You’ve likely never heard of Budd Chiari Syndrome, but for Kimberly Munoz, it’s her life. It’s a rare liver disease that causes the veins in the liver (hepatic) to be either narrowed or blocked. This interrupts the natural flow of blood in and out of the liver, and back to the heart. This blockage can happen slowly or sudden, and can cause minor or serious liver damage, says Healthline.
In this article, Kimberly shares her experience living with Budd Chiari Syndrome and how having a chronic illness has impacted her daily life. Let’s take a look…
I knew life with chronic illness would come with its own set of roadblocks, but I can’t say that I was prepared for them. As much as I wish there was, there isn’t a manual for it. Even after 12 years, I still struggle with most of these things.
Not Being Able to Work
Just weeks before I found out I was pregnant, I was applying for jobs. We had just moved to a new state and were living with my in-laws. My oldest was about to start school and we had all but given up hope on having another baby. So the time had come for me to go back to work. Then I was diagnosed with Budd Chiari Syndrome. I figured working would be put on the back burner for a little while but had no idea it would be this long.
At an appointment, the doctor asked me if I worked? When I said no, he told me that was good because with the way things were looking, being able to work and take care of my health was going to be a challenge. He wasn’t kidding. That September I had appointments almost every day. I can’t imagine having just started a job and taking all but two days off. Then when things got worse and I was diagnosed with Hepatic Encephalopathy, it was clear to us what he meant. I had memory loss, slurred speech, fatigue, and the medication has me running to the bathroom all day.
My employment options at that point were pretty slim. When I started my blog I had never dreamed of making any money with it but thankfully over the years, I have had a few opportunities to do that and it’s been such a big help. It in no way replaces having a full time job, but it helps.