16 years ago, my life changed forever. I was an 11-year-old girl beginning her life at secondary school which was already a big transition as it is every young girl’s life.

However, it was not the only change in my life, in 2008 I had developed symptoms of widespread chronic pain. I was left with no understanding or answers as to what this pain was, how to make it better or why this was happening. I was then diagnosed with chronic pain syndrome 4 years later in 2012. It was only 7 years later in 2019 the diagnosis changed to Fibromyalgia which although it was a diagnosis it is where I lost a lot of my hope. Knowing there was no cure or very much knowledge to this unbearable, excruciating pain that I was experiencing 24/7 at such a young age was soul destroying.

But here I am 16 years later living the life I am today; I am an Upper Second-class Graduate, I have been thankfully employed for the last 8 years, I have my partner, family and close friends around me, I am a Mauritian sega dancer and I try to remain positive. Don’t get me wrong getting to the place of peace and acceptance that I have reached was far from easy and I still have really bad days but I know that’s okay!

I want to raise awareness and support others through their journey so please share and feel free to message me through my instagram @katsfightwithfibro if you need support. Visit my blog katrinasfightwithfibro.com to hear more about my story.