My Faith Has Helped Me Through This Journey

My name is Brittany Foe. I was just 12 years old when my first flare reared its ugly head in 2006. I was frightened, not knowing what was happening. The roller coaster of emotions over the next two years were daunting. In 2008 I heard the words that changed my life, “You have RSD”. At this point I was wheelchair bound, had been in and out of school on homebound, and had been told numerous times that I was faking it.

From 2008 to 2016 I had several lumbar injections, the first had got me out of the wheelchair. I was on several different medications and eventually had the spinal cord stimulator implanted. In 2016 I became pregnant with my rainbow baby. I had to detox off of ALL of my medications. This took several weeks and many tears.

My daily life now is a far cry from what it was 16 years ago. Over the years I have learned several coping skills that have helped me personally. I now have two beautiful children who keep me busy and am on no pain medication! I help run our family farm and although it is hard it is rewarding. In my spare time I have published a book, trying to spread awareness and hope.

My faith has helped me through this journey. I have been stubborn since birth and I suppose that has helped too. My pain has not mysteriously vanished and I still have days that are worse than others. I remember to give myself grace. I remember that hard times don’t last forever and there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

To my fellow warriors, you are not alone. There is always someone to listen, someone to lean on. You are stronger than anyone can imagine and if you haven’t heard it lately, you’re doing an amazing job. It is okay if the only thing you do in a day is survive, tomorrow will be better!