This week I’m bringing you another example of guys with Fibro. Yes, Guys get Fibro, too! My interview today is with talk show host, Douglas Lancaster (aka @iDouglasMichael ), of Bakersfield, CA. He was diagnosed in 2007 at the age of 34. Ladies, he’s currently single, although I can’t see a reason he’d stay that way for long!
Give me some basics…
Single (Divorced), 1 son, almost 19. I am disabled due to Fibromyalgia and Bipolar along with Chronic Pain. I enjoy hosting my online talk shows (5 of them) “On Air with Douglas” (celebrity interviews) – “Talk Soap” (dishing the latest on daytime soaps) – “Men Who Gossip” (The View with Gay Testosterone” – “The Social Game (for Big Brother fans) – “In Bed with Red” (my Oprah-esque self help, spiritual, motivating, health & empowerment solo hosted show) and soon to be “Girl Talk with Red” (a woman’s perspective on hot topics). I love writing, trying to kickstart my memoir. I love movies, music, tv, pop culture and dancing (with pain pill in hand)
What lead up to your diagnosis (symptoms, dr visits, etc)?
Exhaustion, muscle aches/pains, couldn’t stand/sit for long periods of time.
What was your life like?
I had been hired and fired from so many jobs that I knew it was time to swallow my pride and look for assistance (Disabilty/Medicare/Medi-CAL)
How did your family initially handle your illness?
My mother has it, my ex-wife has it. Many people thought I was being lazy and didn’t want to work.
What do you feel is the most challenging aspect of Fibro?
Just the motivation physically to get up and get your daily activities done. There are several medications, they don’t cure, they may curb the symptoms but at the end of the day…it sucks.
Do you have any other co-existing conditions? If so, what are they and how do they impact your Fibromyalgia?
I have Degenerative Joint Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoporosis – enough right?
What (if anything) have you found/ done that has improved your symptoms?
Sleep. If there is no insomnia and I can sleep, I feel recharged. I can take Klonopin and an Ambien, still Insomnia. I try to do little exercise, yet it hurts next day. Lately Gabopentin has helped me a lot more than any other meds.
How open are you with friends & family about your illness & symptoms?
If I am going on a date, I usually reveal it a few date in. Friends, well I let them know immediately so they understand if I can’t do certain activities that they want to include me in.
[Tweet “#Spoonie Embrace yourself, accept yourself, forgive yourself … via @iDouglasMichael”]
Do you blog about your illness? If so, what inspired you to do so?
I do blog about my illness and post links to the latest news, plus one of my shows I talk about Fibro a lot.
What is the best advice you’ve received regarding Fibromyalgia?
LOL! Well, “exercise” – even it’s just 10 minute walk. Hell, it takes me 10 minutes to get from parking lot to the Walmart door, is that enough? 🙂
What was the worst advice that you followed?
Exercising BUT only because at first I was over doing it.
What is your favorite way to cope with your life as a spoonie?
Rest. Go to movies. Get in car and take a small drive or road trip. Cuddle with someone feels amazing.
What is one thing you’ve learned about yourself since your diagnosis?
I have learned I am stronger than I thought dealing with all of the above mentioned physical diagnoses, but also Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Major Depression and PTSD.
What is the most important piece of advice you would give to someone newly diagnosed with Fibro (or even still seeking a diagnosis)?
Be patient. If you are not happy with your current Fibro doctor, please get a second opinion. Do a lot of research and reading. Find a local support group. I am starting one in October here in Bakersfield, CA. Find people who will LISTEN and not just HEAR you.
[Tweet “Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion. via @iDouglasMichael”]
Is there anything else you’d like the readers to know?
Don’t give up.
Don’t be in denial.
Embrace yourself.
Accept yourself.
Forgive yourself.
You didn’t do this to your body.
If others can’t accept you then move on from them.
Live in the moment; today is all we have; tomorrow isn’t guaranteed and tomorrow is over.
Read online, books, magazines. Study and research.
Find a support group or start your own and promote it in local doctor’s offices and Craigslist.
Reach out to me as I host one of my shows for self help and Fibro and want to make a difference in others lives.
[Tweet “#Spoonie If others can’t accept you then move on from them. @iDouglasMichael “]
Check out Douglas’ blog and radio show. You can also follow him on twitter @iDouglasMichael and @OnAirWithDoug , as well as on Facebook. Douglas also welcomes your emails.
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