My Story: Marketta Vest-Hiller

What were the steps leading up to your diagnosis?

I had always been fatigued due to my Graves' Disease (thyroid) however after my son was born via cesarean I added to my symptom list: intense back pain, memory loss, whole body aches and fatigue. I was always incredibly exhausted.

What lifestyle changes have you needed to make?

My life has changed completely since my diagnosis. I slowly became incapable of functioning at work because of my confusion and pain. As a result, I was fired. Everything that I do each day, even something as simple as twisting the toothpaste cap, is difficult due to my pain.

Who has been there for you? How?

My husband has been my strength and my biggest supporter. He encouraged and helped me to find doctors that could uncover what was wrong with me. Now, post-diagnosis, he will do anything from doing the laundry to cooking to caring for our son when I am too weak or hurting. I would be lost without him.

I was always incredibly exhausted.

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Never give up and no matter how cliché it sounds: literally take one day at a time.

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What accomplishment are you proud of?

I am proud of my ability to remain a positive person and still be able to, in my son’s eyes, be the best mom ever.

Is there anything else we should know?

I really enjoy the theatre and photography and, of course, being with my awesome family.

Write things down because you will forget.

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

Never give up and no matter how cliché it sounds: literally take one day at a time. Don't ever forget who you are deep down, not even on your darkest, hardest day. Oh, and write things down because you will forget.

About Marketta Vest-Hiller

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia after having a c section with my now 4 1/2 year old son Jacob. My life has been turned upside down in absolutely every aspect. Cooking cleaning playing with Jacob all has to be segmented and carefully planned so that I do not over do it. My memory is also very affected I have to write everything down or I will forget about it. I'm usually "spacey" and get dizzy a lot. I have tried the medications to no avail and have changed diet and exercise to help cope. I hope that one day it will be solved so that we as suffers can maybe live a pain free life again. I feel lost within this new broken body and most of the time instead of explaining what Fibro is I just don't say anything about it it's easier.

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My advice to you is to love yourself, take your time, and ask for help if you need it. — Christina Garcia

Never give up and stay positive and find what works for you.— Julie Mock

For me to be able to, at this time in my life, take care of myself is more than I thought I could do.— Debbie Smith

Comments by Vanilla

September 11

When I could sit in a chair at work 45 min and then 30 min,I got serious.

November 25

Marketta, this was inspirational. It was also a good reminder to be more careful about overextending. I pray you will find relief.

October 24

RA an Fibromyalgia is a terrible disabling disease... I have had it now for over 10 years and it is robbing me of my very soul.. People do look at you like your fine and nothings wrong with you, when all you want to do is scream out in pain.. I dont talk to much about it, because there arent a…

October 23

Understand completely. Today, I am trying to recover from a wonderful family reunion we had over the week end. It is so frustrating, to want to do something and don't have the energy to do it anymore and the pain is so bad sometimes. It has taken a long time for some of my friends and family to…

October 23

I was just diagnosed with post traumatic fibromyalgia and some days I can't even move, it hurts so bad. I'm having a hard time accepting that I have it, yet at the same time, my pain is so real, most days I just cry. I feel really bad, because even though my husband is very helpful, I feel like he…

October 22

People never understand what they don't suffer!!

October 20

My doctors are afraid to give me anything strong enough to help, and you are right Flonase, the cold and damp weather hurts me too, last is my family don't understand the pain and being so tired all the time!

October 19

Whitney Hale , this might be of use to you? Xxx

October 18

Thanks for sharing your story, Markhetta. It must be so hard to have Fibro w a baby!

October 18

I have fibromyalgia.and tried many things over past 25 yrs. I am no longer on any medications I found natural based products along with healthy eating and massage that work amazing for me and my overall health improved by 80% . More energy and better sleep too ! Please feel free to message me