He’s always exhausted and it hurts all the time. Patrick Schutz from Neuchâtel suffers from fibromyalgia, a chronic illness that disability insurance doesn’t cover.
Pain, pain, nothing but pain: Patrick Schuts (41) from Neuchâtel still thinks he has the flu – without a fever, but with immense fatigue. He wants to stay in bed all day and spend time there. “Every part of my body hurts, luckily not all at once,” he told the magazine “L’illustré”.
Patrick Schutz and his partner’s daughter, Naya, are three years old.
Even if he only plays with him for 20 minutes, the power goes out throughout the day. “I’m as exhausted as I’ve ever been while I’m asleep, so I wake up.” He’s lost a lot of friends who think he’s lying. You can’t go out with them in the evening like you used to, going to bed at 7 p.m. to relax.
A year later, her debilitating diagnosis was revealed: fibromyalgia. An estimated 400,000 people in Switzerland are affected. The problem:
Disability insurance (DI) does not cover fibromyalgia. There is no scientific evidence: blood tests and X-rays provide no evidence. Fibromyalgia is characterized by hundreds of symptoms. It is determined by the absence of other illnesses and by a test: usually using weak points.
If there is an increase in discomfort in at least 11 of the 18 (weak points), there is a risk of fibromyalgia. Both diagnostic points are similar to the tendon motor approach. Since the cause of the disease is unknown, clinical treatments can only limit it.
Patrick’s defense team is expected to take other medications: painkillers, antibiotics, supplements, stomach-protecting medications, and drops for irritated or dry eyes. “It’s an invisible illness,” the defense team said. He wants to reach as many people as possible. He created a Facebook page to raise awareness about fibromyalgia.
Patrick has been unemployed for two years and relies on social support. If the IV included pain at least partially, it would have already been recorded. Due to his anxiety and chronic fatigue, he needs financial support. His greatest hope is a recent campaign that has just been launched, calling for fibromyalgia to be recognized as a condition.
He plays with his daughter Naya, but his strength runs out after 20 minutes.
To relieve the pain, Patrick lies on a mat.
The relationship between Patrick and Sylvie’s partner has also become complicated. Since he’s been going to bed early, it’s not just the songs on TV that are playing. Naya is shocked that Dad falls asleep at the same time. Patrick Schutz doesn’t know how long his illness will last: “I’m only 41 years old and I live in the body of an old man!”
Patrick believes the past can cause more traumatic experiences. He was present when his father killed a man with a rock in front of his eyes at the age of 17.
Patrick has no contact. The birth of his daughter was also bad: both mother and child almost died. Patrick: “These things deeply upset me.” He hopes to do something with his wife and daughter, but his poverty and the little money he earns do not make this dream a reality.
