Newcastle

I’m Nicola, I’m 42 and live just outside of Newcastle. I try to keep active with light QiGong, I have a strong spiritual practice with meditation being one the most important tools in my toolbox, and I enjoy travelling.

The memories I have of my symptoms go back to around the age of 12, and since then the symptoms have become more varied and life impacting, starting with gut issues then joints, fatigue, and allergies to name a few.

I spent much of my 20’s chronically fatigued with many tests but no diagnosis, I tried to keep up with the ‘normal’ pace of life but always wondered why I couldn’t and would tire so easily. Without a diagnosis I spent the next decade taking my health into my own hands which led me down many natural paths, including making adjustments to diet, mindset and lifestyle.

After seeking support of many knowledgeable therapists, I recently received a diagnosis for hEDS which was a massive relief, and finally over 20 years later has pieced together all of the seemingly random symptoms. I’m pleased to say that now in my 40’s my quality of life has improved since my 20’s, I may not be able to do all the things I’d like to but I’m grateful for where I’ve got to and they quality of life I now have.

I’ve led many teams throughout my career I really understand the value that can be gained by brining groups of people together to share, help and support each other, so becoming an area volunteer coordinator seemed like the obvious thing to do to help people within the North East. I recognise everyone has their own stories and will have been on their own journey, or may just be starting out, and I hope we can grow the Newcastle group into a supportive place for everyone to share and feel supported at whatever stage you’re at. I hope to meet you all near future at the Newcastle support group.