Today (May 12, 2007) is National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. Normally, I don't pay too much attention to "awareness" days, but this one means something to me, I suffer from Fibromyalgia. Please read on….Bunny

When I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in the early 90's, very little was known about the disorder. I had already been suffering for years before my diagnosis was made. In those early years, doctors and healthcare providers dismissed my symptoms, telling me it was “all in my head” and I was labeled a hypochondriac. Today, I still have Fibromyalgia, but at least now, there is hope, support and understanding. Please read the following link to learn more:  Fibromyalgia Awareness.

Personally, my Fibromyalgia started as generalized aches and pains. In the mid 90’s however, I was in such bad shape that I could no longer work. Everyday tasks became a challenge, I not only suffered, my family suffered with me, at that time I was raising three children. I had lost my independence and had to give up driving, outings with my family and other “normal” everyday activities, I was just too tired and in too much pain. Our whole family structure had to be changed, domestic responsibilities were redistributed and everyone pitched into help with day to day activities. In early 1999, I found a wonderful new family doctor who was understanding and played an active role in helping me to regain control of my life. We experimented with different pain management medicines and techniques until we found the right combination. I was a new person. Yes, I still had pain and fatigue, but it was manageable.

I spent six years enjoying what I called a medically induced remission, but last summer, I slowly started to fall back into the black hole of Fibromalgia. I couldn’t go back to my old family doctor, he had since moved on to a research position so I had to start the process of wellness all over again. The drugs I was using seemed to loose their effectiveness. I went to my newer family doctor as well as a neurologist, rheumatologist, physical therapist and soon, a physiologist. So far, very little has helped. Again, I have had to stop working, stop driving and my daily activities are limited.

I’m not giving up though, I’m going to keep looking forward. This disorder may have the best of me at the moment, but I’m determined to keep trying whatever it takes to regain a sense of normality. I wouldn’t be able to bare all that has been thrown my way if it wasn’t for my wonderfully supportive husband and children. They have all stepped up to the plate and been there for me every step of the way. Even my parents and sister didn’t understand my bout with Fibromyalgia in the 90’s, but now have come to understand and support me. The news about Fibromyalgia is spreading, people are becoming more educated and have a better understanding of the affliction that has caused pain for so many people. I would hate myself if I didn’t try to spread the news, educate others and perhaps help someone else who suffers like I do. If you haven’t already checked out The National Fibromyalgia Associations link from above, I urge you to do so. A family member or friend just may benefit from your reading and knowledge....Bunny

Posted by: Bunny at 07:31 AM under "Fibromyalgia"
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