Abbie's life once revolved around her love for sports. At the beginning of her interview, she highlights how she used to play American football during university and describes the special bond she shares with her mum through their love of roller skating. However, in November 2021, what was supposed to be a fun day at the roller rink took a sudden, devastating turn.
“The rink was short-staffed and didn’t check skates as people came in. I had indoor wheels, and somehow, a piece of gravel from someone else’s skate got stuck in mine, making me fall…”
Whilst she was skating, a piece of gravel lodged in one of Abbie's indoor skate wheels, which sent her crashing onto the hard floor. She landed directly on her tailbone, bouncing upon impact. Abbie recalls the searing pain she experienced at the time, but the full extent of the damage was something that wouldn't fully come to light until hours later at the hospital. Unfortunately, however, due to a combination of COVID-19 backlogs and staffing issues, the response to her injury was slow, which meant that Abbie lay on the floor, unable to feel or move anything below her hips, for two hours until paramedics arrived.
At the hospital, Abbie's already distressing experience was further complicated by multiple issues, including delays in obtaining the necessary scan and mishandling during her CT scan, both of which significantly worsened her already severe pain.
Ultimately, Abbie was eventually diagnosed with spinal trauma and a fracture in her L1 vertebra. But, despite the seriousness of her injury, she was still sent home with nothing more than cocodamol for pain relief. It wasn't until months later—after enduring six months in a brace (double the originally prescribed 12 weeks) and feeling largely overlooked by hospital staff—that she finally received adequate treatment in the form of physiotherapy. Unfortunately, due to the quality of care she received, Abbie's mobility had already been compromised despite a 2023 MRI confirming that her fracture had healed. "They told me that, at best, I could expect to regain only 70% of my mobility," she shares.
For 6 months after her injury, Abbie wore a brace.
“Since the injury, I haven’t had a single day without spinal pain. I’ve seen multiple doctors, but all I’ve received are painkillers and denial."
The ongoing pain and limited mobility Abbie experienced after her accident eventually led to a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, a chronic and often misunderstood health condition. Fibromyalgia is characterised by widespread pain throughout the body, along with extreme fatigue, cognitive issues, and heightened sensitivity to touch. While its exact cause is unknown, it is thought to be linked to abnormal pain processing by the central nervous system, often triggered by trauma or stress—just as in Abbie's case, where her injury may have sparked the condition.
the spread of pain was gradual at first. It started with persistent aches in her knees and ankles, and her energy levels plummeted. She describes how she often found herself exhausted, even after a full night's sleep.
Abbie's boyfriend, James, was the first to suggest fibromyalgia after noticing her symptoms matched what he had read online.
"At first, I dismissed it. I thought people with fibro couldn't work, and I was still working full-time," Abbie admits. Like many, she had misconceptions about the condition, assuming that people with fibromyalgia were often too unwell to work. However, fibromyalgia varies widely from person to person. While some are unable to work, others—like Abbie—continue to push through, though it often comes at a significant cost.
It wasn't until Abbie experienced an overwhelming wave of fatigue, collapsing in James' bedroom from sheer exhaustion, that she began to reconsider. After months of doctor's appointments and tests to rule out other causes, she was officially diagnosed with fibromyalgia in December 2023. The diagnosis was both a relief and a burden, as she finally had an answer but was now faced with the reality of managing a lifelong condition. To complicate matters further, doctors discovered scarring on her spine from the original injury, adding to the chronic pain she was already battling.
Fibromyalgia has impacted Abbie in more ways than just physical pain. The condition is notoriously unpredictable, with "flare-ups" of intense pain and fatigue that can come without warning, making planning for daily life difficult. The mental and emotional toll has been equally challenging. "I already suffered from anxiety and depression, but managing these alongside fibro is tough," Abbie shares. The overstimulation caused by her chronic pain often worsens her anxiety, leading to a vicious cycle where her mental health and physical health feed off each other in a negative loop.
To find out more about Fibromyalgia, click the link below:
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder marked by widespread musculoskeletal pain, accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, memory issues, and mood swings. This condition often amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way the brain and spinal cord process painful and non-painful signals.
“My hardest challenge is knowing my limits, as my capability seems to change daily.”
In her interview, Abbie acknowledges that one of the most challenging hurdles she has faced since being diagnosed with fibromyalgia is the need to come to terms with the unpredictable nature of her condition.
"Some days I have more 'spoons' than others," she explains, referencing the Spoon Theory, a popular metaphor among those with chronic illnesses. In this analogy, each 'spoon' represents a unit of energy, and people with fibromyalgia or similar conditions start each day with a limited number of spoons. Every task—whether it's getting dressed, going to work, or socialising—costs spoons, and once they're gone, they're gone.
