Jen is a stay at home mom of four, living in West Michigan. She also has Fibromyalgia and shares her story via her blog, Beyond Yesterday.
When were you diagnosed? How old were you at the time?
I was diagnosed in 2010 at the age of 35. But I have had pain since I was a child.
I was diagnosed in 2010 at the age of 35. But I have had pain since I was a child.
What lead up to your diagnosis (symptoms, dr visits, etc)?
After the birth of my 4th child I couldn’t seem to get any energy back and was always in some sort of pain. I’ve had pain since I was a child, but this was incessant. I spent more time in bed than out of bed. Tons of doctor visits – most of my doctors said it was in my head. One doctor told me, “there is nothing wrong with you.”
After the birth of my 4th child I couldn’t seem to get any energy back and was always in some sort of pain. I’ve had pain since I was a child, but this was incessant. I spent more time in bed than out of bed. Tons of doctor visits – most of my doctors said it was in my head. One doctor told me, “there is nothing wrong with you.”
How did your family initially handle your illness?
My husband is very supportive, which I am so grateful for! My kids do their best to understand, but sometimes it’s difficult for them to grasp the whole “chronic” thing.
My husband is very supportive, which I am so grateful for! My kids do their best to understand, but sometimes it’s difficult for them to grasp the whole “chronic” thing.
How old are your kids?
My kids are 18,15, 14, and 7.
My kids are 18,15, 14, and 7.
How has your family/ work situation changed since Fibromyalgia entered your life?
Depends on the day. Some days I’m doing okay – level 4 pain and I can function – I can get out of bed and do some household chores or whatnot. Some days I can’t move at all. Winter is terrible for me, I become a hermit basically. I have to get up at 7am to help my youngest get ready for school and it really messes my body up. Sleep is probably the most important issue for me. If I don’t get enough sleep, if I don’t let my body do what it needs to, it’s a mess. There are days when I feel depressed because this is never going away. I try not to dwell on that, though, you can’t. You have to make yourself keep going.
Depends on the day. Some days I’m doing okay – level 4 pain and I can function – I can get out of bed and do some household chores or whatnot. Some days I can’t move at all. Winter is terrible for me, I become a hermit basically. I have to get up at 7am to help my youngest get ready for school and it really messes my body up. Sleep is probably the most important issue for me. If I don’t get enough sleep, if I don’t let my body do what it needs to, it’s a mess. There are days when I feel depressed because this is never going away. I try not to dwell on that, though, you can’t. You have to make yourself keep going.
Have you considered moving away from Michigan to cut down on the winter affects?
I could never leave Michigan. I just love it here so much. I know the weather has a huge impact on my health, but Michigan is all I’ve ever known. Or my kids & husband and I don’t want them to have to sacrifice for me.
I could never leave Michigan. I just love it here so much. I know the weather has a huge impact on my health, but Michigan is all I’ve ever known. Or my kids & husband and I don’t want them to have to sacrifice for me.
What do you feel is the most challenging aspect of Fibro?
Understanding. No one understands why I look normal, but feel terrible.
[Tweet “No one understands why I look normal, but feel terrible. @JenkMiller”]
Understanding. No one understands why I look normal, but feel terrible.
[Tweet “No one understands why I look normal, but feel terrible. @JenkMiller”]
Do you have any other co-existing conditions? If so, what are they and how do they impact your Fibromyalgia?
Migraines, IBS, RLS, CFS, acid reflux, and dysautonomia. They all play off each other. One triggers the next. Some days they all just randomly jump on me. Not fun.
Migraines, IBS, RLS, CFS, acid reflux, and dysautonomia. They all play off each other. One triggers the next. Some days they all just randomly jump on me. Not fun.
What (if anything) have you found/ done that has improved your symptoms?
Movement , sometimes any movement is helpful – not necessarily exercising or doing more than going from room to room in my house. Sleep and magnesium lotion are the only things I’ve found to help my symptoms. It doesn’t take them away completely, but they do sometimes help. Oh and Epsom salt baths are great, too.
Movement , sometimes any movement is helpful – not necessarily exercising or doing more than going from room to room in my house. Sleep and magnesium lotion are the only things I’ve found to help my symptoms. It doesn’t take them away completely, but they do sometimes help. Oh and Epsom salt baths are great, too.
What is the best advice you’ve received regarding Fibromyalgia?
Take it one day at a time. Or one minute at a time if you need to. Get through today. You are enough.
[Tweet “Take things one day at a time, one minute at a time if you need to. @JenKMiller”]
Take it one day at a time. Or one minute at a time if you need to. Get through today. You are enough.
[Tweet “Take things one day at a time, one minute at a time if you need to. @JenKMiller”]
What made you want to blog about your health issues?
I love writing and have had a blog for several years, but it’s just a really good way to get my feelings out there. And I’ve found there are SO many people who can relate! It’s nice to know you’re not alone, that’s what I hope to accomplish with my blog.
I love writing and have had a blog for several years, but it’s just a really good way to get my feelings out there. And I’ve found there are SO many people who can relate! It’s nice to know you’re not alone, that’s what I hope to accomplish with my blog.
What was the worst advice that you followed?
Anything from anyone who does not have Fibromyalgia. They try to be helpful, but they don’t realize sometimes all the “help” you want is understanding.
Anything from anyone who does not have Fibromyalgia. They try to be helpful, but they don’t realize sometimes all the “help” you want is understanding.
What is one thing you’ve learned about yourself since your diagnosis?
I’m stronger than I think. Sometimes. 😉
I’m stronger than I think. Sometimes. 😉
Be sure to check out Jen’s blog. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitterand Instagram.
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