Power of Support Helps You Cope with a Diagnosis
- WWE wrestling star Raquel (Victoria Gonzalez) Rodriguez, 33, was forced out of the ring to treat her mast cell activation syndrome diagnosis (MCAS). The skin condition causes severe and painful allergic reactions. While undergoing treatment, she credited her support system, comprised of family and friends.
- Common symptoms for this disorder may include itching, hives, swelling, flushing of the skin, causing it to turn red, shortness of breath, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology says.
- If you were recently diagnosed with a worrisome condition or cancer, you likely know about the wide range of emotions that news can bring. This is one of the most difficult phases of your journey toward healing. Psychiatrist Dr. Lori Plutchik stresses it’s during these early stages that a team of supporters can be most useful.
- Patients without a reliable network of loved ones can always seek out a virtual support group or talk to a mental health professional to help them emotionally while battling their condition, disease, or cancer.
WWE star Raquel Rodriguez, 33, shares an emotional video of her journey back into the wrestling ring after a forced hiatus to treat mast cell activation syndrome. This skin condition causes severe and painful allergic reactions.
While on the sidelines for several weeks, the popular Latina wrestler received tons of support from fans and fellow wrestlers alike.
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In an Instagram post shared at the beginning of January, Rodriguez said her diagnosis stopped her from doing what she loved to do.
Rodriguez, whose real name is Victoria Gonzalez, was pulled from active competition during the holidays last year after she started experiencing symptoms related to mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). According to research published in the Journal of Personalized Medicine, the condition is an immune disease that leads to “inflammatory and allergic manifestations.”
Common symptoms for this disorder may include itching, hives, swelling, flushing of the skin, causing it to turn red, shortness of breath, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology says.
MCAS is caused by “aberrant mast cell reactivity due to the mutation of the controller gene,” according to researchers who studied the condition in the Journal of Personalized Medicine.
People living with the skin condition may find that MCAS can be triggered by diet, stress, hormones like estrogens, and infections.
MCAS is often treated with anti-inflammatory medicines that target histamines, such as histamine receptor blockers. Patients may also be asked to alter their diets as part of their treatment regimen if food triggers a flare-up.
The journey is far from over. I finally got some answers as to what caused this but it’s going to be a while til I can get it fully under control.
I know one thing. I’m blessed to have an amazing support system. Family, friends, I love you all❤️
Keep pushing through the pain! pic.twitter.com/2fgSY2tLkb
— Raquel (@RaquelWWE) February 21, 2024
In an emotional social media video shared by the wrestling superstar, Rodriguez showed what her body looks like when she experiences a flare-up with MCAS. Her skin turns bright red in large portions of her body. She is seen at times teary-eyed and emotional while at other times determined to persevere.
“I know one thing. I’m blessed to have an amazing support system. Family, friends, I love you all. Keep pushing through the pain!” Rodriguez said.
Many of Rodriguez’s fans showed their support as she continues to navigate her health journey.
Wrestling social media influencer Stephanie Hypes said, “Glad to see you back and well.”
Women’s wrestling activist under the screenname ‘Vin’ said, “You are such a strong woman! I can’t imagine how hard this was to deal with mentally. Hope you continue to heal in any way you need.”
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“Thank God I moved back to Texas when I did because I have the greatest support system…and you guys on here reminded me I didn’t have to go through this alone,” Rodriguez said in a candid Instagram video.
After a couple of months recovering from MCAS, Rodriguez returned triumphantly to the wrestling ring. Her first match back will be at a big showcase in Perth, Australia, for the “Elimination Chamber” event.
Finding Support Amid a Health Challenge
Building Support, Staying Connected
If you were recently diagnosed with a worrisome condition or cancer, you likely know about the wide range of emotions that news can bring. Immediately following a diagnosis is one of the most difficult phases to overcome.
However, during these early stages, a team of supporters can be most helpful. Your supporters can be made up of close family members and friends. Your support group can also be filled with people outside your inner circle.
Rodriguez shared that moving back to Texas, where she has many family and friends to help her emotionally and physically, was very important to her recovery.
“Some people don’t need to go outside their circle of family and friends. They feel like they have enough support there,” New York-based psychiatrist Dr. Lori Plutchik tells SurvivorNet.
“But for people who feel like they need a little bit more, it is important to reach out to a mental health professional,” she added.
One of the benefits of having supporters includes helping alleviate stress and anxiety following your diagnosis. Supporters can also help advocate for you during treatment.
Sometimes, it is not always easy to share news you have cancer, even among loved ones. In such instances, you can seek a trained professional to center your support group around. Mental health professionals can help fill this space because many are trained to help you navigate your cancer treatment.
“Make sure that the mental health professional that you work with is reaching out with your consent to the rest of your team, to the oncologist, to the surgeon … it can also be helpful to reach out to family, friends, and any other caretakers that may be involved in the person’s treatment,” Dr. Plutchik said.
Dr. Plutchki recommends cancer patients consider the following three steps to get the help they need after a diagnosis:
- Seek additional support if you need it (this could mean speaking to a mental health professional or seeking out a support group)
- Look for a mental health professional with experience helping people in your situation.
- Keep your care team connected. This may include your friends and loved ones, your therapist, and the doctors who are treating your cancer.
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