[memoriesinmosaics]

This is not business related. 
I have started a blog about living with fibromyalgia. I will have postings of articles I have researched regarding symptoms, diagnosis, medications, etc.  This is also a blog looking for interaction with followers. Tell me your story and maybe it could help someone else. 
www.livingwithfibromyalgia-chris.blogspot.com

[LuckyManatee]

My Mom suffers from fibromyalgia, and I show some signs of having it, too. She has a lot of pain, and it's terrible to watch her go through it.
It's a good idea for a blog Definitely checking it out.

[Inamorata]

I don't suffer from it but have something similar. I'll be checking out your blog

[MakinTheBestOfIt]

Not fibro but I do have Lupus and a lot of the symptoms are similar.  Not a lot of fun to live with and you have to make a lot of adjustments to your life.  A good family support helps a lot.

[memoriesinmosaics]

I have been out of town so wasn't able to reply back, but I have heard the symptoms of some other illnesses are the same as fibromyalgia and I am sure that is why it's hard for them to be accurately diagnosed.
Anyone who wants to come on over and share their experiences, please feel free. The reason I started this blog is to support one another and comment about anything you want related to your situation.
These chronic illnesses are life changing and can be difficult if you don't have a good support team.
Thanks for all your comments.

[dbvictoria]

I've got several friends who suffer from fibro.  I'll pass the blog link along to them.

[memoriesinmosaics]

Thanks so much for passing it on. I am surprised how many people I know suffer from chronic aches, pains, and fatigue.

[lisianblue]

I saw a show recently about CFS -  it's interesting that the symptoms are pretty much the same as Fibro - so I wonder what the difference is - but the really interesting thing about this show is that someone discovered that CFS is caused by a virus - a nasty virus that attaches it'self to DNA and changes the DNA molecule, it can be dormant for years, and then be "activated" due to stress or another illness,  also because it attaches to DNA, it can be passed on ------  the really cool thing, there is a blood test for it - but not currently on the market - they are working on making it available - may be years before it is. 

[memoriesinmosaics]

There seem to be so many illnesses with similar symptoms that it really makes it hard to diagnose anything for sure.

Very interesting about the CFS. I will have to check it out online.
I know Lupus has some similar symptoms, but much worse outcome.

I am so amazed at all the "new" illnesses of our times.  How much is stress. How much is caused by the way our society lives with all the pesticides, hormones, etc. that continue to build up. How much has always been around but they just never had a name for it.

I look back now and I am certain my mom had fibromyalgia but she was never officially diagnosed.

[MakinTheBestOfIt]

There seem to be so many illnesses with similar symptoms that it really makes it hard to diagnose anything for sure.

Very interesting about the CFS. I will have to check it out online.
I know Lupus has some similar symptoms, but much worse outcome.

I am so amazed at all the "new" illnesses of our times.  How much is stress. How much is caused by the way our society lives with all the pesticides, hormones, etc. that continue to build up. How much has always been around but they just never had a name for it.

I look back now and I am certain my mom had fibromyalgia but she was never officially diagnosed.

Not only the similar symptoms make them hard to diagnose, but the fact that many of these have multiple symptoms that come on at different times over the course of years.  I was misdiagnosed for almost 4 years before I got answers.  I'm sure that in the past many suffered with chronic, invisible illnesses but medical technology didn't have the ability to really diagnose the illness...so they just suffered.

[raedawn]

I've had Fibromyalgia for 30 years, but was only diagnosed in 2001. All those other years, it was rather unknown, or if doctors knew about it, they discounted it. My pain affects every part of my life and everything I do. I have had to give up many things that I loved like performing my music. I hold onto my jewelry and art because, I can fit it in when I have "good" hours.

I used to have "good" days (whole days!) and "bad" days. Now I have "good" hours (3 to 5 per day, and the rest are "bad," meaning I am in the recliner unable to do anything but watch tv or read. I am on pain meds, but as you can infer they barely keep my pain manageable.

I can write more if you'd like ~ Skye

[raedawn]

If a person has Fibromyalgia, it is generally true that they also have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, making a bad situation even worse. The virus theory is just one of several that are considered to be "starters." Another theory is that of "triggers." The two most significant triggers are a history of childhood abuse and car accidents. Having had a lingering flu like infection is also one of the triggers. I have had all of them. :::sigh:::

I'm grateful that I can still do my jewelry and art and I really like being part of HAF. I just opened my shop today (under the name Linda Talbott).  :  )

[lisianblue]

Skye - like you I think I've been dealing with this for many many years - since my mid twenties - but it was more off and on - and for a few years it wasn't a problem, then in 2000 it hit me like a ton of bricks.  while fibro/cfs may not cause damage to our bodies - or so Drs think - there are often complications such as diabetes and osteoporosis among other things.  I know Lupus can be really bad and truly cause damage in the body - I am grateful I dont have it or Rheumatoid arthritis - I know Chris has started a blog about Fibro and I may talk to her about adding some things to it - or maybe start one myself - There are so many  things I wasn't told and I've always been pretty inquisitive when seeing my Drs - but there have been times, I just wanted to get the 20 trigger point injections over with and get home and to bed -sorry have to start again

[lisianblue]

raedawn, skye or linda? trying to figure out what you go by?

[memoriesinmosaics]

I would love to have each of you share your story of diagnosis on my blog as a feature.
Let me know but not in a PM here as for some reason I can't pick them up. Use the etsy convo for memoriesinmosaics.

I am adding new parts to my blog livingwithfibromyalgia-chris.blogspot.com and hope to keep it as interactive as possible. It is not a forum, but I so encourage comments and I always comment back.