Saturday, March 9, 2013

RSD Interview #40 - With Monica Ashmore Huntsman


HOW AND WHEN DID YOU GET RSD?
I was in a car accident on September 20, 1997. I struck my knee on the steering column. I only received a bruise on the knee but ended up with RSD. Then, in January 2010, I fell on my back porch and severed a tendon in my left wrist. The subsequent surgery caused the RSD to spread to my left wrist and hand.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS IT AFFECTED YOUR LIFE?
This disease has affected every aspect of my life. I can no longer wear pants. Even in the winter months, I have to wear shorts because the movement of fabric over the knee is excruciating. My kids have had to do many of the chores that I am unable to do.

DO YOU HAVE A GOOD SUPPORT SYSTEM?
I don’t really have a good support system. I am a single parent to three teenagers. I don’t really have any friends or anyone that is close to me except my girls.

DOES FAITH PLAY A PART IN YOUR STRUGGLE OR YOUR STAMINA? My faith has been a struggle for the past three years. My church has turned its back on my family. Currently, we do not attend any church.

HOW HAVE YOU RE-INVENTED YOURSELF?
I really haven’t re-invented myself.

HAS ANYTHING GOOD COME FROM THIS TRIAL?
The only thing good to come from this is the wonderful people I have met through Facebook, that offer support through kind words.

WHAT THINGS DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
Being able to do things by myself, i.e., not having to rely on anyone to do things for me. For example: dressing, showering, putting up my hair, cooking, opening jars, etc.

WHAT DO YOU WANT THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO
KNOW ABOUT YOU AND/OR YOUR DISEASE?
That RSD is a real illness. It is not in my head. I do not make up the pain and lie about it. This is a debilitating disease that affects everyone differently. So we don’t all require the same treatments.


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