Monday, March 11, 2013

RSD Interview #41 - With Michele Gennarelli




HOW AND WHEN DID YOU GET RSD?
In the winter of 1997, I slipped in the snow, on a small embankment, and landed on my elbow (ulnar nerve). Then, in the summer of 1997, I had severe burning (neuritis) in my left wrist. After failing steroid injections to my wrist, I was diagnosed with RSD.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS IT AFFECTED YOUR LIFE?
Due to the fact that I now have full body RSD, I am unable to continue my work as a Registered Nurse. I have never owned a dog in my adult life. Now I am the proud “puppy mama” of my boy Po. We bought this dog so I wouldn’t be home alone all day. He naps with me, we go on long walks during the day and he is never more than a few feet away from me! Being home and not working 50-60 hours a week as a Nursing Administrator has been a blessing, for the most part. My son and I had been on our own since he was 5 months old. Working the hours that I did left me with no time to attend events at his school, chaperone a field trip, or even go to school and surprise him by having lunch with him! These are a few of the pros. The cons are many. The biggest one is losing my financial independence and my health insurance! The constant pain goes unsaid. The cost of medications was enough to break the bank! Luckily, I was able to obtain MA this past fall. While a major blow to my ego, the money saved by not having to pay for my drugs/healthcare is a real blessing. I am not able to enjoy most of the things I loved to do. Working in my big yard and in my flower beds sets me up for major pain, so I just do a little at a time. Most of my hobbies are gone. I sleep a lot. My life is a shell of its former self.

DO YOU HAVE A GOOD SUPPORT SYSTEM?
I do. As I mentioned above about my son and I being on our own, that isn’t so now. About 4 ½ years ago, I met an amazing man! He takes such good care of us! He is kind, loving, and (most of all) supportive of me and RSD. My son is 10 and he worries about me. He is always wanting to know if I need anything. He is great at running things up and down the stairs. This child is the reason why I breathe, why I push myself, and why I am still on this planet!

DOES FAITH PLAY A PART IN YOUR STRUGGLE OR YOUR STAMINA?
Sometimes. My walk with the Lord used to be so much closer. I am angry that I have this disease but I accept it. I know that when I die I am getting a brand new body and there will be no more pain!

HOW HAVE YOU RE-INVENTED YOURSELF?
Not sure I have… see above…

HAS ANYTHING GOOD COME FROM THIS TRIAL?
No… not one single good thing!

WHAT THINGS DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
Walking in the sand at the beach (need an ankle replacement that won’t happen because of the RSD).
- Being drug-free! I take soooo much narcotics that I sleep a lot, so what I miss is being active.

WHAT DO YOU WANT THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO
KNOW ABOUT YOU AND/OR YOUR DISEASE?
Just because I don’t look sick, don’t make rude comments when I park in the handicapped spot!



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