Almost a little more than ten years ago my older sister was diagnosed with a terrible chronic illness called Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome and Abdominal Migraines, also known as CVS. I also have CVS and I have been suffering for about four years now and not only has it affected both my sister and me, but it also affects our family and friends. Here is just a small glimpse into our lives living with the horrible illness.

Some people think that we made up this illness up in our heads.

Of course our family and friends know the real truth, they have seen what we have to suffer through and most people have not so they do not really understand exactly what it means to have CVS. When I turned eighteen I was not able to be treated by my pediatric doctor who has been mine and my sisters doctor since she has been diagnosed. Since I was an adult now at the hospital I go to my doctor has no authority to treat me. Many doctors have never seen a case of CVS so they doubt whether it is just made up and that we are drug seekers especially because they want nothing to do with speaking with a pediatric doctor when I am an adult. It is sad how quick to judge people are.

I hate having to let my friends down.

There is nothing I can not stand more is when I make plans with my friends and I feel like I am always canceling on them. I know that it is not my fault that I am sick but I still feel bad. I know that we are all in college and we all work and our schedules are all different so it is hard to find time to get us all together sometimes. Even when I am sick I know I can count on my friends to be right by my side. They always try to stay right by my side when they can when I am in the hospital, I really do have amazing friends. I am so forever grateful for them.

Letting my work down.

Obviously I know that my work knows that I can not help when I get sick but I know that they get tired of me getting sick and having to call out. When I am at work I know that I am a good worker but there is not a single thing I can do about it if I am sick. Especially when we do not have very many extra employees so it is nearly impossible to find coverage when I am sick. My sister is lucky enough to be on disability so she does not have to worry about this part of our daily struggles.

Having to take medicine daily.

I know that the medicine is suppose to help me but in the long run medications start to build up a tolerance and it is not as effective as it once was. Another thing, taking so many pills daily starts to deteriorate the inside of your body .