The very first symptom that showed was the exhaustion and brain fog. No matter what I did, I would wake up and feel tired to my bones in a way I’d never felt before. I felt as if I was in my 80s rather than my 30s

Frequently had to rest my hands on my lower back to help feel supported

Frequently had to sit or lay down, especially towards the end of the day

When I would sit, would feel pressure still as if I was late-stage pregnancy

Would wince in pain when walking

Would find ways to self-medicate (binge watch tv late into night to distract myself from how bad I felt, indulge in nightly wine or sweets)

Frequently took Midol to feel some relief from inflammation