GET FIBROMYALGIA ACCEPTED AS A REAL DISABILITY
Target:
We need 1000 names for York County and 4000 names for the US
Sponsored by:
I have been living and suffering with Fibromyalgia since my diagnosis in March of 2005. I have been looked down on from the Medical community (except for my AWESOME PPO) and I have been put down, made fun of and ignored. This is just as real as MS, Parkinson's, even cancer. We have heard tons about MS (thank you Mr. Montel Williams) and Parkinson's (Thank you Mr. Michael J Fox) Everywhere you go you either know someone with cancer or has a family member with cancer. You dont hear anything about Fibromyalgia. This is our turn to bring to light this very real disability. I cant play ball with my Son, I cant chase my Daughter down the side walk, I cant walk a long way, I cant run. It has robbed me of so much time from my children as they are growing up so fast right in front of me. I have been told by a Senetor and a Coungressman that if I got 1000 local signatures and 4000 US signatures this could be brought in front of the congress of the US and in front of our State to make this just as real and important as any other disbabaling disease. Please help me help all the other 5 million people in the States that are living in fear, pain and worry from Fibromyalgia.
Thank you for your time and patience. To learn more please go to my websites
www.yocofibrofighters.weebly.com
www.myspace.com/fibrofighters
www.mdjunctions.com/mem/80679 (daily blog)
Take care and take time!
Kristin D Barnett
I have been living and suffering with Fibromyalgia since my diagnosis in March of 2005. I have been looked down on from the Medical community (except for my AWESOME PPO) and I have been put down, made fun of and ignored. This is just as real as MS, Parkinson's, even cancer. We have heard tons about MS (thank you Mr. Montel Williams) and Parkinson's (Thank you Mr. Michael J Fox) Everywhere you go you either know someone with cancer or has a family member with cancer. You dont hear anything about Fibromyalgia. This is our turn to bring to light this very real disability. I cant play ball with my Son, I cant chase my Daughter down the side walk, I cant walk a long way, I cant run. It has robbed me of so much time from my children as they are growing up so fast right in front of me. I have been told by a Senetor and a Coungressman that if I got 1000 local signatures and 4000 US signatures this could be brought in front of the congress of the US and in front of our State to make this just as real and important as any other disbabaling disease. Please help me help all the other 5 million people in the States that are living in fear, pain and worry from Fibromyalgia.
Thank you for your time and patience. To learn more please go to my websites
www.yocofibrofighters.weebly.com
www.myspace.com/fibrofighters
www.mdjunctions.com/mem/80679 (daily blog)
Take care and take time!
Kristin D Barnett
We signed the "GET FIBROMYALGIA ACCEPTED AS A REAL DISABILITY" petition!
# 104:
1:24 pm PDT, Oct 2,
Christina Sullivan, Pennsylvania
# 103:
11:05 am PDT, Oct 2,
Patti Page, Pennsylvania
# 102:
10:45 am PDT, Oct 2,
Name not displayed, Pennsylvania
# 101:
10:20 am PDT, Oct 2,
Stephanie Sortwell, Pennsylvania
Fibromyalgia is a disabling condition where the sufferer has no means of predicting when flare-ups occur. Even when not in the middle of a flare-up, the day-to-day volatility of this condition determines for the sufferer whether or not it is a "good day" or a "bad day", and the sufferer cannot even say if they will feel better tomorrow or the following day. Because of its "consistent inpredictability" the maintenance of the condition itself is purely exhausting. Fibromyalgia prevents good, hardworking people from doing housework, being able to honor scheduled engagements, focus on the task at hand, and so many other critical intangibles for living. Albeit not fatal, I believe with my entire heart that Fibromyalgia is a serious medical diability, as I have seen the pain and suffering it has caused firsthand.
Fibromyalgia is a disabling condition where the sufferer has no means of predicting when flare-ups occur. Even when not in the middle of a flare-up, the day-to-day volatility of this condition determines for the sufferer whether or not it is a "good day" or a "bad day", and the sufferer cannot even say if they will feel better tomorrow or the following day. Because of its "consistent inpredictability" the maintenance of the condition itself is purely exhausting. Fibromyalgia prevents good, hardworking people from doing housework, being able to honor scheduled engagements, focus on the task at hand, and so many other critical intangibles for living. Albeit not fatal, I believe with my entire heart that Fibromyalgia is a serious medical diability, as I have seen the pain and suffering it has caused firsthand.
