If I asked you what your biggest challenge has been since developing Fibromyagia would you say the isolation? For many people the answer would be "yes." Isolation is a very real issue for people living with Fibromyalgia and chronic illness. Many of us have had to change careers or quit working altogether. We limit our socialization because it is too painful or we are too tired to participate. And eventually we find that our social circles have moved on, or they cannot relate to the unpredictable and debilitating nature of our illness. Fibromyalgia is an elusive illness and easily … [Read more...]
I Lost Control and Liked it!
Yesterday was FibroHaven's monthly roundtable meeting. The topic for the meeting was "Working With Fibromyalgia." The plan was to have a focused discussion and answer questions like: Are you able to work? Did you have to change careers? Do you work full-time or part-time? Are you self-employed? Do you work from home? Are you on disability? Can you work while on disability? Topics for a very interesting conversation, right? (In fact the latest edition of Fibromyalgia Aware Magazine is focused on this topic. If you are not already subscribed, I highly recommend you do and start … [Read more...]
Working with Fibromyalgia
For nearly everyone I know with Fibromylagia, it is not the pain, or the fatigue, or even the restless sleep that frustrates them the most, it is the feeling of no longer being productive or able to contribute. How many of us have had to quit our jobs or restructure our lives completely because of this illness? Most of us I am sure. And for those of you still maintaining your lives and careers, it is through sheer strength and will that you are able to do so. For myself, Fibromyalgia has forced me into two career changes. I was in management at a high-pressure, fast-paced company when I … [Read more...]
Today I am the Tortoise, not the Hare
Do you ever feel like you have bitten off more than you can chew? Man I have a lot going on right now - a lot of good things going on right now. I have teased in the past that I am working towards bigger and better things for FibroHaven. I want this to be more than just a blog where I come to relieve my tension, share my experiences, and hopefully educate and entertain you. I want this blog to be the foundation for a whole infrastructure of community, heath, and wellness, which we are all so hopefully pursuing. And I am working on it. To that end, I am finding that each day I have more … [Read more...]
Fibromyalgia: The Great Momentum Equalizer
Wow! Last week was bad. Hell really. One of my most intense flare-ups I have had in a while; the kind of pain and fatigue that literally distorts your facial features. The few times I bothered to look in the mirror last week and take inventory, I was amazed at how awful the stranger peering back at me looked. It was a really long week. It was nothing new. We have all been there. We will all be there again. Then why, each time I suffer that severe of a flare, does it all seem so desperate and unending? Fibromyalgia is such a bitch! Just go back and read my last post written on a good day … [Read more...]