Q&A on chronic illness: “Opening up to friends about my health problems was scary but so worth it.”

What I love most about this invisible illness interview is how it illustrates that when chronic illness takes something away from us, God can still provide new and amazing opportunities.

Cam is a 20-something with chronic pelvic pain, PCOS, Scoliosis, and other conditions. She shares how an unexpected and painful diagnosis led her and her husband to pursue a ministry they hadn’t previously considered—becoming foster parents to kids and teens.

Did you know pelvic floor disorders affect about 1 in 4 women in the US? (x) And 1 in 10 women have polycystic ovarian syndrome, aka PCOS. (x) Unfortunately it’s often considered taboo to talk about health issues that only impact women, but, as Cam points out, they’re more common than many people realize.

(PS I let interviewees on this blog stay anonymous if they wish. It’s scary to share your story, especially personal details, and I don’t want that to be a barrier to people sharing about their health journey and what they’ve found helpful. I think being able to share what you’ve learned and know you’re helping others is one of the most empowering things you can do to find purpose in chronic illness.)

I hope you’re encouraged by this conversation with Cam on chronic illness, faith, and perseverance.

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Interview with Cam V. a 20-something from Virginia
On finding a support system, pursuing new dreams, and living with PFD, PCOS, Scoliosis, and other chronic conditions

Cassie: What is something you love or something God has given you a passion for?

Cam: Sharing the Gospel with kids from tough places is our passion. My husband and I assumed God would give us kids immediately after we married. If it wasn’t for my medical issues, we wouldn’t be foster parents now. Two years ago my husband (the originator of all crazy ideas) said, “What about being foster parents?” I thought, “No-what-why?” all at once. Eventually I came around to the idea. Since then, we’ve had seven kiddos through our home (ages 15, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, and 2).

Also, hospitality! I love throwing parties, celebrations, and hosting church friends in our home. We spoil our two doggies and three chickens. 

Cassie: Please briefly share the names of your chronic illnesses along with a brief description.

Cam: I am diagnosed with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD), Provoked Vestibulodynia, PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), Scoliosis, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, and Insomnia. For me, the PFD and Provoked Vestibulodynia basically means that my pelvic floor muscles are too tight. This leads to difficult and painful intimacy and chronic pelvic pain. PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder among women and causes small cysts in the ovaries. Symptoms include irregular menstruation, infertility, acne, weight gain, and abnormal hair growth. 

Cassie: What is one of the most difficult challenges you’ve experienced due to your illnesses? How has that challenge shaped you? 

Cam: The last thing I ever expected on my honeymoon was painful intimacy. We just celebrated our four-year wedding anniversary and have such a strong marriage because of my health trials. Waiting on God’s timing and trusting him when the twentieth doctor doesn’t have the answer, or the insurance won’t cover the experimental treatment, makes us depend upon Him. 

Cassie: What is something you would like people to better understand about your illnesses?

Cam: Pelvic pain and pelvic health problems are common but rarely discussed. If you are going through it, you are not alone! A common misconception is that a couple dealing with painful intimacy must have a weak marriage or that one (or both) are sexually unsatisfied. It’s true that these issues can tear couples apart, but it doesn’t have to. Communication, finding a good support system, counseling, having an open mind, and self-advocacy are key.

Cassie: Tell me about a time when someone came through for you when you were going through your health struggles.

Cam: I’ve seen over 30 doctors, practitioners, and health professionals. More than a few have shared incorrect information, made sexist or condescending comments, or given medically unnecessary procedures. Despite this, I managed to find a few empathetic practitioners willing to go above and beyond to help me find solutions. 

Cassie: What advice or encouragement would you offer to someone going through chronic illnesses?

Cam: While I was undergoing several years of fruitless and painful fertility treatments, a dear friend found out she was finally pregnant after several years of her own fertility treatments. At the exact moment I sat alone in a doctor’s office, about to undergo another painful procedure, she texted me to let me know she was miscarrying. We went through our struggles together. Opening up to friends about my health problems was scary but so worth it. The body of Christ is there to support one another. 

Cassie: What is something God is teaching you recently?

Cam: Patience and steadfastness. Looking at day-to-day medical progress can be discouraging, but when I look at today versus years ago, I see progress. God is always on time – but never early!

Cassie: What is something you are most thankful for right now?

Cam: Rest!

Cassie: Are there any resources you can recommend that encourage you through your chronic illnesses?

Cam: Find a few friends, church elders, counselors, etc. to confide in! Online support groups can be great, but I’ve also found they can breed misinformation, so be careful.

Cassie: I’m a bookworm and I have to ask: Read any good books lately?

Cam: The Man Who Moved A Mountain by Richard C. Davids. 

 

Thank you for sharing some of your story Cam!

 We hope you found this interview helpful on your chronic illness journey.
We’d love to hear from you in the comments, so please let us know if you related to Cam’s story, discovered new information, or have any questions for us!

 

Read more Invisible Illness, Visible Worth interviews here.

Interested in being interviewed? I’d love to help share your story! Find the details here.

Opinions and views are those of the interviewee. This blog post is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

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