Are you AWARE of one of the best resources for Fibromyalgia information on the web? The National Fibromyalgia Association is the leading non-profit organization dedicated to improving quality of life for people with Fibromyalgia. Their website has been a great resource for me as an FM patient, advocate, and support group leader. The NFA is focused on creating programs dedicated to spreading Fibromyalgia Awareness, like the Fibro Focus events that took place last year, which my support group was fortunate to participate in. The NFA truly is the leading authority on Fibromyalgia, so when … [Read more...]
Relaxation Technique for Pain Control
Week two of the Pain Coping Skills research study. Following up on the Progressive Relaxation guided technique of week one, in week two we learned a simple and useful technique called Mini-Practices. Mini-Practices For relaxation to benefit you the most, you need to learn how to relax and calm yourself upon your command. This skill can be very helpful when you are feeling increased tension or pain, but are unable to go to a secluded area to do progressive relaxation. To Do a Mini-Practice: Stop yourself in whatever you are doing Take a deep breath Say the word "relax" to … [Read more...]
Happy First Anniversary FibroHaven
FibroHaven is One Today! One year ago today I sat down at FibroHaven for the first time and wrote this - Welcome! In my very first post I shared what I hoped and intended to accomplish with my blog: I have found the blogs I like best are the ones whose authors are aware they have an audience, yet they speak with a realness and simplicity. They are authentic. I image if I met the author they would be exactly as they sound on their blog. That is the approach I hope to take in my writing. I want to be real. One year later I think my blog is exactly as real as I was hoping it would … [Read more...]
Processing Emotional Pain To Heal Your Physical Pain
I remember the shock I felt when I first realized there is an emotional component to my pain. I have always been a joyful person. I smile often, and it is the kind of smile I feel deep in my heart. Despite everything I have been through and live with daily, I have always felt fortunate and happy for my life. I knew I had unresolved anger and resentment, that is how I found myself in therapy, but I had no idea that I had been physically storing it in my body for years. It was several years ago now that my therapist tried to help me resolve my physical pain by dealing with my suppressed … [Read more...]
The Start of a New Decade
I turn forty this week. It is a milestone I am eager to embrace. I know, we women are supposed to fight aging with any means possible, but not me. Bring it on! I spent my twenties in a haze of parties and adventure. Oh the fun I had! I paid for that fun in my thirties. My thirties have been a decade of pain and frustration. After developing Fibromyalgia in my late twenties, I spent most of my thirties a slave to my symptoms. But that is all changing. It started with this blog, and all the research I do to stay informed and up to date. Knowledge is power I tell you. I am learning more and … [Read more...]