# 100:
9:47 am PDT, Sep 30,
Linda Newhart, North Carolina
I have 2 family members who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and it is a debilitating disease. Please work to have fibromyalgia accepted as a real disability. Thank you.
I have 2 family members who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and it is a debilitating disease. Please work to have fibromyalgia accepted as a real disability. Thank you.
# 99:
8:38 am PDT, Sep 30,
Marilyn McArdle, California
# 98:
8:35 am PDT, Sep 30,
Franc Sotis, California
# 97:
2:49 pm PDT, Sep 29,
Carole Sotis, California
# 96:
11:01 pm PDT, Sep 28,
Corey Dinkin, Massachusetts
Beyond being recognized as a disability, fibromyalgia (which is already listed in the American Medical Association's manual as a "real" disease) needs to be something that the public, and the medical community itself, takes more seriously, and there is a strong need for much more education. Lots of us have been through the experience of having a "medical practitioner" who is billing Medicare, Medicaid, insurance plans and individuals,"shrug off" our concerns and struggles with a "yeah, I dunno" attitude and obvious lack of knowledge. I had to educate someone who has led the fibromyalgia/osteoarthritis/etc. division of a major Boston hospital in information that I was able to come up with regarding what diagnostic work exists to identify fibromyalgia, and/or to differentiate from several other conditions which manifest similar symptoms, such as lupus. Practitioners sem to lack basic info and interest, and we have all been in the position of having to educate ourselves and often our health practitioners. This is such a debilitating set of conditions, limiting our life activities, and the ignorance or lack of interest on the part of health practitioners is dismal. Of course this should be viewed as a disability as it so limits life tasks or makes them very difficult and/or painful. And the public needs to be similarly educated. How many of us have been told "it's all in your head" or that "you don't look disabled"?? This is adding insult to injury. Recognize fibro as a disability. Educate medical caregivers and the public. Realize how many people are affected by this condition and its various manifestations.
Beyond being recognized as a disability, fibromyalgia (which is already listed in the American Medical Association's manual as a "real" disease) needs to be something that the public, and the medical community itself, takes more seriously, and there is a strong need for much more education. Lots of us have been through the experience of having a "medical practitioner" who is billing Medicare, Medicaid, insurance plans and individuals,"shrug off" our concerns and struggles with a "yeah, I dunno" attitude and obvious lack of knowledge. I had to educate someone who has led the fibromyalgia/osteoarthritis/etc. division of a major Boston hospital in information that I was able to come up with regarding what diagnostic work exists to identify fibromyalgia, and/or to differentiate from several other conditions which manifest similar symptoms, such as lupus. Practitioners sem to lack basic info and interest, and we have all been in the position of having to educate ourselves and often our health practitioners. This is such a debilitating set of conditions, limiting our life activities, and the ignorance or lack of interest on the part of health practitioners is dismal. Of course this should be viewed as a disability as it so limits life tasks or makes them very difficult and/or painful. And the public needs to be similarly educated. How many of us have been told "it's all in your head" or that "you don't look disabled"?? This is adding insult to injury. Recognize fibro as a disability. Educate medical caregivers and the public. Realize how many people are affected by this condition and its various manifestations.
# 95:
2:23 pm PDT, Sep 28,
Jacqui Briguccia, Tennessee
I don't understand people. I feel very limited in who actually believes I am very sick. If I was in a wheel chair it would all make sense. I have to go to a counselor to feel like someone gets it & knows I am not faking this crazy painful mess. this has totally changed my life. I use to be able to work out all the time. Work. ect. now I have days that just getting out of bed is a chore. No one gets this that doesn't have it. I wish no badness on anyone. but those that don't get it, I wish I could hold there hand to feel what I feel. that minute or two they might have a clue. I would give anything to wake up to this whole thing gone. & yes the symptoms of this are alot like MS except not life threatening.
I don't understand people. I feel very limited in who actually believes I am very sick. If I was in a wheel chair it would all make sense. I have to go to a counselor to feel like someone gets it & knows I am not faking this crazy painful mess. this has totally changed my life. I use to be able to work out all the time. Work. ect. now I have days that just getting out of bed is a chore. No one gets this that doesn't have it. I wish no badness on anyone. but those that don't get it, I wish I could hold there hand to feel what I feel. that minute or two they might have a clue. I would give anything to wake up to this whole thing gone. & yes the symptoms of this are alot like MS except not life threatening.
