So, last Thursday I was told by my Doctor that I did not have carpal tunnel syndrome in my almost useless hands, that it was something else. We did a list of questions and symptoms and he diagnosed me with fibromyalgia... What?!?!

Although I had heard of it in passing I had no idea what it was about so I did some research on the web and looked at my health plan's website and found that my symptoms did match perfectly except for one- severe menstrual cramps- which I don't have because I had a hysterectomy 2 years ago. But before that, yes they were severe. So I had a coffee meeting with my friends and told them what the doctor said and the response was less than helpful. I heard things that varied from "that's what they tell hypochondriacs" to "it's a catchall for peope who don't have any real problems"... I was offended at the fact that anyone who knows me would think I was a hypochondriac. In fact, the last 3 times I was sick I waited to go to the doctor until I was at death's door and ended up having emergency surgery... So for a group of women (who are 13 years or more younger than me) to infer that I was overreacting and was not sick just had it all in my head I was, in a word, a little offended. But I kept my thoughts to myself while making a solemn pledge to myself to be more supportive when their young bodies start to fall apart. When I have to wear braces on wrists and elbows everyday I think that I should be taken seriously. I don't wear them for sympathy. In fact, I hate wearing them because although they are black they are less than fashionable! If they came in a Burberry print, well, they would still look terrible. I decided to start this blog in order to chronicle my issues and give hope to other women who may face this same diagnosis. You can live with fibromyalgia- I think it will just take a little time to learn... Maybe we can learn together :)