Thursday, March 27, 2014

Life Goes On



I was misdiagnosed for 33 years and living a life without the ability to run and play like all the other kids in school.  When people hear my story, they almost always ask, "Aren't you upset that you missed out on a normal life ?'  The answer is always the same, "No."

First of all, I know that my neurologist didn't intentionally misdiagnose me.  I may not have appreciated his poor bedside manor, but I'm confident that he wanted to help me have the best life possible.

Secondly, I had a really good life!  My parents gave me more love and happiness in a week than many kids see in a lifetime.  I had friends who stood by my side and defended me when others would be cruel.  And I married an amazing man who loved me for me.  It didn't matter to him that I couldn't play basketball with him or go on long walks around the lake like the other college kids.  And because I married this wonderful man, I have three loving children that I wouldn't trade for the world.

Yes, my childhood and young adult life was challenging!  Yes, I had struggles that I wouldn't want to relive, but doesn't everyone?  Every experience I had for the first 33 years of my life helped mold me into the person I am today.  And I like me!

Being angry about what could have been won't change the fact of what it was.  Life is a gift and every additional day I get on this Earth is up to ME as to how I live it.



5 comments:

  1. A very true and so relatable. Thank You :-)

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    1. Rich, I am very proud of your accomplishments and I have no doubt that you are helping others realize that they can do the same thing! You are an inspiration to others. :)

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  2. People who experience misdiagnosis can bear terrible grudges on the doctors who did it. I rarely hear anyone take a sympathetic side on doctors, and although doctors don't do it intentionally, a misdiagnosis can change one's life dramatically. Anyway, I'm really glad that you still looked on the brighter side of life, despite that hurdle. You are such a strong person, Jean. You're an inspiration to us all. Take care! :)

    Sabrina Craig @ Medical Attorney NY

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