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I am enough. I am strong.
I am a survivor.
I am brought to tears every time I recite that mantra. Tears of joy of how far I have come from being in a place of not believing in those words. Because I am so joyful, many would assume that I have never known such a place. A place so dark that every morning I thought my only options were to live a miserable life or to just end it all.
Feeling less than began early in life for me. I grew up with an addict who’s only affirmations were everything that I would not be and everything negative that I would be. During school hours, instead of looking forward to playing with barbies and baking cookies in the afternoon; I anxiously worried about what that evenings nightmare consisted of. Being raised in an environment with an alcoholic causes you to grow up fast. Growing fast in a nightmare that never ended caused me to believe that I would never be ENOUGH, and life was nothing more than the cards I had been dealt. Hello, Anxiety.
Faith was nominated by her friend Emmy who says that Faith fights so hard everyday and still puts in the effort and energy to show others that they are loved and seen. Faith says that she clearly remembers the day her life changed forever which was the day after she turned 15. Now 4 years later, she says her life looks like nothing she ever would’ve imagined. Faith has Gastroparesis and Intestinal Dysmotility which has put her on TPN and then Mast Cell Activation Syndrome sealed that deal. All but two foods put her into anaphylaxis. TPN stands for Total parenteral nutrition. TPN provides patients with all the nutrients they need and bypasses the gastrointestinal tract. Faith is also diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome which is an illness that makes her joints very unstable and causes another of her diagnoses - Cervical instability. This instability in her spine makes her unable to walk without wearing a neck brace.
An Infusion Survival Guide From One Of Our Warriors
Infusion Survival Guide:
As someone who is chronically ill, you may have a medication that is given to you through Intravenous therapy (IV). As intimidating as this sound, it can be a great way to administer you medication in a controlled and safe environment. However, depending on your treatment plan, these IV treatments can be lengthy so here are some basic tips to help you though your infusion!
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER!
Start chugging that H2O! Most chemotherapy (or any medication giving though an IV) is very drying and over all hard on your body. Drinking water not only will help the nurse find a nice juicy vein to start the infusion, but the water will also help move that medication throughout your body. Staying nice and hydrated will also help flush your system leading to a quicker recovery. Pro Tip: Avoid Caffeine and any other drinks that are diuretics.
Thank you so much for reading Fight Like A Warrior's monthly newsletter! Because of your support, our organization has been able to create an incredible community of chronic illness warriors who prove every single day that #SickFightsBack. If you know a warrior that could use a little extra support & encouragement, remember to request a card for them! Keep fighting everyone!
