I had severe flank pain started in the late 80’s I was in my mid 20’s had just had my 3rd c section. I kept going to the Dr. for what I thought was a uti nothing would show up except blood. I held several jobs and missed work occasionally due to flare ups, some were tolerable others were not. In 2004 my husband of 22 years became very ill later to find out he had West Nile…yes a little mosquito kicked his butt. I thought he was going to die he ended up with meningitis was transported from one hospital to a bigger hospital and in the hospitals for over 2 weeks, after he returned home my disease reared it’s ugly head we have since found stress is the main trigger for me. I was afraid of losing my soul mate that triggered my disease and we have not been able to put it away since then.

I had a job I loved I was in law enforcement I was a alternate Sargent as well as a training Officer, I loved this job and was very good at it. I kept getting sick after years of them telling me I had to take a vacation because I never missed work. I missed some work and after others complained and even with Drs. notes I was fired, it broke my heart I felt devastated.

I tried other jobs and landed leadership positions I always ended in the hospital with my LPHS. And then I would lose those positions.

I almost went insane I always had the support of my Husband thank goodness for him he never doubted me and my pain, other family members did and I lost friends because I couldn’t make any plans.

I was diagnosed two times I refused to believe it but finally in 2004 I was told I didn’t have to believe it, it is what I have and I need to face it.

In 2010 I had an episode last for three months we put a pain pump in and in order to do that I had to meet with a psychiatrist they tested me and the test did show I am in constant pain.

I think the more we get this disease out for others to see maybe more people will realize what we do go through.