My name is Michelle. I a 45 years old living with Fibromyalgia and Lupus. My world for the past 5 years has been a struggle, much like all of you on this wonderful site. The first few years was more confusion and denial that something just wasn't right with my body. I was feeling like I had the flu atleast every other month. Of course people thought I had become a Hyprocondriac. At that point I would sneak in naps as I was a Realtor at that time, so in between appointments I would rest and pray to make it through the day. One day my man at the time was so fed up with hearing the words "I am to tireda and do not want to go anywhere"... coming out of my mouth he finally said what the hecks wrong with you? This my friends was a magic question. Of course me saying I'm not sure did not go over well. He somehow knew. He had a friend of his wife call me. In 5 minutes she told ME what I was feeling. She said its called Fibromyalgia. No cure. And it will get worse. I went to the Dr. that I had been seeing for years, he explained my options to manage my energy and help keep my ie a float. I begain with B12 shots once a week. Vitamins daily and anti depressants. This did not work. I then went in every Wednesday for what they call a "Myers Cocktail'' this being an IV of many vitamins. it gave me energy and some relief for about 3 or 4 days. The we started the long list of medicines with a strict diet and excercise. Another year went by and no progress was made. My pain became a daily struggle. I was so tired all the time. I then turned to Yoga and many different teas as well as hot baths, jacuzzi's and lies to my co workers, family and friends. I would say I am busy today. When in reality I was busy fighting the pain. My career as a Realtor ended last September 2012, 4 years into this evil illness. I to was devastated. What was I going to do to support myself. My man left me as he just couldn't understand the whole thing. This past year has been pure hell. I have had 2 TIAs .. been in and out of the hospital only for them to say "There is nothing we can do for you" take these pain pills, rest and stay away from stress. I exhausted my savings account. Found more Doctors for more opinions and here I am all alone with no way out. At night I can not turn myself over, the pain is horrible. I have always been extremely active with a love for work. I am trying to get use to the routine of being home. Resting, Reading, Writing but most of all being alone hurts the most! I still do my Yoga daily and I have a son 18, a daughteer 25 whom have made my bedroom very comfortable. They check on me daily. Once a week they make me get up and get out with them for a few hours. I have 2 grandsons, 2 and 4. My 4 year old has recently been diagnosed with Luekemia ALL.. Its become a living nightmare with all his treatments.... However, he gives me strength seeing him smile knowing he is in much pain.
This is my story this far.
Please check in for more updates on my progress.
Thank you for being such great people on this site!
Michelle Etzenhouser
Kansas City MO
