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I Am More Than My Medical Diagnoses

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I’m a medical record number.

I’m a hospital ID band.

I’m a name on a chart.

I’m a hospital room occupant.

I’m an extensive medical history.

I’m a long list of medications.

With an even longer list of symptoms.

I’m a patient.

But I’m more than just another patient — I’m so much more.

My name is Jessica, and yes I happen to have epilepsy, nutcracker syndrome, pelvic congestion syndrome, anxiety, and undiagnosed chronic pain, but I’m more than my diagnoses.

Do you want to know who I really am?

I’m a passionate, caring, empathic individual.

I love helping people which is why I’m a nurse (and one of the reasons I started blogging, to hopefully connect with others).

I’m open-minded and understanding and a bit irritable at times — you can ask my family and my boyfriend, they might tell you it’s true.

I’m not perfect; I don’t ever claim to be. But every day I try to be better and I try my best to not let my diagnoses define who I am.

How do you define yourself?

Follow this journey at Nurse’s Notions

We want to hear your story. Become a Mighty contributor here.

Originally published: April 19, 2017
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