Spoonie Stories: Stephanie WAGGONER
My life has always consisted of me being active, until I started getting my illnesses.
When I was 10, I was playing softball and it would hurt to run all the time. Many doctors said I had asthma, but finally a pulmonologist figured out I had slipping rib syndrome. It felt like a relief to finally have a diagnosis.
Then 3 years later, I tore my cartilage and it started the journey I am on today. I found out that my cartilage was not strong enough and I was lacking it due to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). After I got it repaired, I went back to my normal life but everything felt different. I was in pain all over my body and my joints were always hurting due to EDS.
We found a pain specialist that helped treat my EDS and diagnosed me with Amplified Musculoskeletal syndrome (AMPS), which when hurt can bring on pain and other conditions.
For a couple years my pain was manageable, but when I turned 16 my body quit walking. I had tremors and was in intense pain. After 5 months, I got referred to an inpatient pain management clinic.
I truly believe they saved my life.
I was able to walk after 3 weeks and my pain was manageable. I continued to have flare ups off and on when stress was brought on. Which lead to my diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). This had caused all my pain and tremors.
Throughout the years I have been dizzy, nauseous, constipated, high blood pressure, and high heart. I am in the process of getting diagnosed with POTS and gastroparesis. EDS has brought on all of the conditions and symptoms. I am now managing my pain through medication and movement, just in a modified way.
I currently am a teacher, so I love to be around my students helping them learn. In my spare time I love to read and hang out with my friends and family.
I shared my story because I want others to feel heard and not feel alone. Growing up, I never had anyone to go to that understood the pain. I want to be that person for someone.
Disclaimer: This is simply the story of Stephanie’s personal experiences with my chronic illnesses. This blog is not to be taken as medical advice. If you have any medical concerns, always seek the help of a doctor or licensed medical professional.
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