I just found this thread and was so happy to find it. I also have health issues due to the domestic violence I endured. I was raped by my husband many times over 11 years, and didn't tell anyone. I stuffed it in and hid it pretty well. But, on Nov. 17, 1998, it started to take its toll on my health. I got very ill. Turns out, according to the doctor, the stress from the abuse was too much for me to 'carry' and it damaged my immune system. I have a rare auto-immune disorder that has left me deaf on my left side, hard of hearing on my right side, with minimal vision problems, and my right balance nerve completely destroyed.
What started my whole thought process with this is that my left shoulder has begun to dislocate and I have to put it back in myself. I went to the doctor and after looking at the x-rays she asked if there had been prior trauma to it. I explained to her about the many nights that I had to push my hands against the wall to prevent my head from hitting it..during the incidents. She said that even though it was only 5 years ago that I left, the damages to my body are now starting to be revewaled. I was shocked I guess, to know that there can be no apparent injuries from the abuse, until years later.
It's no nice to know that I'm not alone with this. I used to love to play basketball. I played for almost 20 years. I can't do that anymore, because of my balance loss. Only now am I beginning to attempt singing again. I was thinking the other day how this is a permanent scar I will always have..not only a constant reminder of the abuse I endured, but also a constant reminder that I survived and can now take back my life!
