what a year!

This time last year I got the diagnosis that would forever change my life, I finally was able to justify to myself that all this pain I had was not in my head and that I was right in following my gut and fighting for 6 years to be heard and get a diagnosis.

The 21st of July will always hold such a special place in my heart. For me it signifies that I am not alone. Regardless of what you are fighting for - you will get there! It is only now knowing what we do, that it was such a miracle to have even been tested for this parasite. Hardly any places test for Gnathostamiasis. Although many people ask 'do I wish I didn't go on that holiday?'. Although it would have been nice to not have gone through such a traumatic period I have become such a stronger person and I believe that I got it because I can make a change or at least help people.

This year has come with many lows. From my first two months of treatment being practically house bound, to the many days and nights where I have needed to be sedated as the pain was so unbearable. To becoming a canine unit, I could smell anything within 500m, and almost all smells made me nauseous and thats just to name a few.

But, this past year has had its fair share of triumphant highs. I have finally found friends that have accepted and encouraged me and my condition and have always been there for me. I am loved by so many people and if it wasn't for that love I would not be the happy person I am today. I don't need to name names, you all know who you are and how much you are loved by me. I also for 3 weeks had no pain! although it has come back, I know that life can always get better.

I am surrounded by the most amazing and supporting family, whether that be from Perth, Sydney or Melbourne you continue to care and simple questions when we talk to ask how I really am, makes me feel loved and supported.

My family has truly been the reason I have been able to get where I am today. Peter, your humour, love and forcing to be social on my darkest days made me the person I am today. Sheree, you truly are the most amazing sister anyone could have, you were the first person to cry when I got the diagnosis, because you knew that hopefully one day you would get your obnoxiously loud sister back. From coming into hospital stays and doing my makeup to help me feel human to sitting with me in bed and watching netflix to the constant music suggestions. I love you, there is nobody like you in the world, stay fabulous!. Luke, our Maccas runs and carpool karaoke are extraordinary, love you little bro. Gaz, you are truly the man who has loved me and held me together all these years, you have been the best father I could ever have had. Never once did you doubt me, you instead encouraged me to keep fighting. I love you.

Finally to Mumma Trishy! you have been the driving force and encouraged me to find a diagnosis, from talking to so many people asking for suggestions of where else to go, what else to try and what specialist is best. To being the person that lied with me in bed for hours on end to ensure that I wasn't alone on those horrible sleepless nights. You have kept me together. You fought for me when doctors told me 'it was all I my head'. Mum, although I am sure I have aged you 20 years you are the person I run to tell whenever I have new pain or none at all. I love you mum, I could honestly never gotten to where I am now without you by my side.

From here I am looking into the future. This year I finish my VCE, hopefully start university and to continue to encourage individuals to keep looking for answers.

Thank you to everyone.

Carly xx