Christina LiRosi's Story

What were the steps leading up to your diagnosis?

In 1986, I was electrocuted and had total body internal burns, according to Clifton Springs Hospital burn unit and was in semi-coma state for two months.

Shooting pain continued throughout the year. In 1991 I had an emergency c-section where the epidural had a window-affect and didn't take on the right side. Note: the electrocution went into the right hand and exited out the left foot; causing more damage to the right side.

My recovery was slow and long, but I had my beautiful Jessica Lynn. Then in 1994 I VBAC delivered another beautiful daughter, Danielle, but miscarried one of the twins at end of the first trimester.

After three months I realized my body was not able to 'bounce back' as my range of motion was down to 6" total body, according to the Myofascial Pain Clinic in PA. With many answered prayers and two and a half years of muscle pain therapy from David Hanas, Rochester, NY and continual countless hours of stretching and eventually exercising I did bounce back enough to maintain normality with continued loyalty to my body; even through a divorce in 2002.

A single parent in 2007 had many challenges with a toddler and two young teenagers (actively involved in cheerleading) all living in a house in LeRoy, NY. Worked part-time in Batavia for the county. Was taking court reporting classes two nights a week in Rochester. And sadly committing to Geneva to spend as much time as possible with my mother whose health was failing.

A year into this, Jessica moved out to attend college in Canandaigua so add that move to the mix. Forced to reach out to Nicole's father for help to care for her during my two college nights turned out to be a huge mistake as after a few times he just stopped showing up.

I lost my health routine completely and slowly. The fibro crept back into my system.

I stopped going to college due to the fact that guilt prevented progress even though I had obtained high honors until the tragedy struck and the program at MCC closed. I was raised to never give up, but I am human after all.

Nevertheless, my body slowly broke down again. I began working in the insurance business with many hours of sitting in meetings and sitting while driving; not good.

In Nov 2015 I got the flu and was dysfunctional for a month. Although I tried hard as I could to return to work the pain was intensifying. Stiffness and tightness became more extreme and eventually, my 5th metatarsal snapped; broken foot in a cast!

The six-week weight of the cast pulling on my left side plus crutches and carting around a laptop, client info, and materials stressed my body to the max and I completely crashed to the point of disability as of February 2017.

I currently see 3 medical professionals and continually look for knowledge regarding this mysterious illness that science seems to have led to a mental weakness and trigger.

Who has been there for you? How?

My baby girl Nicole, my best friend Judy, and a couple of other friends, my neighbor Paul, and my sisters Jan & Sherry, but I don't talk much due to the same old rollercoaster story going on and on like the song that doesn't end.

Also, my medical professionals. I wish I could go to muscle pain therapy massages but can't afford that support.

Thankfully I remember many techniques from when I received muscle pain therapy before that I apply to myself between 6-16 hours a day; my body rules while in a meditative state. Epsom salt baths in my jacuzzi bathtub are essential as well.

What lifestyle changes have you needed to make?

I'm disabled and dysfunctional with everything in my life from limited driving (thus housebound except for my 12-year olds necessities of course).

Realized I wasn't cooking enough when her pediatrician stated Nicole grew 4" taller but lost weight and needs to eat more.

My house chores and finances are out of control, and I realize my life is similar to an elderly unhealthy person's lifestyle including heating pad set up in my living room.

What accomplishment are you proud of?

I continue to be positive and hopeful that I will get this illness under control again and push through pain to try to function as normal as possible.

What's your advice to someone else living with Fibromyalgia?

I find listening to Kaleb radio station aids in spiritual healing to raise positivity and lower stressors. Meditation and hit Epsom salt baths make stretching easier and less painful.

It's a fine line to learn what good pain is versus bad pain but essential to master. Stretch everywhere possible. Even in the grocery store one can take note to stretch for her GG shelf items, bend, lean to the sides... all while looking normal.

I also work off pressure points (especially on my neck, shoulders, and thighs) while driving. Work it into your lifestyle to multitask and merge a new healthier continuous lifestyle with loving grace.

Is there anything else we should know?

I love life and put up with negative people for way too long. I've cleaned house and made amends with some family while letting others overwhelmed with confusion and disgust go.

Trust me, hold onto positives and let go of negatives. They don't necessarily have to be forever, so be brave and demand respect from everyone in your life.