“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” ~ Dr. Seuss

What’s a Fibrochondriac? Is that even a word?

No, but in my world it should be. It is a combination of the word Fibromyalgia, a little understood syndrome that causes pain and a multitude of symptoms and Hypochondriac a person who is preoccupied with their health and worried about getting a serious disease.

For further discussion: So what’s with the name Fibrochondriac?

Is Fibromyalgia a real disease?

I have seen posts that interpret certain studies to say that Fibromyalgia is a disease; but for now, as far as I know it’s a bunch of symptoms that are collectively called a syndrome.

Fibromyalgia is considered as a combination of physical, psychological and social disabilities.The symptoms usually are muscle and joint pain, sleep disturbances, fatigue, depression and anxiety. But if you’re here, you probably already knew that much.

And you might probably know that not everybody who has Fibromyalgia has all of these and most people have these symptoms plus a whole lot more. In my case, I have short-term memory loss. So I have to write things down…good reason to have a blog, right?

Who are you?

My name is Kathy. Fibrochondriac is my “pet name” for how I deal with fibromyalgia. I’m a woman in my mid-forties who developed fibromyalgia several years ago.

I used to be an accountant, but since I now have short-term memory loss that isn’t the job for me! I am used to doing research and writing technical reports (boring, dry work…and nobody ever read them) and like to think I still have an analytical mind.

I’ve lived on the west coast all my life and recently moved from Seattle back down to southern California. I do much better (less overall pain) in the warmer weather and my husband was able to transfer down here.

I’ve got a very supportive husband and dog…as well as three children who have all moved out of the house.

The kids love me, but only one “gets it” (she unfortunately has developed Interstitial cystitis which is related to fibro and causes me no end of guilt) and the other two…they love me!

Why are you blogging?

To remember things  (insert smiley face here!). No seriously. I started this blog because I was ticked off at someone and decided to become active in changing the way people see and deal with chronic illness. Should be an interesting adventure.

And quite honestly, If I take the time to write down what is going on and be quite public about it, I will be more careful to take the steps that I need to stabilize my symptoms and feel better.  Since I’m no longer working (as in earning a paycheck) this seemed like a way to be productive and keep my mind engaged. We’ll see.

Why should I read your blog?

Well, when it comes to fibromyalgia, I’ve been there and tried that. I’ve done a heck of a lot of research on fibromyalgia (my husband winces everytime I go near a bookstore!) And I’m willing to tell you about what I’ve tried, trying or won’t touch with a ten-foot pole. I’m willing to share and review resources. Would I call myself an expert? I’m an expert about me and my fibromyalgia.

I try to approach the whole subject with humor (when I’m not ticked off at something) even then I get a little sarcastic. So maybe you’ll laugh. Or maybe you’ll find something out about fibromyalgia. If you don’t have it, but know someone who does, maybe I’ll be able to help you understand it a little more.

If you have fibromyalgia maybe you might learn something from what I write about. There’s a whole lot of information (and misinformation) out there and I’ve dug through a lot of it. I’m planning on writing reviews of books and products that I’ve already tried and sharing information that I find that could be useful.

Seems like a decent reason to take a look at The Fibrochondriac.

Copyright Notice

“Fibrochondriac” and http://www.fibrochondriac.com/, 2009+.

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author is strictly prohibited.

Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Fibrochondriac and http://www.fibrochondriac.com/ with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

I assert that the writings published on this site are my own original work unless otherwise stated. -Fibrochondriac

Comment Policy

First and most important to me: differing opinions are welcome and valued. I enjoy a good discussion! I certainly don’t have all the answers. Some days I don’t have ANY answer! But I love exchanging ideas and learning new things. If you have something you want to share or ask I’d be very happy to hear from you.

And the way I see it, a blog is kinda like a person’s home…or place of business. Generally people don’t get snarky in these settings.

Some people treat blogs like they treat other drivers on the freeway; they’re rude because they can remain anonymous.

This is my “home” and not a freeway. People exhibiting road rage behavior will be booted. Simple enough?

Oops, one more thing. I may post a comment but I that doesn’t mean I have an opinon one way or another with what is on the commentator’s website/profile. Got it?

How to get in touch with me

The best and easiest way to talk to me is right here, commenting on my blog! Of course I’d say that.

But if you’d like to chat (please no nasty stuff or spam, k?) my email address is fibrochondriac at yahoo dot com.

I love this quote…”I can’t change the world, but I can change the world in me. I rejoice!”-Rejoice by U2