Laura Kelly-Pifer is this week’s Fibro Warrior. She is located in Northwest Pennsylvania. She was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia about four years ago. However, she’s been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) since 2005, just a few months before she turned 30.
What lead up to your diagnosis (symptoms, dr visits, etc)?
I already was seeing a specialist for my RA and at one of my check ups mentioned that there were some additional symptoms that I was experiencing. They were totally different from the RA so I’m glad I asked. It was then that I was diagnosed with fibro.
I already was seeing a specialist for my RA and at one of my check ups mentioned that there were some additional symptoms that I was experiencing. They were totally different from the RA so I’m glad I asked. It was then that I was diagnosed with fibro.
What were the additional symptoms that lead to your Fibro diagnosis?I had a lot of muscle soreness, fibro fog, pure exhaustion, and stiffness from what I can recall.
Were you working at the time?
Yes, full time outside the home and also had began my Coaching Career on the side as well as the role of Mommy.
Yes, full time outside the home and also had began my Coaching Career on the side as well as the role of Mommy.
What was your family life like?
I was married with 2 girls, pets.
I was married with 2 girls, pets.
Pets? How many? What kind?
I have 2 gray cats and 2 dogs. One is a Cocker Spaniel and the other a Lab/Border Collie mix.
I have 2 gray cats and 2 dogs. One is a Cocker Spaniel and the other a Lab/Border Collie mix.
How did your family initially handle your illness?
With a chronic pain condition, it’s hard for anyone but you or those going through it to understand. Thankfully, my family was/is supportive but they weren’t always. In the beginning, there was nothing that they could “see” so it was hard for them to relate. Because I had already been suffering with the RA, my family more or less knew what to expect once the Fibro came along.
[Tweet “chronic pain is hard for anyone to understand that isn’t living with it. via @LauraKellyPifer “]
With a chronic pain condition, it’s hard for anyone but you or those going through it to understand. Thankfully, my family was/is supportive but they weren’t always. In the beginning, there was nothing that they could “see” so it was hard for them to relate. Because I had already been suffering with the RA, my family more or less knew what to expect once the Fibro came along.
[Tweet “chronic pain is hard for anyone to understand that isn’t living with it. via @LauraKellyPifer “]
How has your family/ work situation changed since Fibromyalgia entered your life?
I’m probably not in the norm here but it’s actually gotten A LOT better. As a family, we are healthier than ever before. We’re physically active, we eat less processed foods, more fruits and veggies and, I was able to leave my job from Corporate America and now work from home as a Self Discovery Coach ™.
I’m probably not in the norm here but it’s actually gotten A LOT better. As a family, we are healthier than ever before. We’re physically active, we eat less processed foods, more fruits and veggies and, I was able to leave my job from Corporate America and now work from home as a Self Discovery Coach ™.
Tell us more about your coaching.
I’m a Self Discovery Coach(TM). I help others create a life that they love by working one on one with them. Coaching is a process that allows the mind to stretch and grow so that you can create a life that feels good, both inside and out. It helps you become that AMAZING person that is already inside you! You’ll have more clarity to find your passion and live it, to lose that stubborn weight and to find more balance in both life and your life/work. All those things that you have been thinking about can become a reality with coaching. A Coach can help you identify those things that may be holding you back and help you be the best you can be!
I’m a Self Discovery Coach(TM). I help others create a life that they love by working one on one with them. Coaching is a process that allows the mind to stretch and grow so that you can create a life that feels good, both inside and out. It helps you become that AMAZING person that is already inside you! You’ll have more clarity to find your passion and live it, to lose that stubborn weight and to find more balance in both life and your life/work. All those things that you have been thinking about can become a reality with coaching. A Coach can help you identify those things that may be holding you back and help you be the best you can be!
What do you feel is the most challenging aspect of Fibro?
When I was first diagnosed, I had a period where I experimented with different meds to see which helped best. I packed on 40 lbs in one summer and became a walking zombie. That part was AWFUL!!! I was tired, depressed and really having a difficult time. It was then that I made a decision that there had to be a better way to live life, even if it meant making some lifestyle changes.
When I was first diagnosed, I had a period where I experimented with different meds to see which helped best. I packed on 40 lbs in one summer and became a walking zombie. That part was AWFUL!!! I was tired, depressed and really having a difficult time. It was then that I made a decision that there had to be a better way to live life, even if it meant making some lifestyle changes.
