Heather

Heather

Louisville, KY

Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia at age 14.  Also suffers from Epstein-Barr and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

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How has your condition affected you?  My condition has played a huge role in my life through the years. My lack of energy and increased pain has led me to isolate some and not participate in activities that I enjoy. In school, my pain made sleep and participation in sports challenging. As an adult I find completion of the basic of tasks (like laundry) almost impossible at times. I have missed some work, canceled on friends and have become a needy wife during flare-ups. Not to mention the emotions attached - mostly depression. Some days I feel like an observer of my own life - feeling so detached from all around me (due to pain, brain fog, fatigue, etc.) However, now I am learning to be more mindful of my body and to pay more attention to how I am feeling in a positive way - using my body as a barometer of sorts to see what positive behaviors need to be implemented.

What would you like for other people to know about Fibromyalgia?  I want others to know that it is a REAL condition and that just because you can't visibly see problems with the body doesn't mean that everything inside is working spot-on! 

What would you like to tell someone who was recently diagnosed with Fibromyalgia?  Learn from your body - take this opportunity to truly connect to your physical and emotional self. Be an active participant in your life - learn what's important to do (like relaxation exercises, stretching, sleep, vitamins, being w/ friends etc.) and what you can live without - Don't watch your life pass you by!

Thank you so much Heather! xo