Emily's CVS Story
My story starts from an ironic place. As a child and up until my late 20’s I suffered from EXTREME emetophobia (the fear of vomiting). In my 20’s I was officially diagnosed with severe general anxiety, low grade depression, adult ADHD and insomnia. FUN (sarcasm)! But I got on all the right meds and homeopathic treatments and have that in control.... mostly. I should also mention that my dad is an amazing physician that always takes me seriously. He eventually diagnosed me with CVS after much research. It came on fast and hard and my first bout (3 years ago) lasted about 2 weeks. Vomiting every half hour sometimes more, sometimes less. But it left my entire body in pain. I was told that it was probably Norwalk Virus. Yet, since then, this happens (almost monthly). Never for as long. Usually 2-3 days and is sometimes worse than others. But... it has taken control of my life. I’m afraid to leave the house, in case I get an attack! I never make plans with friends or family and I am very alone and new to this. I always blamed “that time of the month”, “stress”, “anxiety” .... it’s of some comfort to know that I am not alone (although I wouldn’t wish this syndrome on anyone). I live alone and although my family is amazing ... they live out of town. Bright side is that I live an amazing life online. I feel more in control and safe there. My story is short, as I really have only recently finally put a name to a disease that I thought, was me just “going crazy”. I really thought that I was. My dad did all the research, so I consider myself lucky. My scariest moment was when I was in the hospital and they had me hooked up to fluids and anti-nausea meds with the cancer patients going through chemo and I still didn’t stop vomiting. At all. I’ve come a long way since then. I hope to make some connections here. The loneliness is awful for me. Much love. Stay strong. As I say to myself every time I’m going through a bad time “this too shall pass”.
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