# 94:
2:43 am PDT, Sep 26,
Carla Wise, Pennsylvania
# 93:
11:42 am PDT, Sep 18,
Kathleen Peoples, Illinois
I have been living with fibromyalgia for years. I have lost two jobs because of the serious pain and fatigue I experience daily. I have to miss work alot and push myself to do everything I possibly can which is either going to work or getting myself a shower on most days. This disease is terrible because until recently people thought I was crazy or just didn't want to work. I would give anything to go back to a normal lifestyle and not have to worry about losing my job and trying to pay my bills.
I have been living with fibromyalgia for years. I have lost two jobs because of the serious pain and fatigue I experience daily. I have to miss work alot and push myself to do everything I possibly can which is either going to work or getting myself a shower on most days. This disease is terrible because until recently people thought I was crazy or just didn't want to work. I would give anything to go back to a normal lifestyle and not have to worry about losing my job and trying to pay my bills.
# 92:
11:18 am PDT, Sep 16,
Beth Venzke, Illinois
I have been struggling with fibromyalgia for years. It affects every aspect of my life. I did nothing to get this (i.e., unlike Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, lung cancer, etc.) yet I cannot get medical coverage. It is time for this inequity to end.
I have been struggling with fibromyalgia for years. It affects every aspect of my life. I did nothing to get this (i.e., unlike Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, lung cancer, etc.) yet I cannot get medical coverage. It is time for this inequity to end.
# 91:
6:43 pm PDT, Sep 4,
Tanya Roberts, Oklahoma
I was recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia in June of this year (2009). I had come to believe that every day pain was just a normal fact of life...as early as 18 years old, I remember feeling the onset of pain. Granted, it used to be helped by over-the-counter pain medications and used to only flair up when the weather changed suddenly. Over the past ten years I ignored the frequency, intencity, and localazation of the pain...until this year. All of the sudden, when I decided it wise to rid myself of OTC pain relievers due to the amount I was taking daily, the pain became unbearable. My joints...my hips, ankles, and shoulders are the main pains...most days I can barely walk, lift myself up, or think well due to the headaches. I have knots all throughout my back, and my leg muscles have spasms daily. Many regions of my body are sensitive to a light touch. My doctor gave me a few medicines to try to help the fibro symptoms, and although they made life a little more bearable, nothing totally helped me with the pain, especially on bad days...even if a medication totally worked for me, I would have no way of affording it. Only one month after starting medication, I found out that I was pregnant and cannot take the unsafe medications to treat the disease. I am also unable to take OTC pain relievers, so I am pretty much out of luck at the moment. I was also thinking about filing for disability, but there is so much negativity about the disease...the words that bother me most that I see a lot of people saying is "it's all in your head." If only...people don't understand unless they feel it. I had to quit my job due to the pain...I could no longer climb a ladder or raise my arms above my head due to the intense muscle spasms and pain. That stress upon a pregnancy, my mate encouraged me to quit working because he feared the pain would stress baby out and cause me to miscarry. My thoughts are jumbled right now...but when are they not? I cannot seem to think straight anymore even...fibro is terrible, and it is very real. I hope someone somewhere decides to do research on it...I would gladly sign up today...
I was recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia in June of this year (2009). I had come to believe that every day pain was just a normal fact of life...as early as 18 years old, I remember feeling the onset of pain. Granted, it used to be helped by over-the-counter pain medications and used to only flair up when the weather changed suddenly. Over the past ten years I ignored the frequency, intencity, and localazation of the pain...until this year. All of the sudden, when I decided it wise to rid myself of OTC pain relievers due to the amount I was taking daily, the pain became unbearable. My joints...my hips, ankles, and shoulders are the main pains...most days I can barely walk, lift myself up, or think well due to the headaches. I have knots all throughout my back, and my leg muscles have spasms daily. Many regions of my body are sensitive to a light touch. My doctor gave me a few medicines to try to help the fibro symptoms, and although they made life a little more bearable, nothing totally helped me with the pain, especially on bad days...even if a medication totally worked for me, I would have no way of affording it. Only one month after starting medication, I found out that I was pregnant and cannot take the unsafe medications to treat the disease. I am also unable to take OTC pain relievers, so I am pretty much out of luck at the moment. I was also thinking about filing for disability, but there is so much negativity about the disease...the words that bother me most that I see a lot of people saying is "it's all in your head." If only...people don't understand unless they feel it. I had to quit my job due to the pain...I could no longer climb a ladder or raise my arms above my head due to the intense muscle spasms and pain. That stress upon a pregnancy, my mate encouraged me to quit working because he feared the pain would stress baby out and cause me to miscarry. My thoughts are jumbled right now...but when are they not? I cannot seem to think straight anymore even...fibro is terrible, and it is very real. I hope someone somewhere decides to do research on it...I would gladly sign up today...
