Today’s interview is with Lauren Ferzoco, a 29 year old Fibro Warrior from Nashville, TN.When were you diagnosed?
I was diagnosed last year.
What lead up to your diagnosis ?
I started having symptoms in 2009, shortly after I started working in the NICU at the Children’s Hospital. I ended up getting parvovirus (Fifth’s Disease) from one of my patients, which triggered fibromyalgia. I was in so much pain and was so fatigued. At times, the pain was so bad that I’d be curled up on the floor in agony. The fatigue was so debilitating that there were many days when I had to lock myself in my office and put my head down on the desk to nap in order to get through the day. I kept a log of my symptoms to help my physician rule out diagnoses. All of my blood tests kept coming back negative. Finally, in early 2013, after presenting my case to her colleagues, my physician suspected fibromyalgia and referred me to a rheumatologist who specializes in fibromyalgia and is leading the nation in cutting edge research. I brought all test results and medical records to him from 2009 to the present, and he was able to give me a diagnosis immediately and formulate a treatment plan.
Were you working at the time?
Yes. I was a social worker in the NICU. While I loved my job and my patients, I eventually had to leave because my fibromyalgia was so bad that I just couldn’t function. Thankfully, I found a job in my field that is less taxing and allows for more flexibility in my schedule. My new job allows me to work from home a few days a week, which is excellent considering that NOT working isn’t an option for me!
What was your family life like ?
I am single. My family members live in Massachusetts. My support system in Nashville consists of my dog and some really great friends who have showed me what it’s like to live in authentic community.
How did your family initially handle your illness?
That’s a really hard question for me to answer, but I’ll do my best! For the most part, they are in denial that this is my new normal and it’s something I will have to deal with for the rest of my life. My family members pride themselves on independence, as well, so even when I am visiting for a weekend, they don’t understand that there are days when I need help to do very basic activities. I feel a lot of pressure from them regarding my illness – both when I’m with them and when I’m not.
What do you feel is the most challenging aspect of Fibro?
For me, the hardest part is the family dynamics surrounding chronic illness. I think I would be able to handle the symptoms better if I felt more understood and more supported by my family.
Do you have any other co-existing conditions? If so, what are they and how do they impact your Fibromyalgia?
I was very recently diagnosed with POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome). A lot of the symptoms overlap, actually. The diagnosis is so new that I’m still trying to figure out if there’s a correlation between fibro flares and POTS episodes. From what I can tell, I have different triggers for each, but it might be too early to know for sure.
What (if anything) have you found/ done that has improved your symptoms?
SLEEP!!!! I have trouble getting restorative sleep, so that is an endless battle for me and my rheumatologist to manage. I have nightly nightmares and night sweats, which don’t help either, but thankfully there are certain medications that can help with both of those things, so we’re trying to find a dosage that works. But when I can get a good night’s sleep (or even have an opportunity to take a nap), it helps my body heal from a flare MUCH faster.
How open are you with friends & family about your illness & symptoms?
I’m honest with some friends and family, but mostly I downplay the symptoms and frequency of flares. I have a really great therapist who is helping me cope with living with a chronic illness, and I have an excellent online support group that “meets” weekly, too. I’m very honest with them because they understand what it’s like to live with this reality.
What is the best advice you’ve received regarding Fibromyalgia?
Be gentle with yourself. No one knows what is best for you except for you.
Be gentle with yourself. No one knows what is best for you except for you.
What was the worst advice that you followed?
“Push through it.” I’ve never hit the wall faster than when I tried to live in the busyness that I used to. It’s just not possible, and the sooner I can accept that, the easier it will be to find joy in the new normal.
What is your favorite way to cope with your life as a spoonie?
Spending time with my sweet puppy helps a lot. She keeps me exercising daily (two-three walks a day), but also allows me to cuddle up with her and rest. She also keeps me laughing. On the days that seem really bleak and hard to get through, she continues to bring me joy.
What is one thing you’ve learned about yourself since your diagnosis?
I have a hard time accepting help from friends. They have been so gracious as I work through this challenge in particular!
Do you blog about your illness?
I do not, though I’ve considered it. I have another blog and find that it’s hard to find the time/energy to keep up with that one, so I’m not quite ready to take on the challenge of managing another one!
Lauren welcomes your comments and could love to hear from you. You can find her on Facebook and twitter under “Lauren Ferzoco”, or email her.
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