My Faith Has Helped Me Through This Journey
Written by Brittany Foe for the RSDSA blog.
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!
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Wow! I applaud you Brittany! I was diagnosed at age51 after a foot surgery needed for an injury on the job. There is so much that I have given up once the diagnosis of CRPS was revealed. Some was voluntary in order to heal, like many foods in my diet. Others were experiences and abilities that CRPS has taken away ,but by giving up other things voluntarily I will have the chance to one day regain what CRPS stole.
Yes I relied on my faith and knowing that God brought me through other trials so this journey would be a painful, prayerful, and possible if I continue growing in faith.
May God Bless you, your husband, and children on this journey every day.