Thursday, March 31, 2011

Allow Me to Introduce Myself

My name is Britta and I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia during the Fall of 2009.   I wish I could say my life has gotten easier or better since being diagnosed, but it hasn't.   I do my best to manage my illness, which is about all any of us can do.  I have two children, aged 11 and 8, and a husband I adore.  I'm not able to do a lot of the things I'd like to do with them; the things "normal" people take for granted.  I find I struggle almost on a daily basis and have to rest because I am either in too much pain or too fatigued to do anything else, especially during a flare.  I am slowly learning how to better pace my tasks, so that I can enjoy my family.  Unfortunately, it is a trial and error learning process and I find I tend to overdo certain activities. My greatest desire is to just be in the moment with my beautiful family and forget my health woes.

Life with Fibromyalgia causes an endless amount of frustration, because there's so much we have yet to discover about this illness.  Let there be no doubt, the Fibro fight is an uphill battle.  And, it certainly doesn't help when naysayers in the medical community or elsewhere discredit Fibromyalgia as a "fake illness."  Let me assure you, Fibromyalgia is real, very real. 

When you are first diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, your doctor begins prescribing medications to manage your ongoing list of symptoms and typically recommends alternative therapies.  If you are lucky,  you tolerate the medications and respond well.  If you're not lucky, the medications don't help or you may even suffer from horrendous side effects worse then Fibro itself.  In a nutshell, Fibro survivors have to work closely with their doctors to find the right combination of medications to manage their symptoms.  

My intention with this blog is not to paint a bleak picture of this illness, but to share all I can about my Fibromyalgia treatment experiences with you as well as explore options* and coping techniques. Mostly, I intend to share my experiences as a Fibromyalgia survivor, wife and mother.

*Please keep in mind I'm not a medical professional and cannot make any recommendations regarding what treatment plan you should pursue.

5 comments:

  1. Britta, indeed, this is a very interesting article. Needless to say, I am sorry to learn that you are experiencing this challenge; however, one thing I believe is that you will prevail as it is a part of your core to do so, of this I am certain. I applaud you for using this platform to strengthen others as you look for solutions to better your own situation. Again, I applaud you. Stay strong, and continue to learn, grow, and educate.
    E-J

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you, E-J, for your wonderful words of encouragement. I truly appreciate and will draw strength from them.

    ReplyDelete
  3. That is my Britta. My beautiful Schatz. You are a strong woman. We are defined by our character not our diseases. You demonstrated that by doing this. I am so proud of you. You will adapt and overcome but it will be in a way that works for you. Look at all you have done. Be proud. Be strong. Be alive. You are doing this every day and for that I applaud you. I will always follow you.....here and in my heart. ~~~Bavarian Blue Eyes~~~

    ReplyDelete
  4. Words fail and thank you doesn't seem enough. I'm truly touched by your encouragement as well. I know it comes straight from the heart. Again, thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi

    Fibromyalgia affects millions of Americans, from pain and exhaustion to other lesser-known symptoms. Everyday Health encourages you to share this content piece with your readers. If you are able to make a post or provide a link to your readers, we would love to give you a Twitter Follow Friday shout out!

    6 Strange Signs of Fibromyalgia
    http://www.everydayhealth.com/fibromyalgia/strange-signs-of-fibromyalgia.aspx

    Happy Holidays,
    Blaine

    Blaine Shranka
    Outreach Director
    Everyday Health
    blaine@everydayhealth.com
    345 Hudson Street, 16th Floor
    New York, New York 10014


    FOLLOW US
    twitter.com/everydayhealth
    facebook.com/everydayhealth

    ReplyDelete