My journey with fibromyalgia started back in October 1989 with overwhelming fatigue and horrendous stomach pain. At just 25 years old and a newlywed of 6 months, I had no energy. Life consisted of all work and no play. Most days I was asleep by 6pm. In 1992, I gave birth to my one and only child and continued to battle Irritable Bowel Syndrome but had no diagnosis. The doctors told me I needed more exercise, needed more fibre. Despite endless blood tests, x-rays, and diagnostic tests they could find nothing wrong.
In the year 2000, my new GP sent me off for the all the usual tests…again. The results all came back normal. Again.
Was it really me? Could it be that it was all in my head? I knew deep down I wasn’t imagining it but you do start to question yourself.
Not All in My Head
Then the doctor examined me and I flinched as he touched various areas of my body–trigger points, as I know now. Then he said the word “Fibromyalgia”. My response was to break down and cry – not because I knew what is was, not because I was scared but the truth is they were tears of joy, tears of relief. I realised that I wasn’t mad. I was vindicated. It wasn’t all in my head, it was real; I was right and there had been something wrong all along.
I responded by asking “How do we treat it?”
“We can’t. There is no cure.” He offered me the only recognised treatment, which consisted of strong painkillers and antidepressants (which he assured me were for the pain and not for depression). I declined!
I learnt to manage my condition through a healthy diet, gentle exercise, and meditation. My symptoms improved and I continued to live a full life albeit with the occasional flare and lots of listening to my own body.
I made the decision to tell my story
In 2015, I undertook further studies and qualified as a Health & Wellness Coach and then went on to get further qualifications in Raw Food Nutrition and Meditation. It was then that I made the decision to tell my story.
Using my experience and knowledge, I wanted to reach out and help fellow sufferers. But also, ultimately to help educate medical professionals, who I believe still have a lot to learn about this condition and the people who suffer from it.
I continued to work full time until I was involved in a car accident in July 2016. With whiplash injuries to my neck and back, I was now suffering excruciating pain on top of my Fibro pain. After being signed off work until January 2018, I was made redundant from my corporate job of 17 years.
Now I am in a good place, albeit still suffering daily from my whiplash injuries. I manage my Fibromyalgia and want to share my experiences to help others suffering this most frustrating of conditions. I am proof that there is hope after diagnosis, that you can function like a normal human being, hold down a job, look after a family and have a decent quality of life.
“I know that success is just one step outside of my comfort zone.”
Check out my full story on my website www.fibrofantastic.com
About the Author
Hi, I am Tracey, and I have been battling Fibromyalgia since 1989. I am a qualified Health & Wellness coach, freelance writer and wellness blogger. Using my experience and knowledge, I reach out to support & empower fellow sufferers through my blog at www.fibrofantastic.com. I share my life here in England with my husband, son, and Lhasa Apso. At age 50 I decided to make some big life changes as I felt that at some point I could kick Fibromyalgia into touch (I am still trying). Through diet, exercise, meditation and massage I have felt better than I have in years. I am in a good place now and want to share my wellness journey to help other sufferers with this most frustrating of conditions.
