Killarney resident explains how living with a rare disease impacted her life
Christel Michel Kruger said she was on a constantly evolving treatment plan as there is no “one size fits all” treatment plan.
Killarney resident, Christel Michel Kruger’s life changed in an instant when she was diagnosed with a rare disease that she says steals valuable time from your life.
Kruger explained that she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis in 2011.
“Rheumatoid arthritis causes bone erosion and joint deformity, my knuckles became inflamed, stiff, and painful. I also tested positive for the HLA-B27 gene. The symptoms I experienced included widespread and chronic pain, exhaustion, mental fog, digestive issues and generally feeling unwell.”
The 49-year-old said rheumatoid arthritis caused bone erosion and joint deformity and her knuckles became inflamed, stiff, and painful. She added that the pain from fibromyalgia was more widespread, while rheumatoid arthritis was concentrated on her hands, hip bones, and knees.
She added that the chronic symptoms and the subsequent diagnosis changed many aspects of her life.
“I gave up my corporate position because physically I was not coping. At the time of my diagnosis, less was known about fibromyalgia and I did not qualify for the dreaded disease benefits. Illness steals time.”
Kruger noted that recovery started with an increase in pain medication, checking in with herself on a psychological level, plenty of rest and hydration as digestive issues form part of the flair-ups.
She concluded that she celebrated disease day last month by educating those around her.
“Rheumatoid arthritis was easier to accept because my hands physically display swollen knuckles. Fibromyalgia is unseen. Therefore people do not believe there is anything wrong with you because there is no physical deformity. I do my best to educate those around me with my social media accounts about these illnesses as well as the importance of mental health. Every day is awareness day.”
Related Article:
Rosebank Killarney Gazette’s councillors reflect on the issue of burst pipes
