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...]
Focusing on Fibromyalgia with the NFA
Last month I had the honor of hosting the first Fibro Focus event organized by the National Fibromyalgia Association and their sponsor Pfizer Inc. The event was open to the local North San Diego community, and was attended by more than 50 people, including members of FibroHaven support group. I was thrilled to get the opportunity to meet Lynne Matallana, founder of the NFA. We share a passion to support, educate, and raise Fibromyalgia awareness. I have looked to her example many times over the course of the last several months since beginning my blog and support group. Meeting her in person … [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...]
Perspective & Priorities
There is nothing like a Fibromyalgia flare to put things in perspective and to force me to prioritize! I have been feeling pretty awful lately. I can always count on the heat of summer to bring on several really bad flares, or just one continuous knock-me-on-my-butt-and-suck-my-joy-of-life kind of flare. This summer had been kind, mild even. And then last week happened. Wouldn't you know, it picked my birthday week to turn miserably hot. Blech! Perspective: Regardless of my enthusiasm for turning 40 and the promise of a brighter future, I still have a lot of work to do. I still have an active … [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...]