I read this article today in Current Psychiatry online magazine. It is a peer-reviewed magazine, meaning the articles are written for and to other psychiatrists. So reading it was kind of like listening in on their private conversation about Fibromyalgia - I didn't understand some of the technical terms used, but it was enlightening to read how the psychiatric world views Fibromyalgia and patients diagnosed with it. I have to say, I think they get it! At the very least the doctor who wrote the article does. Sharon B. Stanford, MD is the Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Family … [Read more...]
Embracing Your Diagnosis as a Gift, Teacher & Blessing
Embracing your diagnosis as a gift, teacher and blessing. Sounds a little convoluted doesn't it? Well yes it is a complex concept, but Hillary Rubin is living proof that it is possible. A few weeks ago I did not know Hillary, but she sent me an e-mail introducing herself and sharing her philosophy on wellness: Personally my journey began back in 1996 when I was working in the fashion industry for Prada in NYC and was diagnosed with MS. Like most I was upset, angry and thought my life was over. At the same time I also found yoga and now from keeping up a healthy lifestyle (left … [Read more...]
Which Came First, The Pain or The Emotion?
We have all heard about the woefully closed-minded doctors who believe Fibromyalgia is just a symptom of depression. Research proves that depression doesn't cause the pain of Fibromyalgia, but there is an undeniable emotional component to the condition. Which came first, the chicken or the egg - Fibromyalgia or emotional distress? I like to believe I was an emotionally stable person on the day I broke the toilet with my head and began my descent into Fibromyalgia hell, but if I am truthful with myself, I was not/am not as strong as I like to believe. So does the fact that I try to control my … [Read more...]
Leave a Comment, You May Make a New Friend
When I began my blog last October it was most definitely a selfish endeavor. I wanted (and needed) a space of my own to vent, process, absorb and share what my life with Fibromyalgia is all about. Since the birth of my blog, I have had a personal awakening and now understand that I am so much more than what Fibromyalgia has taken away from me. Writing about my experiences has given me back the control that I let FM take away from me so many years ago. I have become more accepting of how my life has changed and more hopeful for what my future holds. The best part of my blog though has been … [Read more...]
Celebrating Life: Lessons Learned From My Beautiful Lab Casey
I have been off the grid for a few days. Laying low and trying to put my pieces back together after having to say goodbye to my constant companion of the last 14 years, my beautiful and sweet lab Casey. This is not going to be a post about the tears I have shed though, this is a celebration of her life. Who better than a dog to teach us how to live in the moment, love those who love you, and enjoy every minute of what it means to be alive? The first lesson I learned from Casey was resiliency and a strong passion to live life. I rescued Casey when she was just a few months old, and within a … [Read more...]