood work or on a scan but based off of trigger points and numerous symptoms over a period of time. There is no simple treatment plan nor are there medications that control all of the side effects and symptoms related to Fibromyalgia, though there are mixtures of medications that can individually treat symptoms in combination with other medications.
Some of the effects that I deal with daily include chronic pain, anxiety and fatigue. Other issues like short term memory loss, stiffness, numb hands and feet and insomnia are common for me too and as expected depression is a major issue. Since my 2002 diagnoses my health has continued to deteriorate and in addition to the Fibromyalgia I am now suffering from seizure disorder, arthritis in my knees, hips, hands and spine and most recently spinal degeneration.
For additional information regarding Fibromyalgia you can check out:
The Mayo Clinic
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
I am no longer able to work and receive disability but I am single and have two minor children to support and medical bills add up quickly. I moved twice in the last year and thankfully my children are covered under my ex-wife’s insurance I do not have that option and I will be losing my insurance soon so with my regular daily/monthly obligations in addition to my medical bills and monthly medication I am in a very tough position. I have begun to sell personal items to help pay down some of these bills and while I have resisted the idea of setting up a campaign because there are so many people out there in need I am no longer able to take that stance and I need help.
My goal is $3,500 to help me take care of a majority of my current medical bills as well as a loan I have taken to keep afloat but every single penny will be greatly appreciated.
My next step is setting up a new medical insurance and then continue my treatment, which at this time includes visits to my primary care physician for med checks (roughly every 6-8 weeks), continued prescribed medication use, visits to my pain specialist for cortisone injections (cycles of 3 weeks and then off 3 months) and additional Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) procedure as needed, psychiatrist visits (every 9-12 weeks) for my mental health. I have found that music, meditation and art (I am a sketch artist) help clear my mind some too.
If you would like to see some of my art, which includes sketches, paintings, digital art and some phtography you can review my work on my DeviantArt page.
I am a Buddhist and believe in the goodness of humankind and I have a strong belief in karma. Not the idea of one person giving and receiving something in return but in the idea that one person’s actions can influence many, this contribution of good will bring future happiness for yourself.
I want to thank you for reading my story and considering my request. Know that I am extremely thankful for any assistance that will help me, bless you.
In 1999 when I was 27 years old I began to experience pain in a number of locations on my body, I was working as a retail manager and always on my feet so I assumed that was the reason and dealth with the pain for a couple years. In 2001 it became so severe that I sought treatment and after going through blood tests, X-Rays, a CT Scan and multiple MRIs I was told everything was in my mind and I should see a psychiatrist and was given a prescription for pain killers. I did see a psychiatrist and after describing my issues he felt it was not in my mind but in fact something called Fibromyalgia, which I knew nothing about, and he suggested I see a different doctor than my primary care physician.
In 2002 I was finally given the diagnoses that I am indeed suffering from Fibromyalgia. There is no official test, it does not show up in blood work or on a scan but based off of trigger points and numerous symptoms over a period of time. There is no simple treatment plan nor are there medications that control all of the side effects and symptoms related to Fibromyalgia, though there are mixtures of medications that can individually treat symptoms in combination with other medications.
Some of the effects that I deal with daily include chronic pain, anxiety and fatigue. Other issues like short term memory loss, stiffness, numb hands and feet and insomnia are common for me too and as expected depression is a major issue. Since my 2002 diagnoses my health has continued to deteriorate and in addition to the Fibromyalgia I am now suffering from seizure disorder, arthritis in my knees, hips, hands and spine and most recently spinal degeneration.
For additional information regarding Fibromyalgia you can check out:
The Mayo Clinic
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
I am no longer able to work and receive disability but I am single and have two minor children to support and medical bills add up quickly. I moved twice in the last year and thankfully my children are covered under my ex-wife’s insurance I do not have that option and I will be losing my insurance soon so with my regular daily/monthly obligations in addition to my medical bills and monthly medication I am in a very tough position. I have begun to sell personal items to help pay down some of these bills and while I have resisted the idea of setting up a campaign because there are so many people out there in need I am no longer able to take that stance and I need help.
My goal is $3,500 to help me take care of a majority of my current medical bills as well as a loan I have taken to keep afloat but every single penny will be greatly appreciated.
My next step is setting up a new medical insurance and then continue my treatment, which at this time includes visits to my primary care physician for med checks (roughly every 6-8 weeks), continued prescribed medication use, visits to my pain specialist for cortisone injections (cycles of 3 weeks and then off 3 months) and additional Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) procedure as needed, psychiatrist visits (every 9-12 weeks) for my mental health. I have found that music, meditation and art (I am a sketch artist) help clear my mind some too.
If you would like to see some of my art, which includes sketches, paintings, digital art and some phtography you can review my work on my DeviantArt page.
I am a Buddhist and believe in the goodness of humankind and I have a strong belief in karma. Not the idea of one person giving and receiving something in return but in the idea that one person’s actions can influence many, this contribution of good will bring future happiness for yourself.
I want to thank you for reading my story and considering my request. Know that I am extremely thankful for any assistance that will help me, bless you.
Organizer
Shawn Corcoran
Organizer
Prescott Valley, AZ