# 90:
8:03 pm PDT, Sep 3,
K'La Wymbs, California
# 89:
7:57 pm PDT, Aug 26,
Name not displayed, New York
I have had Fibromyalgia since my teens but wasn't officially diagnosed until 1997, the age of 34. The illness has devastated every aspect of my life work, family, and quality of life. As I have gotten older, I have found the Fibromyalgia symptoms have increased with age. What hurts more is that my mother thinks I can over come it and that I am not trying hard enough to do so. I think that is what a lot of people think about people with Fibroymaliga. They don't know what it is like. Maybe if they could experience what we Fibromyalgian's go through everyday they would know that this syndrome is no joke. This is a disability, and needs to be addressed as such. I guess not until a famous person puts a face on it will the medical profession, the politicians, and the courts change their lack of empathy regarding our plight.
I have had Fibromyalgia since my teens but wasn't officially diagnosed until 1997, the age of 34. The illness has devastated every aspect of my life work, family, and quality of life. As I have gotten older, I have found the Fibromyalgia symptoms have increased with age. What hurts more is that my mother thinks I can over come it and that I am not trying hard enough to do so. I think that is what a lot of people think about people with Fibroymaliga. They don't know what it is like. Maybe if they could experience what we Fibromyalgian's go through everyday they would know that this syndrome is no joke. This is a disability, and needs to be addressed as such. I guess not until a famous person puts a face on it will the medical profession, the politicians, and the courts change their lack of empathy regarding our plight.
# 88:
7:54 am PDT, Aug 26,
Barbara Dyer, Tennessee
# 87:
10:14 pm PDT, Aug 24,
Name not displayed, Kentucky
# 86:
12:15 pm PDT, Aug 15,
Karen Gergel, Illinois
# 85:
10:52 am PDT, Aug 11,
Becky Stewart, Michigan
I have had Fibromyalgia for about 5yrs now,, it seem like for ever. I worked as a cna for years helping people was something i loved to do, But now i cant even stand someone to huge me. My son's try to hug me and I feel like Im being pushed on my a house.The pain is always there. At the doctors they will ask me what leveal pain im in and I have to laugh, I tell them form 1 to 10,, 10 is a good day.I can't even walk to lose weight. I wish I could still work and help my husband pay the bills , and do the yard work,I would just like to be like everyone eles.
I have had Fibromyalgia for about 5yrs now,, it seem like for ever. I worked as a cna for years helping people was something i loved to do, But now i cant even stand someone to huge me. My son's try to hug me and I feel like Im being pushed on my a house.The pain is always there. At the doctors they will ask me what leveal pain im in and I have to laugh, I tell them form 1 to 10,, 10 is a good day.I can't even walk to lose weight. I wish I could still work and help my husband pay the bills , and do the yard work,I would just like to be like everyone eles.
# 84:
9:18 am PDT, Aug 5,
Pamela Corson, Kentucky
Together we can make this "INVISIBLE DISABILITY" visible and recognized Fibro has robbed me of my life and career for 14 years. While I have been blessed to find the right medical team, that have worked hard to improve my symptoms, the pain remains almost unbearable on a daily basis. The limitations to my ability to work, daily living skills and limited social contact are extremely severe. Because we "don't look sick" -- people assume we are OK. Nothing could be further from the truth. I heard Montel on Oprah talk about his pain with MS -- and thought gheez does that sound familiar.
Together we can make this "INVISIBLE DISABILITY" visible and recognized Fibro has robbed me of my life and career for 14 years. While I have been blessed to find the right medical team, that have worked hard to improve my symptoms, the pain remains almost unbearable on a daily basis. The limitations to my ability to work, daily living skills and limited social contact are extremely severe. Because we "don't look sick" -- people assume we are OK. Nothing could be further from the truth. I heard Montel on Oprah talk about his pain with MS -- and thought gheez does that sound familiar.
