Grab a cup of coffee or tea and get ready because it is about to get REAL! I have my favorite coffee in my favorite cup and I’m ready to talk about Fibromyalgia and the effects it has on our relationships. My Story On Relationships: I don’t know how many times I have said to family members, “It’s not you, it’s me and I’m sorry for snapping.” This is especially true of my nine-year-old. I…
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
A detailed guide to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), including its symptoms, causes, and effective treatment strategies to improve energy and well-being.
Searching for Dr. Right- Fibromyalgia and Physicians
When you have Fibromyalgia it’s almost like the quest for Dr. Right is literally a rite of passage. So many of us “Spoonies” have been frustrated by the lack of knowledge and often kindness we experience at physician visits. I am not immune to this scenario; this actually has been a heart-breaking experience. Don’t worry though; I think it has a happy ending. My Story I was diagnosed in 2014 by a physician whose middle…
Four Lessons in Parenting For Those With Fibromyalgia
Parenting is for sure the hardest job on the planet! Add a chronic pain illness like Fibromyalgia to the mix and you have a possible disaster just waiting to happen. I have been a mother for 22 years; now you might think that is a long time, but I still feel like I don’t know what I am doing. This article is to help us both feel a little better about ourselves and let go…
Marriage – 6 Ideas in Sickness & Health
Grab your cup of coffee or tea and get ready for some “girl talk”! First, let me tell you about me. I have been married for 19 years to my wonderful husband. Anyone married this long knows it isn’t sunshine and rainbows everyday. We have had our share of “rough patches” over the years. He was 19 and I was 21 when we first got together and we both had some growing up to do.…
Fibromyalgia Causes & 10 Ways to Improve Health
Although the exact cause of Fibromyalgia is not known, there are enough people with the condition to have several possible causes with positive correlations. Sadly, correlation does not mean causation! So what caused my Fibromyalgia? Personally, I know exactly why I have the condition. It directly correlates with some of my life choices. That is not to say I would not have developed the condition either way, however if anyone can learn from my mistakes…
My Love/Hate Relationship With Taking a Shower
I didn’t always hate taking a shower. Before I had Fibromyalgia I probably even loved it. It has always been the thing that wakes me up in the morning and makes me feel good. However, now there is more of a love/hate feeling towards the shower. If you have Fibromyalgia or any other chronic pain condition, you probably already know what I’m going to say. If you don’t have a chronic condition then you are…
6 Ways To Be Thankful While Having Chronic Illness
Every year my family goes around the table and says what they are thankful for. Even though this year has been my worst. I am determined to stay positive. Finding the things I am grateful for (even if it kills me) will happen. I often find myself feeling sorry for myself and wondering why I have a chronic illness that there is no cure for and that the medical community barely understands. Yet, I need…
5 Ways To Ease Mom Guilt Quickly
Mom Guilt (Dad Guilt), we all have had it at one time or another. I know this because we can’t all be perfect, so sometimes we are going to mess up or disappoint our kids. Even the healthiest of moms (dads) is going to have some mom (dad) guilt over her (his) inadequacies. However, having a chronic illness like Fibromyalgia and being a mom (dad) comes with its own set of “mom (dad) guilt feelings”.…
4 Ways To Exercise While Chronically Ill
Do you succumb to the thought process of New Year, New You? I do not, and I will tell you why. First of all, having a chronic pain illness often limits my mobility. Really, the term “new you” sounds awesome, but is unrealistic for someone with an incurable condition. Do I really want to set myself up for failure? I don’t think so. However, there are so many ways to get some exercise in your…
How Emotional Therapy Can Benefit Fibromyalgia
I had the great pleasure of meeting Amanda from Imagine Life Therapy on Instagram. As you all know, my subject matter has been focusing on mental health and how it affects our chronic illness. You can go back and read the start of the series called Fibromyalgia & Mental Health. So, I was wondering how emotional therapy could benefit fibromyalgia, if at all. I am so excited to share this interview with you. I hope…