Share My Story: NFA Member Stories
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in “Share My Story” belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the NFA (National Fibromyalgia Association), their employees or other groups or individuals. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service, is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the National Fibromyalgia Association.
The National Fibromyalgia Association Would like to thank all of you who have contributed to “Share My Story”
I Am More Than My Diagnosis
By: Dave Shields I am often perplexed by an individual's response to a disorder or disease diagnosis. In the early 90’s I came down with Fibromyalgia. It seemed to take forever but I was finally diagnosed at the Mayo [...]
Proper Listening Can Save Lives
By: Rosaria Mastronardo Statistically, it is proven that, during a common visit to a doctor: "Every 22 seconds the doctor interrupts the patient"; moreover: "90% of diagnoses, if the patient is not interrupted, makes it himself" and finally, doctors should [...]
I am a Human Being. A Living, Breathing, Feeling Person
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain By Lynne Matallana Yes, I am a fibromyalgia “patient”, but more importantly I am a human being. A living, breathing, feeling person who must face, on a daily basis, a constellation of distressing symptoms that [...]
Fibromyalgia Pain Management
Fibromyalgia Pain Management By: Paula Ehmer In my 40's I started to experience headaches and muscle spasms in my sides that would take my breath away and I would get close to blacking out. I finally went to the [...]
Medical Marijuana, Help for 20 Year Battle
Medical Marijuana, Help for 20 Year Battle By: Nancy Friedman I had Irritable Bowel Syndrome for years. I also had a benign brain tumor and gall bladder problem...had surgery for both within one month. Then it was thought that [...]
Living with the Shame of Fibromyalgia
Living with the Shame of Fibromyalgia By: Kari Hillborn Coping with any chronic illness is intense but when it's an invisible illness, the shame dial gets cranked right up! Our defenses and reactions to life become enhanced, as we are [...]
Diagnosed With Fibromyalgia When I was 39
Diagnosed With Fibromyalgia When I Was 39 By: Robbie Mosinger I Was diagnosed with fibromyalgia when I was 39 years old. About 20 years ago I was in the grocery store, leaning on the basket, when I realized I [...]
Happiness – The First Day of my Self-Help Group
Happiness - The First Day of my Self-Help Group By: Rosaria Mastronardo We humans are always looking for happiness. But what is happiness? Why are we always so damned conditioned to have to reach it at all costs? We often hear from [...]
Refused to Let it Take my Joy
Refused to let it Take My Joy By: Michelle Thum I have spent more than half of my life living with fibromyalgia. It has not always been easy, but I refused to let it take my joy. I have learned [...]