I've always wanted to share my story but I've always been afraid. Afraid of what people may think of me, what they might say, or even about how I would look. I don't want to look weak, is what it really comes down to. When I turned twenty this year, I decided time was going by too fast. I was letting my illness and my negative thoughts get the best of me. Not any more! I really don't know what I'm doing, what I want to do with my life or even how to get through tomorrow. I am an overthinker, a worrier and sometimes very negative (when it comes to myself) I'm a people pleaser, someone who hates to say no. I support my friends and family as much as I can, and sometimes can forget to return that same love and support to myself. Good news though, I am getting better at taking care of myself. I have realized that the only opinion that really matters, is my own. I used to do things to make others happy, now I try to make myself and my own needs my priority. This blog is for me and for others going through similar things. I'm no longer here to entertain others, nor am I here to gain sympathy. I am here to share my stories; good and bad, my struggles and my achievements. I want to open up this outlet for other chronic illness warriors to tell their story, and I want all of us to come together to make a difference in this world. There are so many illnesses that do not get the recognition they deserve and I want to change that. I won't be able to do that alone though, so I ask anyone who reads this to feel free to reach out to me, share your story and we can spread awareness. I have so many ideas and so many things to say. This will be my place to finally get out my thoughts, ideas, stories and any tips I may have. I've dealt with chronic illness my entire life, watching my dad and other family members battle different diseases/illnesses. When I was eight years old I started getting abnormally sick, which only got worse. After years of misdiagnoses, doctors saying "it's all in your head" and unanswered questions, I was diagnosed with a form of Dysautonomia, POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). After being diagnosed with POTS, I was diagnosed with EDS (Ehlers Danlos Syndrome), the two often go together. I could go on and on about my story, but I will restrain myself for now. I am finally ready to share my story and not give up until my community and I have answers. I am eternally grateful for any and all who read this, my support system, and others with chronic illnesses like me. Over the last 7 years of having a diagnoses, I have become confident that I am not alone, that there are others struggling just like I am, and that we are all a family. I would not wish this on my worst enemy, but I've learned to be thankful that I have this illness that has made me stronger. I continue to be baffled by the outpouring love and support I get from my "spoonie" family. If you or someone you know is newly diagnosed, I encourage you to research for support groups and organizations that focus on your illness. Dysautonomia International and other groups have truly been a godsend for me and my family. If you have POTS, or think you have POTS, I suggest visiting dysautonomiainternational.org .
Thank you for reading if you've made it this far, it means the world to me! If I can help someone or inspire someone at all, I feel that this is worth it.
More to come on livingpotsy soon..
Thanks again,
Jordan
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