I’m grateful Fred from Money With A Purpose asked me to write about my health diagnosis as part of his inspirational Overcoming Adversity series.
I wasn’t at all hesitant to say “yes” to his request, but as I started writing, I realized I’d never shared some of the things I wrote – with anyone. I admit, it feels kinda vulnerable, but it was rather therapeutic!
Below is a small sampling from the article I wrote…but be sure to click on over and read the entire thing! And a big thanks to Fred for allowing me the space to share my story!
“For about 17 years, I’ve had pain in my right leg… It varied from almost nonexistent to keeping me awake at night. It wasn’t the type of pain you take an aspirin for – it was sharp, shooting, intermittent pain.
…Mayo didn’t know for sure what my diagnosis was. But they did know that I had some form of NF, a genetic disorder that affects the lining of the nerves. What I had was peripheral nerve sheath tumors throughout my right leg. They guessed I had hundreds of them (of varying sizes)…
…I remember thinking, “Oh, it doesn’t just happen to other people.” This might seem like a no brainer to some, but it was one of the first thoughts I had.
“It” happens to you and it happens to me. Even if we don’t think it ever will. “It” could be any number of things Life throws our way.
And honestly, I didn’t want it. For a while, I regretted even going to the doctor in the first place. I thought it would have been better if I’d continued to be unaware of what the problem was and remain in ignorant bliss. Because then, life could go on as “normal.”
Ignorance felt easier.
But of course, it’s not. And we all know adversity doesn’t just happen to other people. It happens to all of us. That’s part of being alive and being human. Life’s not all rainbows and roses – for anyone.”
Kristen says
Thank you for sharing your story! My own FI plans got a bit shook up last year due to some medical stuff, so I can relate. ‘”It” happens to you and it happens to me’ – so true. Wishing you the best as we all get to figure out what the new “normal” is.
Amanda says
Thanks for the comment, Kristen! 🙂 Yeah, the healthcare issues definitely made us a bit more conservative with our approach to FI – and completely changed my outlook on life in general (all for the better, imo!). Wishing you the very best as well. Take care!