You are here: Home / Archives for support groups

Fibromyalgia and CFS – An Introduction

by 28 Comments
Jul
29
2010
Fibromyalgia and CFS - An Introduction

Being as I am a new phenomenon to many of you (!), I figure I should at least introduce myself and what I plan to be writing about for The Fight Like A Girl Club. My name is Annie Martin.  I am 23 years old.  I have been mysteriously ill since roughly 13 years of age.  Over the past ten years, I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofascial Pain Syndrome – as well as Celiac Disease, Asthma, general autoimmune attacks, and multiple mental health issues. But enough about me, I’m here to give you the all the goodies (and not-so-goodies) about the first two controversial, misunderstood illnesses.  Also, I personally like to call the latter ME/CFS – as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sounds as though the person afflicted is just lazy and wants to take a nap...which is not the case at all. Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) – An Introduction A)     It sucks. B)     At least it isn’t fatal. C)     It … [Read more...]

Filed Under: CFS, Fibromyalgia Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fighting Liver Disease Like A Girl

by 4 Comments
Jul
29
2010
Combat Girl Liver Disease

Right now, I am less than 2 weeks away from a partial liver transplant. I am 29 years old and finding out you have any life-threatening disease is scary (to put it mildly), but finding out you have a disease that carries the stigma of Cirrhosis… well, let’s just say it sometimes makes it tough to handle like a “dignified” gal. I can honestly say, being that I found out I had Hepatitis C when I was 12 years old; I have had a lot of experience with this. However, (in my expert opinion) I also feel that if you are going to have a diseased organ – the liver is the way to go. (As if we had a choice) Why do I say that? Well, not to be biased, but the liver is an amazing organ! Not only because of all of its jobs it usually completes seamlessly, but because it is one of the only organs that can regenerate itself. Why is that important for us? Because that means in most situations, the liver CAN heal! Liver disease is not a death sentence, even if it advances to cirrhosis, there … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Liver Disease Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Newly Diagnosed With Lupus? – So Now What?

by 37 Comments
Jul
27
2010
tiff

Hello Lovies! My name is Tiffany Marie and I'm a twenty-four year old luscious lavender butterfly living in New York City! Recently diagnosed with Lupus SLE this past January 2010. I can remember having lupus symptoms like joint pain and extreme fatigue as far back as six years ago. For many of us Lupus has always been a silent disease until that day we are struck with a severe flare up. The road has been rough, but I'm glad to finally know my health status after being in the dark about it for so many years! One of the biggest challenges I have come across after being diagnosed with Lupus was the attempt to share that knowledge and understanding with friends and family. How often have we been called "lazy, oblivious, slow", and many other painful names because of the misunderstandings of others not comprehending our body and battles with Lupus? It may seem daunting at first, but I've found thee best way to tackle it after much trial & error! The FIRST step is acceptance. We … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Lupus Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,