This week’s Fibro Warrior is Tracey Marinelli from Derby, England. She has suffered symptoms of Fibro since 1989, but wasn’t diagnosed until 2000. For Tracey symptoms began with digestion issues along with terrible fatigue. Of course, all the diagnostic tests just came back normal.
Give me some basics… Are you married? Kids? Pets? Work? What do you enjoy?
I am married with a 23-year-old son and one little Lhasa Apso called Yeshi. I work full-time as a Training Centre Manager for Dermalogica UK. I have also taken some distance learning courses in Health & Wellness Coaching, Raw Food Nutrition and Mediation. I currently run 3 blogs, one of them to shares my experiences of Fibromyalgia, in the hope of inspiring and empowering fellow sufferers.
How did your family initially handle your illness?
My family did not and still do not really have any comprehension of this condition and how it affects me. Fibromyalgia, I believe, was a contributing factor to the breakdown of my first marriage. Whilst my current husband is very supportive, he still cannot understand why I “suffer” yet have nothing to show for it.
What do you feel is the most challenging aspect of Fibro?
The ignorance and negativity of others when discussing Fibromyalgia, this includes the medical professionals. It feels an incredibly lonely place to be most of the time.
Do you have any other co-existing conditions? If so, what are they and how do they impact your Fibromyalgia?
I suffer with Haemochromotosis which is my body storing too much iron. This can be fatal if not controlled but it is currently under control through regular venesection procedures. I think the only outward impact would be the tiredness after I have given blood.
What (if anything) have you found/ done that has improved your symptoms?
I recently changed my diet to clean eating with no meat as well as having regular myofascial release massage. This coupled with gentle daily yoga and meditation has seen a great improvement in my symptoms.
How open are you with friends & family about your illness & symptoms?
My family and friends are aware of my condition, however it is rare that I go into huge detail as I know that it is difficult for them to understand.
Do you blog about your illness? If so, what inspired you to do so?
Yes I have my blog FibroFantastic.com – my inspiration came from seeing great improvement in my condition through the life changes I have made these past few months. I get frustrated at the amount of negativity around the condition from the sufferers who I find in the main to resign themselves that it is incurable and there is nothing they can do. I wanted to show that it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom and that Fibro sufferers do not have to be their own worst enemy.
What is the best advice you’ve received about Fibromyalgia?
Sadly, I have never received any good advice about Fibromyalgia, my journey has been through listening to my body, using trial & error. Finding out what works for me.
What was the worst advice that you followed?
That there is no hope and we must rely on painkillers and antidepressants. Thankfully I have never followed this advice.
What is your favorite way to cope with your life as a spoonie?
To write about and inspire others to be FibroFantastic.
What is it that inspires you to keep going, despite your illness?
I have always been determined to not let Fibro get me. Each morning I get out of bed regardless of how I am feeling because I believe that the first time I do that, it will be the slippery slope to giving in. The ignorance out there from both sufferers and non-sufferers inspires me to educate and support, hence my taking further education in wellness.
What is one thing you’ve learned about yourself since your diagnosis?
That I am tougher than I give myself credit for. That I can keep on keeping on and I always come out the other side (for now!!)
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 ever give up, don’t ever stop looking for ways of making your life better. The condition does not have to be a life sentence in the sense that you have to stop doing what you love. You just have to listen to your body and be gentle. Eat the best you can and move!! Getting out of bed in the morning is a must, even if you nap later. I believe it tells your body and your Fibro that you are not giving in to it.
Is there anything else you’d like the readers to know?
Please try and be positive. It’s a horrible condition and can be so lonely but there is light, you just have to look for it – Fibromyalgia won’t kill us and with some effort, we can get out there and make a difference.
Now that you’ve gotten to know a bit about Tracey, be sure to check out her blog and follow her online. You can find her on Facebook and Twitter @fibro_fantastic
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