In 2009 I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Living with fibromyalgia hasn’t been an easy journey either. I was so scared because I had no idea what was wrong with me. I felt like I got run over by a truck and wearing clothes hurt. Before my diagnosis, I visited the hospital several times, and they still couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me. So, I became my own advocate. I kept researching until I found doctors that believed me and helped me during this hard time.
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My first traumatic experience was the birth of my daughter. At 17 years old, after 53 terrible hours of labor with no pain medication, I was given an epidermal to push and deliver, the emotional damage was done. It took 2 1/2 hours to deliver. When I was 21 I was diagnosed with high-grade dysplasia in my cervix, and to prevent cervical cancer they removed 50% of my cervix. They said I may not carry another child again and wanted to do a full hysterectomy…
Thinking back and knowing what I know now, I've probably had fibromyalgia all my life. I'm still learning to deal with this. I used to be so active and my head still wants to be all of who I once was. However, my body has a very different agenda. Having a better understanding helps stop some of the worrying moments and it's only when I have accessed support pages, groups, blogs and information sources have I been reassured.
In the beginning I had no idea what was going on. It started in 2000 - pain everywhere and no one had any answers, until in 2010 when my doctor finally gave my way of life a name – fibromyalgia. I had never heard of this disease. I’ve had to learn how to mask my pain and pretend that everything is fine with me. I live my life in pain, but I refuse to allow it to get the best of me. Some days I…
I am 68 now and I still struggle with bad days. My husband is the greatest – he does most of the housework. My Chihuahua loves to sleep in my chair with me. My children and grandchildren brighten my life. Learn how to meditate. Use it as a gift to lessen pain, lower blood pressure and manage depression. I still do containers of flowers outside and walk in my garden often. I try to keep the house neat and still cook often.
I’ve had Fibromyalgia for about six years, but it took a couple of years to get my diagnosis. I know that a lot of people have waited far longer than that, but those two years seemed to go on forever. I started developing sharp pains in my wrist when I was typing at work. Quickly the pain started to spread, my hands became numb, I had neck and back pain and before long I had leg pain and an awkward limp. What was initially thought…
I've always used humor to deal with life’s challenges. If you're laughing, you feel better. It isn't always possible, but even in my darkest moments I try to find a glimmer of humor. I've found that making others smile makes me smile too. It can be so hard not to feel sorry for myself, and feel so many various emotions. Be easy with yourself, rest when you need to, learn how to say no, and try to focus on what you can do now, not…
It took 15 years before I was diagnosed by a rheumatologist. During that time I was repeatedly told that all my symptoms were in my head. I keep a positive outlook on life with the support of my medical team, friend and support group. It took me a long time to accept this diagnosis but now that I have, my life is easier to accept with all of its limitations. I joined a support group online, 10 years ago and they have been my lifeline…
For years I went to doctors asking them to help me figure out why I was in so much pain. Finally a few years ago I ended up back east and my doctor there referred me to a rheumatologist. It took over 20 years to finally get someone to believe me. Don't give up emotionally because it can be very easy to do so. The pain takes a toll emotionally and will break a person down into tears. At this point find a coping skill…
No one could tell me why I was in pain and exhausted all the time. At one point I was seeing seven doctors! Then things began to click! It's my mission now to encourage people to take responsibility for their own wellness. The path to wellness begins by placing one foot in front of the other. We all have a choice to make. Be with your family. And get out of that bed before it claims you as its own!
Before I knew I had fibromyalgia I didn't really know what was wrong, I just knew I was in a lot of pain and so unbelievably tired! I was very young when I started to feel like this, so it was a huge struggle to find people who would take me seriously when I talked about it. I know it's hard, but find support. It's okay to cry and have bad days, just don't let the bad days and people who don't know what you…
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