Know Fibro

A series of interviews with deviants whose lives are affected by Fibromyalgia

In an effort to spread awareness and the seriousness of Fibromyalgia, =katzypotter agreed to share her personal story and answer a few questions so that we all may all gain some insight.


When were you diagnosed with Fibro?

I was diagnosed last November, after I'd been inflicted with back, shoulder, and hip pain since the previous June. It was very hard to work, even for two hours. That summer, I'd been caring for my grandmother, which was stressful (she had diabetes and a bad hip replacement). I thought maybe it was just fatigue, so when my hips got bad, I laid down. Then I headed off to college (stress in itself) and the pain got worse, especially since I had to work while on my feet and walk everywhere. I went to the clinic and after trying naproxen, ibuprofen, and a couple other pain medications, the doctor told me I most likely had fibromyalgia.

When you were diagnosed, what were your feelings? Did you know about Fibromyalgia prior to it?

Well, I felt pretty worried. The pain actually got worse once I recognized it for what it was. Also, I was four hours away from home, with no insurance cards and not that many friends. I didn't have much of a support group and I still had to work and go to classes. I did have prior knowledge of it, as my best friend's mother has it.


What has maintaining it been like for you? What are your days like?

Maintaining my former life with fibro has been tough. It's quite difficult to work even four hours in a kitchen where I'm constantly moving and on my feet. I can't stay on my feet to draw, which distorts my perspective (according to my professor but it hasn't ruined it for me). I'd love to walk around the local lake on a photohunt, but I know that I couldn't do that nowadays. Not being able to exert myself will make losing weight harder.


What are the worst things about having Fibromyalgia?

Not being able to shift my position while lying in bed due to back pain is pretty hard. Also, it's difficult getting around campus, especially after I've had to work. I can't go on photohunts and long drives in the car are more painful.


What is the support like from friends and family?

My friends are very supportive. My dad is not particularly supportive, but my mother is. My sisters understand that sometimes, I can't take them places because I can't move. I often need to sit down or take a break, and they understand. Other friends make jokes about it, which makes it easier. Laughter really does help.


Was there any time when you realized how different your life would be because of Fibro?

There would be a lot more pain, and I wouldn't be able to get a lot of the jobs I could if I did not have it. So really, when I started looking for a job after school got out for the summer, I realized that I was going to have a difficult time.


What advice do you have to give to people who have found out they have Fibromyalgia?

Don't let the pain get you down. You've got to work through it. Sometimes, getting your mind occupied by something else will dull the pain. Talk to your doctor, and try to try as many new things as possible.


A Closing Story:
One night, I was talking with some of the girls in my dorm about my fibro, and they asked if there were any medicines that could help. I told them there was the one that had the commercial for it. One of the girls said, "The was what, Activia?"
I said, "No, that's the name of a yogurt brand."
She replied, "Well maybe Activia can help you with your fibro-jelly!"






Thank you so much, =katzypotter, for sharing your experiences with us!

How you can help

Join us in spreading the awareness by checking out this article to see what you can do to help out: [link]