I remember the shock I felt when I first realized there is an emotional component to my pain. I have always been a joyful person. I smile often, and it is the kind of smile I feel deep in my heart. Despite everything I have been through and live with daily, I have always felt fortunate and happy for my life. I knew I had unresolved anger and resentment, that is how I found myself in therapy, but I had no idea that I had been physically storing it in my body for years. It was several years ago now that my therapist tried to help me resolve my physical pain by dealing with my suppressed … [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...]
Guest Post: Health Care Rumors by Fibrochondriac
Today is a proud day for me. Today I get to introduce you to a new member of our Fibromyalgia blogging community, Kathy of Fibrochondriac (don't you just love that name?). But Kathy is not just any blogger to me. She is also a member of my local FibroHaven support group. I am so happy and proud to have another FibroHaven voice on the web. I have mentioned before, we are a resourceful bunch, so expect a lot of topical and useful information at Fibrochondriac. I could tell you that I appreciate how thoughtful and well-researched Kathy is, or I could tell you that she challenges me to think … [Read more...]
No, You Are Not Seeing Double
If I am here, can I also be over there? Yes, I can! I am honored to say, I have been asked by Everyday Health.com to become their new featured Fibromyalgia blogger. It has been in the works for sometime, and I have been quietly posting for a few weeks now, but I have held off announcing it until their new blog software and redesign goes live. Unfortunately there have been delays, and since the link to my blog will remain the same, I have decided to go ahead and share my happy news with all of you. Fibromyalgia Health Haven is the name of my Everyday Health blog. I will be contributing an … [Read more...]