How Having a Dog Has Helped Me Manage the Fire of Erythromelalgia
For months I had been searching for a dog. I already knew that I was going to name her “Mimis.” In Spanish, this is a term that translates to “nap” or “naptime.” I have always loved and cherished taking naps, and I thought it was the cutest little name. But, in 2016 I was diagnosed with a rare disease known as erythromelalgia (EM). This is a debilitating neurovascular disorder that usually causes burning and stinging pain in ones extremities. Before my diagnosis, I was debating whether to get a dog, but once I started feeling this horrible pain I thought, “I can’t even walk to the mailbox without crying. How would I walk a dog?”
After experimenting with different medications, I finally found something that suppressed the pain. A month later, I got my new best friend, Mimis the Maltipoo.
Mimis is almost two years old and she has been a consistent joy and support in my life. She goes everywhere with me — she even went to work with me at my last job. My employer thought it would be a good idea to bring her to help manage my stress because stress can often lead to a flare. Little did I know that Mimis would actually help my co-workers more than me. I had co-workers come into my office and close the door and say I just need some Mimis time. She would sit in their lap and often try to lick their face or just stare at them with her big brown eyes. After a few moments of puppy therapy they would be smiling and say something like, “You make everything better, Mimis.”
Mimis loves to play fetch and run around, but when I am not feeling well she just sits with me. It is amazing how she knows how I am feeling and exactly how to comfort me. In the darkness of my thoughts she always finds me and brings me to the light. I have experienced depression, loneliness, and isolation, but Mimis always provides me with company when I am lonely, and always makes me smile when I am sad.
A dog’s unconditional love has helped me more than any medication on the market. I am truly writing this blog today just to say thanks to my little fur child, Mimis.
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My name is Kristie Perez and I was diagnosed with Erythromelagia (EM) in February 2016. EM is a rare disorder that causes burning pain, warmth, and redness in the extremities; this usually occurs in the feet and hands (NORD, 2017). I have been able to manage a lot of my pain with medication and social support. It has held me back from many things, but I continue to push on everyday. I recently graduated from the University of Southern California with my doctorate in social work. My focus is developing programs to help eradicate social isolation among adults with rare disease, disabilities, and chronic pain.
kristiecperez