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Fibromyalgia Information (FAQ)
Fibromyalgia is by any measure a complex syndrome. As I have written (and continue to write) the many articles in the website, I work to answer any question that you might have, and I feel confident that the answers are here. Some of these are also answered on the Facebook postings, in videos, in the blog or informational graphics we provide. We still have more to cover and convey, so I thank you for being here. What we provide here at Living Smarter comes not only from experience over many years but also the latest science into fibromyalgia, co-conditions and chronic pain. Working as a practitioner/trainer and living with fibromyalgia…
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What is Fibromyalgia (and What Is It Not)?
First, it is important to know that fibromyalgia is characterized by wide-spread muscle pain and specific tender areas of the body. However, it doesn’t stop there, because fibromyalgia affects multiple systems of the body, including the nervous system, endocrine system, and the immune system. The brain and GI tract are often involved as well. One of the hallmarks of fibromyalgia is a dysfunction in the Central Nervous System. This dysfunction can cause a fibro body to react to things like lights, sounds, toxins, odors, and more. This can cause a lot of physiological stress internally, which often translates to symptoms throughout different areas of the body. You may often hear…
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Illness Coming Out With An Invisible Illness!
Yup, I’m coming out today! Not about my sexuality, but my health. I want to tell everyone that….. I have a chronic illness. I have Fibromyalgia. Maybe you’re thinking, “yeah- ok, so do I –welcome to the club”; or maybe you’re thinking “what in the heck is Fibromyalgia?”. Well, for me to come out and say this -is a very big deal. Especially since I was diagnosed in 2014 (Four years ago!). I have pretty much been in denial for a few years. I had decided that I wasn’t going to let it affect my life and my goals, until it did, and I had no control over it. There are Four…
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8 Ways To Control Your Itchy Fibromyalgia Rash
Fibro-Rash! Is this really a thing you ask? Yes, apparently it is a thing. If you have trouble with any kind of rash all over your body and you have Fibromyalgia, you could also have Fibro-Rash. I just visited my dermatologist because my rheumatologist wanted me to rule out psoriatic arthritis. I have had itchy skin for many years and just thought it was my dry skin. It turns out that it is really folliculitis, an inflammation of the hair follicles brought on by Fibro -and I do not have psoriasis-whew! My doctor said that there are ways to ease the symptoms but the only way to really control it,…
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It’s not you, It’s me: Fibromyalgia and Relationships
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 have tried explaining to him that I am sick and I’m in a lot of pain, but I’m not sure how much he really understands. Since he is the baby of the family, he has…
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10 Things I wish my Co-Workers Knew about Fibromyalgia and me!
Most of the time, I would consider myself a private person. I don’t tend to put my personal business out for the entire world to see. However, since my chronic illness has taken my life hostage, I have found the courage to seek support in those around me. Except I’m not quite brave enough to share this with all my co-workers and really, I shouldn’t. Instead, for therapeutic reasons I wrote a list for me and I am sharing it with you. What I wish my coworkers knew about me: The truth is- I have Fibromyalgia, which is a condition that involves the brain and nervous system. It is very…
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A Look Into The Mirror
I look into the mirror and I wonderWho are you now?I remember who you used to beAre you still the same? I look into the mirror and I wonderDo you still want the same things?I remember what you used to wantAre you still the same? I look into the mirror and I wonderAre you still motivated and ambitious?I remember that you used to beAre you still the same? I look into the mirror and I wonderIs this the same person that walked a half marathon?I remember when you did thatAre you still the same? I look into the mirror and I knowThe pain has changed you but…You are still the…
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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 name was “judgment” (seriously). When I went to her about my anxiety, which was way out of control, she looked at me like I was crazy. I already felt crazy, so it made sense at…
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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 of some of the guilt. These are the top four lessons I have learned as a parent. Lesson 1: You cannot be everything to everyone all the time. This means that you can’t always be…
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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. Although, it felt like I matured faster than he did when it came to responsibility (of course!). Luckily, we grew up and figured out how to have a stronger marriage. When you say your vows,…
