Invisible Not Broken - Chronic Illness Podcast Network

Website/Blog, Twitter, & Instagram Handle

pamelajessen.com, @pamjessen, pamelajessen1

Name *

Pamela Jessen

Gender or Pronoun For Us to Use

Female

Male

Prefer not to say

they

Other:

Disorder InfoWhat is your disorder? *

Chronic Pain

Chronic Fatigue from Fibromyalgia

Osteoarthritis

Myofascial Pain

a spinal condition called D.I.S.H.,

Diabetes Type 2

Gastroparesis

Bipolar Disorder

Hypothyroidism

Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia

At what age did your disorder become a daily issue? *

15

Who were you before your illness became debilitating? *

I was an Administrative Specialist and Certified Event Planner

What would you do if you were not dealing with your invisible illness? *

I would still be working, probably in Retail Support or as an Executive Assistant, and I'd still be singing in my barbershop chorus and quartet

What would you like people to know about your daily life? *

It's mostly about pacing and resting. I do a lot of my life on the computer with blogging and volunteering.

What would make living and moving in the world easier for you? *

If the world was more accessible, that would be great. I use a walker when I'm out and occasionally a wheelchair and life is hard when you are mobility impaired.

Do you have any life hacks? *

Not really...just pacing and staying grateful for the good things in life

What kind of support do you get from family or friends? *

Excellent support, my husband is wonderful and takes care of a lot around the house that I can't do, and my friends are good listeners!

Have you ever had someone not believe you have an invisible illness because of your appearance and if so are there any examples that stand out? *

Yes, because most of my illnesses are invisible, it can be easy to say "you look fine", but because I use a cane and/or walker, people can tell I have some health issues. Before I used the cane, especially at work, people wouldn't believe me, because I'd still be hauling mailing boxes around and lifting files and stuff, or items for events. I didn't want to show any weaknesses in front of others.

How has your chronic illness affected your relationships? *

No, I've been very lucky. It does affect my sex life, but not my overall relationship with my husband.

Is there anything you are afraid to tell people in your life? *

I have had suicidal thoughts in the past and that's scary to talk about. There's usually a depression that comes with chronic illness and I haven't been immune to that.

Does the fact that your disease is invisible change how healthcare professionals treat you? *

I have great doctors and haven't personally had a problem, but I know of many who have.

What is your best coping mechanism? *

Prayer, meditation, pacing and medications.

What are you the most concerned about and the most hopeful for in the future? *

I'm most concerned about my health continuing to spiral downwards and losing my ability to do "normal' things. I'm most hopeful about the new research into chronic pain and the advances that might be coming to help us.

Is there anything you want to make sure we talk about during the interview? Like an organization you want to promote or something specific that you deal with.

I'm very proud of my volunteer work so would like to make sure that's mentioned.

What is the hardest and/or best lesson your condition has taught you?

That There Is Always Hope!!!

What is the best purchase under $100 that helped your life

The lapboard I use with my Macbook pro so I can live and direct my life from my recliner.