Sherry Parker's Story

What were the steps leading up to your diagnosis?

My employer sent me to his chiropractor due to some back and neck pain issues I was having. After two visits, he told me I needed to see my personal physician as whatever was going on with me, he could not possibly take care of it. After a few tests, the fibro card was played. That was in 2006. I have been in treatment of all kinds since then.

What lifestyle changes have you needed to make?

I no longer have a lifestyle. Fibromyalgia rules my life. I have to take one day at a time and do what I am able as each day comes. A lot of days, that means spending most of the day in bed. I am (legally) chemically dependent. I wake up every morning in extreme pain and in drug withdrawal because the dosages do not carry me through the night. It takes me two to three hours each morning after I take my medications to acclimate to the day.

Who has been there for you? How?

My best supporters are the people I’ve met who also have fibro, or similar health issues. They are the only ones who truly understand and I thank God for them. I am a firm believer that if you don't have it, you don't "get" it. Most of them I have met on social media sites. I have many of their personal addresses and phone numbers – they are located all over the US and one day I would like to meet each of them in person. They have all been a genuine source of love and support.

What accomplishment are you proud of?

I am not a materialistic person. I have what I need and that's more than enough. I am a firm believer in random acts of kindness. Most of these are inexpensive, if they cost anything at all. The joy of knowing I’ve made someone's life a little easier and a little happier, and brought a smile to their face and love to their heart fills me with so much gratitude. The feelings created through these acts of genuine love and caring reflect back onto me and those are the warmest, most realistic feelings of all. All of our lives should feel this great.

I used to have a job that I loved, but I cannot work now. We used to go out dancing on the weekends in the winter and camping and fishing in the summer. We were very socially active, meeting up with friends and family all the time. Now I am lucky to have a good enough day to attend any kind of function. My pain varies from day to day and hour to hour, but it is always with me.

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

Find your strength through the good Lord (or your personal higher power) and those who suffer with you. They are the only ones who will ever truly understand the life you are living. Love everyone, but don't expect them to understand what they do not know. It's not their fault. I was in their shoes at one time in my life.

Is there anything else we should know?

I bake and create 3D cakes. Most of these have been made as random acts of kindness. I have sent them all over the U.S. at random, without forewarning. I have done a little bit of everything from animals to fairies to planes, trains and automobiles. I have not had any professional training nor have I ever seen any of the Cake Boss type shows, though I would love to. I have been told by many that most of my work could be on their shows and I take that as a very high compliment. My fibro does make or break my cake decorating, and I have had to throw a few out because I didn't have the strength to finish them.