This week’s Fibro Warrior interview is with Leslie. Leslie blogs at the appropriately named JustAnotherFBomb. After sharing a post or two of hers in my Sunday Inspiration series, I decided that you guys needed to get to know her better and asked her to share her story here. After you read through her interview, please be sure to visit her blog.
When were you diagnosed? How old were you at the time?
I got sick in May of 2001; I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in Sept of that same year. I was 36.
I got sick in May of 2001; I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in Sept of that same year. I was 36.
What lead up to your diagnosis (symptoms, dr visits, etc)?
I’d developed excruciating low back pain that shot down the back of my right leg one morning while driving to work. Initially both my Dr and I thought I’d ruptured a disk. I’d been a nurse for 17 yrs and hoisting patients twice my size was a daily occurrence. A ruptured disk would have been a blessing. Prior to this I’d had random symptoms on and off since the early 80’s but never really thought that they were tied to something bigger.
I’d developed excruciating low back pain that shot down the back of my right leg one morning while driving to work. Initially both my Dr and I thought I’d ruptured a disk. I’d been a nurse for 17 yrs and hoisting patients twice my size was a daily occurrence. A ruptured disk would have been a blessing. Prior to this I’d had random symptoms on and off since the early 80’s but never really thought that they were tied to something bigger.
Were you working at the time?
Yes, I was working 12 hour shifts as a critical care nurse.
Yes, I was working 12 hour shifts as a critical care nurse.
What was your family life like (married? kids? etc?)
I was and still am married with 3 kids. My kids were 11, 9, and 4 yrs old, I was pretty busy.
I was and still am married with 3 kids. My kids were 11, 9, and 4 yrs old, I was pretty busy.
How did your family initially handle your illness?
My family has always been very supportive.
My family has always been very supportive.
How has your family/ work situation changed since Fibromyalgia entered your life?
I really haven’t been back to work since that May morning in 2001. I went back one day about 6 weeks afterwards and just did office work but I didn’t last 4 hours.
I really haven’t been back to work since that May morning in 2001. I went back one day about 6 weeks afterwards and just did office work but I didn’t last 4 hours.
What do you feel is the most challenging aspect of Fibro?
The downtime that is required to maintain some degree of function. I don’t do pain meds anymore, so I’ve really got to incorporate balance into my life in order to stay upright. It can be extremely frustrating, even after all these years, knowing that I no longer function like the Energizer bunny.
The downtime that is required to maintain some degree of function. I don’t do pain meds anymore, so I’ve really got to incorporate balance into my life in order to stay upright. It can be extremely frustrating, even after all these years, knowing that I no longer function like the Energizer bunny.
[Tweet “It can be extremely frustrating, knowing that I no longer function like the Energizer bunny. via @justanfbomb”]
Do you have any other co-existing conditions? If so, what are they and how do they impact your Fibromyalgia?
Yes, I’ve got a few. ME/CFS…. This little gem adds to the exhaustion and brain fog that I’ve already got with Fibro. Piriformis Syndrome and Myofascial Pain Syndrome…I believe these two work hand in hand; exercise that helps my Fibro aggravates the MPS and Piriformis syndrome, Raynauds Syndrome, RLS/PLMD, TMJ, Eczema and Osteoarthritis. I’m sure I’ve forgotten a few but these come to mind at the present time.
Yes, I’ve got a few. ME/CFS…. This little gem adds to the exhaustion and brain fog that I’ve already got with Fibro. Piriformis Syndrome and Myofascial Pain Syndrome…I believe these two work hand in hand; exercise that helps my Fibro aggravates the MPS and Piriformis syndrome, Raynauds Syndrome, RLS/PLMD, TMJ, Eczema and Osteoarthritis. I’m sure I’ve forgotten a few but these come to mind at the present time.
What (if anything) have you found/ done that has improved your symptoms?
I swear by my rice sock but pacing, balance, and learning to say no are really the key to successful living with Fibromyalgia and its co-conditions.
[Tweet “pacing, balance, and learning to say no are keys to successful living with #Fibro @justanfbomb”]
I swear by my rice sock but pacing, balance, and learning to say no are really the key to successful living with Fibromyalgia and its co-conditions.
[Tweet “pacing, balance, and learning to say no are keys to successful living with #Fibro @justanfbomb”]
What is the best advice you’ve received regarding Fibromyalgia?
Gentle exercise daily and balance activity with rest periods.
Gentle exercise daily and balance activity with rest periods.
What made you want to blog about your health issues?
I’ve been in this boat for a very long time, I’ve learned a few things and thought I could share what has worked for me as well as learn a few new tricks from others. When I first got sick there really wasn’t a big internet presence for people with Fibro, information was limited to a handful of articles, and I believe 2 online support groups. Times have changed and we now have a much bigger voice but there is still much work to be done. I suppose I wanted to be part of that.
I’ve been in this boat for a very long time, I’ve learned a few things and thought I could share what has worked for me as well as learn a few new tricks from others. When I first got sick there really wasn’t a big internet presence for people with Fibro, information was limited to a handful of articles, and I believe 2 online support groups. Times have changed and we now have a much bigger voice but there is still much work to be done. I suppose I wanted to be part of that.
What was the worst advice that you followed?
Allowing a physical therapist to put me in traction…once….this set me back months.
Allowing a physical therapist to put me in traction…once….this set me back months.
What is one thing you’ve learned about yourself since your diagnosis?
I’m stronger and more resilient than I ever knew was possible.
I’m stronger and more resilient than I ever knew was possible.
Now that you’ve read her story, be sure to head over to her blog and learn more about her. You can follow her there, as well as on Twitter. She also welcomes emails.
If you are a Fibro Warrior that would be willing to share your story, I’d love to interview you. Please email me, if you’d like to participate. If you enjoyed this Fibro Warrior interview and would like to check out others from this series, and sign up for my email newsletter so that you never miss one.
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