Say the word "exercise" to a person with Fibromyalgia, and you will most likely get a negative response. Exercise is a harsh and ugly word. It has become synonymous with pain to most of us. Rare is the Fibromyalgia patient who embraces exercise. Not only does it elicit a pain response in most of us, but it also sends our defenses up. Too, too many times we have heard the unsolicited advice, "If you would only exercise you would feel much better." We could all give examples of some of the insensitive and inaccurate things we have heard, that is not at question here, but what is under … [Read more...]
September is a Great Month for Awareness
It is estimated that more than 30 million people suffer daily from chronic pain, and and even more from chronic invisible illnesses. Fibromyalgia patients make up a good portion of those suffering, and we should be as interactive as possible with the many activities scheduled this month designed to improve chronic pain and bring awareness to invisible illness. From The American Pain Foundation: September provides a unique opportunity to highlight the work organizations and individuals do all year to improve pain treatment, raise awareness, dispel tragic myths and spark much needed change in … [Read more...]
30 Things About Me & One About Facebook
FibroHaven on Facebook Last month I started a FibroHaven page on facebook. I have been promoting it quietly with a link on my sidebar, and with little fanfare we are already up to over 200 participants. It is meant to be a compliment to my blog and a quick way for me to share current articles and information. You do not need sign up on facebook to participate. Just click on this link to FibroHaven on facebook and join in on the conversation. If you are signed up on facebook, click on the "become a fan" button and the daily posts will feed automatically to your home page. I hope you enjoy this … [Read more...]
The Start of a New Decade
I turn forty this week. It is a milestone I am eager to embrace. I know, we women are supposed to fight aging with any means possible, but not me. Bring it on! I spent my twenties in a haze of parties and adventure. Oh the fun I had! I paid for that fun in my thirties. My thirties have been a decade of pain and frustration. After developing Fibromyalgia in my late twenties, I spent most of my thirties a slave to my symptoms. But that is all changing. It started with this blog, and all the research I do to stay informed and up to date. Knowledge is power I tell you. I am learning more and … [Read more...]
Things I Love #8: Koko & Barks of Love
Last March I shared with you the passing of my sweet lab and companion Casey. We were best friends for 14 years, and after she passed I really didn't think I would want another dog again. After all, we still had our funny Finley to keep us company and entertain us with his goofiness. And don't forget our cats Monty & Moby, brothers-in-arms-and-antics. We have plenty of fur flying around the house thank you very much! But then Koko happened. My sister's friend Judi volunteers for an awesome animal rescue and placement service Barks of Love. Most of their animals are rescued from … [Read more...]