What fibro bloggers have to say about fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that can have a significant impact on a person’s lifestyle and mental health. It is a complex and often misunderstood condition. While medical definitions provide a clinical overview, the true essence of living with fibromyalgia is best captured through the voices of those who experience it first hand.

Here we delve into the personal narratives of fibro bloggers—individuals who courageously share their journeys, struggles, and triumphs on their blogs. 

From the relentless fatigue described by Ria at Stronger than Pain, who likens it to a "lead blanket" that never lifts, to the emotional toll highlighted by Bindu at Beyond Fibromyalgia, who speaks of the frustration in hearing doctors dismiss her pain as "all in your head," these accounts resonate deeply. Bethan at Hello Fibro Blog discusses the link between trauma and fibromyalgia, emphasizing the condition's complexity beyond physical symptoms.

These narratives not only validate the experiences of those living with fibromyalgia but also foster a sense of community and understanding. By sharing their stories, fibro bloggers provide support, raise awareness, and advocate for better recognition and treatment of this invisible illness.

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The severity of the pain can vary daily usually depending on how much you do physically, as the pain seems to get worse after physical exertion. Symptoms can change location in muscles all over the body frequently, depending on which muscles you use during daily activities.~ Helen at Helen's Journey

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Fatigue is a part of my fibromyalgia that I have a hard time getting used to. Can you get used to pain? Oh well, it's there and I can do most things that I like. Distraction helps a bit. But that lead blanket that often hangs around my shoulders the moment I get up, I just can't get used to it. ~ Ria at Stronger than Pain 

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There have been many connections between fibromyalgia and trauma in articles from around the world. The most recent studies suggest those with fibromyalgia have their bodies stuck on high alert. ~ Bethan at Hello Fibro Blog

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I know the pain of going to a doctor and hear them say there is nothing physical wrong with you . . . when you know there is.  Of hearing them say it is all in your head.  Of having them give you pills that may or may not relieve the pain and provides a whole new set of symptoms. ~ Bindu at Beyond Fibromyalgia

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I do have days where I am wake up stiff and in pain, I move slow throughout the day or am even unable to get off of the couch. ~ Cynthia at My Inspired Fibro Life 

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Unfortunately, fibro feeds off the chaos of my arthritis. Any time I deviate from my normal day to day routine, my fibro flares. It’s quite insidious and very angry all the time. On top of that, I’m one of those patients who has had zero luck with fibromyalgia treatments.~ Carrie at My Several Worlds.

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 The whole of life has to become one giant, continuous exercise in pacing to make this whole thing work sufficiently enough to avoid the constant boom-bust cycle of flare-ups and chronic fatigue that potentially get harder to recover from each time. ~ Helen at Living whole 

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Though fibro is an invisible disability, that doesn’t make its effects, like chronic widespread pain, fatigue, sleep issues, and sensitivity to movement and environmental stimuli, any less real. ~ Janet at Janet Jay

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People with fibromyalgia often deal with depression, anxiety, & other emotional problems, such as frustration, & feelings of helplessness. ~ Thom Byxbe

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I have been living with Fibromyalgia for over 20 years now and I must say I never look forward to the winter months here in Texas. Around the month of February is when we start to see more traditional winter temperatures, that’s the time of year my body dreads the most. ~ Windy Johnson-Cumberbatch at Windy's Journey

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'You have to learn to live your life with the pain, in spite of the pain, don’t let the pain win, etc. I firmly believe that, and I’ve done a lot with that attitude. But the fact is, I’m losing the battle, and I need to change my thinking.' ~ Dee Dee at FIBROMY WHAT? 

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I love life and God, laughter, singing and being creative; but I also face daily battles with my health, including Fibromyalgia, and CFS. Whenever I am photographed in the wheelchair, when I look at the photos all I see is the chair, and the reminder of the life I want that I don’t have any more. ~ Beckey

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I’ve lived with fibromyalgia for around a decade now, made many mistakes along the way, but learnt a lot about how to manage the condition and this is what I’m keen to share with readers of this blog. ~ Sarah Warburton

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Omg my whole body is on fire, a few days away... are supposed to be relaxing! Instead I am so tired and hurting so very much. 

My knees, my fingers, hands, feet, shoulders, hips, back... everything.  The bed in the motel is hard and  uncomfortable. I don't feel like me here.

Sleep does not come to those burning in pain. Pain meds not working this weekend. ~ Tash at Bohemian Solitude

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The symptoms of fibromyalgia are unpredictable and most patients are frustrated by their physical limitations and inability to make plans. You may feel as though you have to "push yourself" to get things done. ~ Glenys at Morning Cuppas with Glenys

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I learned to listen to my Body, a no is a no and not a maybe. I learned to say No, without bad faith. Okay, somedays nothing of this works. But I work on it every single day of my life. ~ Bettina at Me, Myself & I.

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Parenting while living with fibromyalgia is what I call Fibro Parenting. It takes parenting to a whole new level. There is the constant burden of guilt, and feelings of letting down our children when we can’t do what they would like us to do. ~ Brandi at Being Fibro Mom

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A key in relationships is not only to be understood, but also to understand.  When you’re hit by something that affects your cognitive and physical abilities but otherwise look fit and healthy, it’s not only a shock and scary for you, but also those close to you. ~ Dale at Fibro & Photos

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Given the involvement of the sympathetic nervous system in fibromyalgia, it’s important to have tools to both protect and manage it. In fibromyalgia we are too often in the fight or flight state. ~ Melissa at Going My Own Pace

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