Facing Forward: Bree

Facing Forward is a series that shares the lives of people living with arthritis and other invisible chronic illnesses. The goal of the series is to see how we are similar and how we are different - and to remind us to keep moving forward because we aren't alone!

Name: Bree

Location: I live in Australia. Currently living in a country town about 2.5 hours out of Melbourne. I was born and raised in Perth Western Australia.

Diagnoses: I have been diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis, Lam Lung disease, Hashimoto thyroid disease, High blood Pressure, Meniers Disease, Anxiety, Osteoarthritis. I think that’s all. Tuberous Sclerosis and Lam lung disease are both rare diseases.

Age at Diagnoses: TS I was diagnosed at the age of 26 when my youngest child was also diagnosed with it. Lam lung disease was 4 years ago. Thyroid disease 11 years. Meniers 2 years ago. Osteoarthritis yesterday. High blood pressure somewhere in the middle of all of this. Anxiety about 11 years ago.

How are you currently treating your condition/conditions?

I am currently on NDT - natural Desiccated thyroid extract or armor for the thyroid. I take blood pressure medication daily and I am currently on Lyrica and increasing it for the pain of the osteoarthritis.Oh! I forgot I also have fibromyalgia, which the Lyrica was initially prescribed for. I also take an over the counter drug call panadol osteo which also helps with the pain. I also take B12, Seliuim, zinc, and I have changed my eating to not including grains, legumes or gluten. I have coffee with milk and that’s about it. I walk my dogs at least once a day, and I walk in the pool at least once a week. Working on doing more of that.

What are the biggest challenges you have faced since your diagnosis?

Biggest challenge is having to give up work due to the fatigue and the pain.

What are your favorite tips and tricks for managing everyday tasks?

I hope for the day I am pain free. Walking has helped me a lot. When in Europe last year, not having to do the mundane of housework cooking etc. I was able to concentrate on me. Unfortunately, we don't get that choice in our day-to-day life.

How do you manage to keep facing forward every day?

I am very lucky even though I have several diagnosed conditions each is fairly mild, except for the osteoarthritis, which is very painful. I consider myself lucky that I can get out and walk even though I am in pain. I am blessed.

If you could go back to diagnosis day and tell your past self one thing, what would it be?

Take each day as it comes as you never know where it’s going to lead you.

Do you have a blog you would like to share?

My blog is 3 Sisters Abroad.

Would you like to be featured on Facing Forward? If so, please send an email to mariah@fromthispointforward.com.