Fibro Warrior – Kimberley

This week’s Fibro Warrior is Kimberley from Northwestern Ontario, Canada. She’s single and has three children–the four-legged furry kind– two cats (Shadow and Gypsy) and a husky named Mira. She was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in April of 2014, at the age of 40.

Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m currently off sick from my full-time job at the local hospital while we try to determine if it’s time to move into Long-Term Disability. I also have a small business, Bridgwater Crafts, I started this June. I design crochet and knit patterns and started writing a book last month. My blog and business website is http://BridgwaterCrafts.com.

The book, C’est Ma Vie! 2015 (It’s My Life! 2015) is about my journey as I work a full-time job, work part-time at my creative business, live with chronic health conditions, have close relationships with family, and a life besides. It’s about how I live as a Cancer survivor (although, they think it might be back) with Fibromyalgia, spinal degeneration, carpal tunnel syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

I’m self-publishing as I want to release it as a monthly serial. The first portion, the prologue and chapter one will be released February 15th. On the fifteenth of every month through January 2016 a new chapter will be released. More information can be found at http://BridgwaterCrafts.com/words/cest-ma-vie (Keep reading for a chance to win a personal copy).

What lead up to your diagnosis ?
My family doctor suggested it first as I’d had chronic widespread pain for decades, including trigger point pain, and dizziness issues since 2008. But, I had other more serious issues going on. It wasn’t until the neck surgery for thyroid cancer sent me into a flare that she diagnosed it formally. It’s just not normal to have post-operative pain for almost a year! I also had a lot of fatigue and fogginess (I couldn’t think straight, and would lose my words).

It wasn’t until after the diagnosis, when I started researching the disorder, that I realized I had most of the classic symptoms. I suspect I’ve probably had it since my teens. My younger sister also has Fibro.

What was your life like at that time?
I was single then too and working full-time as able. I didn’t realize the extreme dizziness, fatigue, and pain I was having when the seasons – or weather – changed, or when I was under extreme stress were related to Fibro flare-ups! Fortunately the hospital has a great sick plan!

How did your family initially handle your illness?
Because my sister had gone through a harder diagnosis time before finally being diagnosed about six years prior, it wasn’t new to them. Despite differing symptoms, it wasn’t a complete surprise.

I think it’s harder now for them because I’m declining so quickly. The combination of my diseases and a highly repetitive motion job have made for a rough nine years. It all started with an eye disorder that required surgery in 2006. That’s cured thankfully.

What do you feel is the most challenging aspect of Fibro?
The invisibility. Because you don’t always “look sick” people have a hard time accepting the disorder.

Fibro Warrior – Kimberley Share on X

Do you have any other co-existing conditions? If so, what are they and how do they impact your Fibromyalgia?
As I mentioned above I do. We were actually investigating my enlarged thyroid when we discovered I had type 2 diabetes. We caught it early. Since I had to have fasting blood work for the thyroid work up I requested a fasting blood glucose test be added as there is a strong family history. I’ve been able to keep my glucose levels in check with diet and exercise until these last few months. I haven’t received my most recent lab results yet. We’ll see if being off and fairly immobile since September has changed anything.

I had a complete thyroidectomy in 2012 for two cancerous tumors. My two-year check-up came back abnormal. I have two abnormal lymph nodes in my neck that were too small to biopsy in September. I go back for more testing in February. I suspect it was that news that knocked me over the edge into this latest flare.

I also have Myofascial Pain Syndrome. With four diseases/disorders than can cause neuropathy, it’s sometimes a guessing game as to which is causing what pain. I suspect they exacerbate each other. If anything, I think the Fibro increases the pain in my neck and shoulders. I don’t eat as well as I should for the diabetes and Fibro because of the pain and fatigue. That’s something I hope to work on this year.

What (if anything) have you found/ done that has improved your symptoms?
I haven’t found anything that significantly improves my symptoms. Medication and walking help. I recently started rehabilitation therapy with a physiotherapist. That’s helping my neck, shoulder and arm pain. It’s little gains sometimes; lots of baby steps to manage Fibro.

How open are you with friends & family about your illness & symptoms?
I’ve been pretty open. I’ve never hidden my health issues from family, friends and coworkers. But, I’ve downplayed the symptoms!

Do you blog about your illness? If so, what inspired you to do so?
I do but not a huge amount. I started my latest blog as a place to talk mainly about my business then started talking about my life too. I decided my business is a big part of my life therefore my life is a part of my business. And Fibromyalgia is a big part of my life too.

What is the best advice you’ve received regarding Fibromyalgia?
Pace yourself! Whenever I ignore that advice, I pay for it in either more pain or more fatigue.

Whenever I fail to pace myself, I pay for it in either more pain or more fatigue. via @bridgwaterk Share on X

What was the worst advice that you followed?
Just push through the pain-that just increased my pain level.

What is your favorite way to cope with your life as a spoonie?
I don’t think I really have a favorite way of coping with it. I’ve had so many health issues thrown at my in the last few years. I’m in survival mode half the time. One of my goals this year is to get a handle on my health.

What is it that inspires you to keep going, despite your illness?
Unconditional love. The way my great-nephew comes in the door and rushes over to give me a hug. The way my cats run to meet me at the door when I come in. The way my dog jumps up and shakes herself to wait for me to let her out of the kennel. They don’t see me as sick, just as someone who loves them.

What is one thing you’ve learned about yourself since your diagnosis?
I’m more stubborn than I thought. Sometimes it’s sheer stubbornness that gets me out of bed in the morning.

What is the most important piece of advice you would give to someone newly diagnosed with Fibro (or even still seeking a diagnosis)?
Don’t give up. Learn your body’s new boundaries and respect them.

Find something you can do even on the bad days: reading, crocheting, knitting, whatever works for you; so that even on the worst days you have something you can accomplish.

Get to know Kimberley further by visiting her website and following her on Twitter (@bridgwaterk), Instagram (@bridgwaterk) and on Facebook.

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