For Abbie, the challenge lies in balancing her energy. It's often not until she has pushed herself too far that she realises she's run out of spoons, and by then, it's too late to avoid the exhaustion or pain that inevitably follows. The consequences can be severe: a flare-up that leaves her bedridden for days or overwhelming fatigue that makes even basic tasks impossible. This unpredictability has forced her to reevaluate how she manages her daily life, but the emotional toll has been just as difficult.
"I find it really hard to say no," Abbie admits. Cancelling plans or setting boundaries often fills her with intense guilt, even though she knows it's necessary for her health. Whether it's turning down social events with friends or not meeting her personal goals, Abbie finds herself battling the pressure to push through.
This pressure is something many people with chronic illnesses face, where societal expectations of productivity clash with their physical limitations. Also, because her pain and fatigue aren't outwardly visible, Abbie often feels misunderstood or underestimated. While she knows her limits, the fear of disappointing others or not living up to expectations adds another has often led her to overexert herself on more than one occasion, only to pay for it later with debilitating pain and fatigue.
Abbie is still trying to find acceptance of the unpredictability of fibromyalgia and the understanding that every day can look different in terms of what she can and cannot do. For Abbie, living with fibromyalgia is not just about managing the physical pain—it's about navigating the emotional complexities that come with a condition that can make her feel as though she's constantly falling short, even when she's doing her very best.
Throughout her journey, Abbie has discovered that small, comforting moments bring her the most relief when things get tough. She begins by saying, “My hot water bottle and a good pair of comfy pyjamas bring me a lot of joy," highlighting how simple comforts can often make difficult days a bit easier.
Her two cats have also become a huge part of her support system. Cuddling up with them provides her with the emotional reassurance and companionship that pets often offer, particularly when she's feeling isolated by her condition.
Time spent with her family, her partner James, and his family plays a vital role in helping her cope. Their unwavering support has been a steady source of strength, reminding her she’s not facing this journey alone.
Abbie has also found escape through books, which have always been a massive part of her life.
"I love getting lost in a good book," she shares. Reading offers her distraction from the pain and stress that accompanies her condition, allowing her mind to wander to other worlds, far removed from her physical struggles.
This love for literature has also led her to start a 'bookstagram' account, a space on social media where she shares her thoughts on books, connects with fellow readers, and celebrates her passion for reading.
It has become more than just a hobby—it's a source of joy and a way to build a supportive community around her. "I've made so many new book friends," she says. Starting this creative outlet has been invaluable for Abbie, especially when her condition isolates her from more social and physical activities.
“My proudest achievement is that I’ve continued working through all this. I completed my master's degree, even having to study at home on painkillers and be bedbound for three months. I then went back to teaching and got a job in a college lecturing in English, which was always my dream job!"
Furthermore, despite the physical and emotional toll that fibromyalgia has taken, Abbie has achieved remarkable things in the face of adversity. "One of my biggest accomplishments is continuing to work through it all," she says proudly. Not only did she complete her master's degree—despite being bedridden and on painkillers for three months—but she also returned to teaching and secured her dream job as a college lecturer in English.
"I always wanted to teach at the college level," she shares. "It was my dream job, and I made it happen."
Even when her body felt like it was failing her, Abbie's perseverance is a testament to her strength and resilience!
Abbie has also lost 4.5 stone and was named Women of the Year in her slimming world group!
Additionally, Abbie achieved another incredible milestone this year by losing 4.5 stone and being named Woman of the Year in her Slimming World group. After facing numerous health challenges, she made the decision to take back control of her body in ways she could. Abbie did this for herself, working hard every step of the way, and she was proud to be recognised by her group for her dedication and commitment!
“It’s okay to say no, and to put yourself first. Some days, your “little” things can be big achievements.”
Abbie's 'note of hope' to her past self reflects on the many lessons she has learned, while also acknowledging the ongoing process of coming to terms with certain aspects of her journey.
"It's okay to say no and to put yourself first," she says, reassuring the person she used to be that it's not only acceptable but necessary to listen to her body and prioritise her well-being. Many of us could benefit from this message—understanding that self-care isn't selfish but essential to facing any challenge.
Her advice would also come with a sense of empowerment: "Some days, your 'little' things can be big achievements."
Whether making it through a workday or simply allowing herself to rest, Abbie has learned to appreciate and celebrate small victories. She now understands that each step forward—no matter how small—matters.
She adds, "You can still do everything you dream of, as long as you make the right adjustments and pace yourself," reminding her past self that success and fulfilment are still within reach, even if the path looks different.
Abbie wraps up her reflection with a cherished piece of wisdom from her grandad: "Rome wasn't built in a day!"
This simple yet powerful reminder emphasises that healing, growth, and success take time—and that's perfectly okay. In sharing this note of hope, Abbie offers a message not just to her past self but to anyone who is struggling: the journey may be long, but every step forward is progress.
“Having a disability doesn’t define you or make you any less of who you were before diagnosis- you can still do everything you dream of if you can make the right adjustments and pace yourself!”
Thank you Abbie for sharing your inspiring story for the 'A Note of Hope' project.
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