Do you have any other co-existing conditions? If so, what are they and how do they impact your Fibromyalgia?
Yes, Rheumotoid Arthritis. In all honesty, I really don’t think about which one is worse, which impacts the other, etc. When I’m having a bad day, I’m just having a bad day. I try not to dwell too much on it as I find that when I do focus more on how bad I feel, it can lead to more bad days.
Yes, Rheumotoid Arthritis. In all honesty, I really don’t think about which one is worse, which impacts the other, etc. When I’m having a bad day, I’m just having a bad day. I try not to dwell too much on it as I find that when I do focus more on how bad I feel, it can lead to more bad days.
What (if anything) have you found/ done that has improved your symptoms?
Staying active and choosing to eat healthier foods. When I began eating better, I noticed that I felt better. When I would choose to go back to certain items, I would experience pain and discomfort. Some things just aren’t worth it!
[Tweet “When I eat better, I feel better. via @LauraKellyPifer “]
Staying active and choosing to eat healthier foods. When I began eating better, I noticed that I felt better. When I would choose to go back to certain items, I would experience pain and discomfort. Some things just aren’t worth it!
[Tweet “When I eat better, I feel better. via @LauraKellyPifer “]
What foods did you find affected you the most?I found that my body does not like processed foods and fast foods as well as some other things like potatoes and pasta. It was really a trial and error experiment. I would journal the food I ate and then would note how I felt. After a while of journaling, I came up with a list of things that seemed to cause inflammation for me. It’s been almost 2 years since I’ve had a fast food burger. NOT worth it! I’ll make a burger here at home that tastes way better and better for me.
How open are you with friends & family about your illness & symptoms?
I’m open about it but I don’t make it a focus point. It’s only one component of who I really am. If someone asks about it, I’m open.
[Tweet “My illness is only one component of who I am. @LauraKellyPifer “]
I’m open about it but I don’t make it a focus point. It’s only one component of who I really am. If someone asks about it, I’m open.
[Tweet “My illness is only one component of who I am. @LauraKellyPifer “]
Do you blog about your illness? If so, what inspired you to do so?
Occasionally I do and I do so because I want folks to know that they can overcome Fibro. As I mentioned before, Fibro is only one component of who I am. I’ve chosen to overcome it and not allow defeat. I know all too well how dark of a place you can go if you allow it.
Occasionally I do and I do so because I want folks to know that they can overcome Fibro. As I mentioned before, Fibro is only one component of who I am. I’ve chosen to overcome it and not allow defeat. I know all too well how dark of a place you can go if you allow it.
What is the best advice you’ve received regarding Fibromyalgia?
Listen to your body. If you need to rest, do so. And, Live in the moment. You only get one life, enjoy it!
[Tweet “Listen to your body and live in the moment – @LauraKellyPifer “]
Listen to your body. If you need to rest, do so. And, Live in the moment. You only get one life, enjoy it!
[Tweet “Listen to your body and live in the moment – @LauraKellyPifer “]
What was the worst advice that you followed?
Listening to my Dr and taking the meds he gave me. It wasn’t long after that I found a new Dr who had a different approach and helped me make some great strides towards better health.
Listening to my Dr and taking the meds he gave me. It wasn’t long after that I found a new Dr who had a different approach and helped me make some great strides towards better health.
What is your favorite way to cope with your life as a spoonie?
Resting when I need too. I set aside “me” time each day and in fact, many a Sunday, you won’t catch me out doing things but instead I’m at home, in my PJs, resting, watching Hallmark Movies.
Resting when I need too. I set aside “me” time each day and in fact, many a Sunday, you won’t catch me out doing things but instead I’m at home, in my PJs, resting, watching Hallmark Movies.
What is one thing you’ve learned about yourself since your diagnosis?
I am one strong chick! God has graced me with both RA & Fibro so that I can help others in the same situation. I am doing His work each time I work with one of my clients to help them better their health. I don’t look at it as a punishment but rather with honor.
I am one strong chick! God has graced me with both RA & Fibro so that I can help others in the same situation. I am doing His work each time I work with one of my clients to help them better their health. I don’t look at it as a punishment but rather with honor.
Now that you’ve gotten to know Laura a bit, be sure to check out her blog at exercise2day.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
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