I should probably introduce myself... - Fibromyalgia Message Board

Grapedy · 11-20-2007, 05:08 PM

It's high time I officially introduced myself, lol.

I am 24, it only got bad enough where I required prescription medication 18 months ago. Remeron is my miracle drug of choice. I diagnosed myself 4 years ago and informed my dad, and then started on anti-depressants in 2005. I live in Louisiana, (not New Orleans) so I don't really have to worry most of the time about the weather making me flare. It does happen, but usually only in November/December, and February/March. Extreme cold is not something I have to deal with, and for that I am eternally thankful! My mom also has FM, as does her brother and sister, and at least one of my cousins. Mama has a huge extended family, so I've got lots of 2nd and 3rd cousins who also have it.

My dad's a doctor, an internist, and one of the first doctors to recognize FM as a real disease nearly 12 years ago. I spent a total of 8 years working in his office as his right hand, half of that was full-time. He has chronic pain from a herniated disc repair, so I don't have to spend time trying to convince him what it's like to hurt all the time. After that surgery, he became a much better doctor at treating chronic pain because he understands it. His last office manager also had FM and CFS, and I watched her push herself so hard that she ended up on SSDI. I am bound and determined not to do that and have taken the appropriate steps job-wise to eliminate that concern for the near future.

I'm transitioning into the next phase of my life as a medical transcriptionist who works from home. I start that job the first full week of January. Really looking forward to the change and the benefits that go with it. Currently I am not able to hold down a full-time job outside the home, and medical transcription is something I enjoy that engages my brain without physically wearing me out. In this field, I can keep a full time job and still have energy for other things. And I'm going to be able to get a new car! I think that has me more excited than anything else, lol.

I also write inspirational historical fiction and am actively pursuing publication on that front. I'm a very crafty person who's addicted to counted cross-stitch, knitting and thread crochet and I'm about to learn how to do bobbin lace. I'm also a Nancy Drew fanatic.

jam338 · 11-20-2007, 07:24 PM

hi Grapedy, thanks for sharing your story with us. Your parents must be very proud of you! You are very mature and insightful for your young age which will help you to manage your FM. One key, as you know, is to moderate your activities to avoid pushing yourself beyond your system's capacity. Nurture yourself, and learn early to diplomatically set limits. Do not let guilt, whether self induced or by others, cause you to ignore your body's warning signals. It sounds like you have thought things out right down to career choice, good for you!!!

pa235 · 11-21-2007, 04:39 PM

Hi, I just read your interesting post. I am glad the home job will happen for you. I use to love crocheting and knitting but no longer do either as anything repitious sends me into a flare.

My sis use to live in St. Francisville, She moved back to Mass. after Katrina came by even though they only had a tree down. Her childre live in Mass.

Hugs, Linda