Jessica
Brooklyn, NY
Diagnosed with Polymyositis in 2004 and Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP) in 2006
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How has your condition impacted you?
Well, now I can look back and count myself lucky because the progression of my disease was very slow, my doctors recognized it early, and I responded well to medication. A couple of years ago was pretty difficult as not only did I have to deal with a loss of physical strength but I also had to deal with a loss of identity. I've always identified as a strong person, able to do anything on my own, and this disease has put a serious crimp on that kind of thinking. It is something I still struggle with now. In other ways, my life is better since I take much better care of myself. I eat better and really know the importance of regular exercise and sleep.
Well, now I can look back and count myself lucky because the progression of my disease was very slow, my doctors recognized it early, and I responded well to medication. A couple of years ago was pretty difficult as not only did I have to deal with a loss of physical strength but I also had to deal with a loss of identity. I've always identified as a strong person, able to do anything on my own, and this disease has put a serious crimp on that kind of thinking. It is something I still struggle with now. In other ways, my life is better since I take much better care of myself. I eat better and really know the importance of regular exercise and sleep.
