In the Summer of this year I got diagnosed with FMF, otherwise known as Familial Mediterranean Fever – a rare genetic disorder. It wasn’t the news I was hoping for, but it was an explanation of all the symptoms I was experiencing.
I suffered from unexplained abdominal pains, chest pains, and fever, and more recently, headaches, joint pain and muscle pain. No one knew what was causing my symptoms. One hospital admission after another for months. Multiple doctors’ visits. Several tests and investigations. I knew something was wrong, but I didn’t know what it was. It was even worse when people didn’t believe me or take me seriously. But I fought. I fought for myself. I fought for a diagnosis. And finally, a genetic blood test revealed the diagnosis that explained all the pains I was experiencing.
I went through all this whilst training in nursing school. It was very hard for me to work and study whilst battling health issues myself. But this experience has also helped me a lot, both personally and professionally. I became stronger and more resilient, but also more empathetic and caring. I knew what it was like to experience pain so bad it affects your life, feeling like your body is falling apart but having no idea what’s causing all of it. But thanks to the support and help of my family, my close friends, and the University of Malta, I pulled through and I’m now in my final year of my studies and will soon graduate as a nurse.
I am writing this in honour of anyone currently battling any health issues, especially those living with a rare disease, be it Familial Mediterranean Fever or not. It’s not easy. There are good and bad days. But do not let the disease define who you are or stop you from doing whatever it is you love doing. Because one thing it cannot take away from you is passion and determination to achieve your dream.
Anyone who also suffers from Familial Mediterranean Fever and would like to get in contact, please feel free to contact me on my FB account by clicking the FB icon in my Author’s Box below 🙂
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