Overdue Intro

[Guest guest]

Coming out of lurking on the site, first time meetings warrents an

introduction.

My name is , I'm 47 years old, I have Fibromyalgia,

Hypothyroidism, and an L5 herniation.

I'm taking Hydrocodone, Lyrica, Xannex, Levothyroxine, a over the

counter sleep aid, and a good multivitamin every day.

Since the full blown Fibromyalgia about 10 years ago, my wife and I

decided it was better to for me to stay at home and start a family.

We now have a 4 year old daughter and I have turned into Mr Mom or

stay at home dad.

Despite reaching out to other stay at home parents, I'm frequently

shunned because of my gender and don't fit the mold of the

traditional " house wife " , that's fine however it's not my problem.

Some of my personal observations on my health is that they do not

control my life, I am in control.

Doctors work for me, I don't work for them. I have fired doctors in the past

when they are not being a team player.

If you have a doctor who is not listening to you or is not providing

the healthcare that you are paying for - fire them and find one that

will work with you.

Never get hostile with a doctor, remain calm and level headed, logic

cannot be argued effectivly.

Self-Advocacy is a primary tool in managing pain and overall health.

Take charge and don't let anything stop you, if the pain bullies you

around - fight back.

Do yourself a big favor and educate yourself on your individual

health issues, find out what the facts are, arm yourself to the teeth

with knowledge so when you go to the doctor next time you are on

level playing ground with them.

Set realistic goals and follow through with them, even if they are

small ones, at least it's some form of progress.

If you have it in you, move to the front of the pack and lead the

way, I'm running a local Fibromyalgia support group. It takes just one person to

make a difference.

Remember to be good to yourself, do something special that you enjoy

you'll feel better in the long run.

That's about me in a nutshell, I could go on but life's too short.

I landed on planet pain and I'm not going anywhere, so I just have to

soldier up and deal with it.