# 83:
1:29 pm PDT, Jul 31,
Carl Rosenstock, Wisconsin
# 82:
2:11 pm PDT, Jul 26,
Crystal Cornell, Nevada
I have been in pain for years. With every year the pain becomes more unbearable. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia about a year ago after being told I needed psychiatric help, need to lose weight, could be lupus, arthritis, etc. I'm trying lyrica - not helping. I lost my job in March after almost 19 years due to the economy. I'm becoming depressed because I can't find work and am still trying to be productive even though it hurts to get out of bed. My husband tries to understand my pain but I think friends and family only think it is in my head. I wish I could find a good pain management doctor who would listen to me and help me. This IS a REAL disability and it so very painful. I pray that someone can find some kind of cure someday for this painful disease.
I have been in pain for years. With every year the pain becomes more unbearable. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia about a year ago after being told I needed psychiatric help, need to lose weight, could be lupus, arthritis, etc. I'm trying lyrica - not helping. I lost my job in March after almost 19 years due to the economy. I'm becoming depressed because I can't find work and am still trying to be productive even though it hurts to get out of bed. My husband tries to understand my pain but I think friends and family only think it is in my head. I wish I could find a good pain management doctor who would listen to me and help me. This IS a REAL disability and it so very painful. I pray that someone can find some kind of cure someday for this painful disease.
# 81:
5:20 am PDT, Jul 22,
Jan Lee, United Kingdom
# 80:
11:41 am PDT, Jul 20,
Name not displayed, Indiana
i can find a job, but with the pain, the times that my legs, hips, give out from the pain, cannot hold and keep a job. sitting, standing, and even laying down is painful. sleep does not come, due to legs and feet spasms, when it hurts to touch anything to my legs and hips. swelling occurs also. yes it is a disability when you have been a hard worker all your life and now you do not know if you will get up and have to use a cane, or crutchs from one day to the next. It is very depressing and you feel useless. wondering how you are going to make it when you are so limited to what you can do.
i can find a job, but with the pain, the times that my legs, hips, give out from the pain, cannot hold and keep a job. sitting, standing, and even laying down is painful. sleep does not come, due to legs and feet spasms, when it hurts to touch anything to my legs and hips. swelling occurs also. yes it is a disability when you have been a hard worker all your life and now you do not know if you will get up and have to use a cane, or crutchs from one day to the next. It is very depressing and you feel useless. wondering how you are going to make it when you are so limited to what you can do.
# 79:
8:31 pm PDT, Jul 19,
Sherry Patterson, Virginia
Suffered too long with fibromyalgia
Suffered too long with fibromyalgia
# 78:
2:57 pm PDT, Jul 16,
Lucy Smith, United Kingdom
This illness has changed my life - not for the better! I have lost so much since I was diagnosed with FMS! Work, Social life, friends, keeping myself fit and active. I've been trying to get DLA for 3 years and am still trying to get it - facing another humiliating Tribunal on 24th July 2009. Why does it have to be so difficult, when we already feel so ill!
This illness has changed my life - not for the better! I have lost so much since I was diagnosed with FMS! Work, Social life, friends, keeping myself fit and active. I've been trying to get DLA for 3 years and am still trying to get it - facing another humiliating Tribunal on 24th July 2009. Why does it have to be so difficult, when we already feel so ill!
# 77:
6:33 pm PDT, Jul 7,
Name not displayed, Arkansas
i have been suffering for over 10 years and have been laughed at and told i was crazy. i no longer can preform many tasks. i am in constant pain and suffer from depression and a anziety disorder.i see a doctor regularly and have taken many meds. i hope to get some help someday.
i have been suffering for over 10 years and have been laughed at and told i was crazy. i no longer can preform many tasks. i am in constant pain and suffer from depression and a anziety disorder.i see a doctor regularly and have taken many meds. i hope to get some help someday.
# 76:
1:12 pm PDT, Jul 6,
Theresa M. Kelly, South Carolina
# 75:
5:46 am PDT, Jul 6,
Tabetha Cooper, Kentucky
My mother has been suffering from Fibro since I was a child. She is very limited in what she can do. She is in constant pain and has suffered depression issues as a result of this. She is currently raising my nephew who is now three, yet she can't do a thing with him. The quality of her life and everyone else's that is close to her has diminished profusely. I would like the entire world to recognize this disease for what it is: A DISABILITY!
My mother has been suffering from Fibro since I was a child. She is very limited in what she can do. She is in constant pain and has suffered depression issues as a result of this. She is currently raising my nephew who is now three, yet she can't do a thing with him. The quality of her life and everyone else's that is close to her has diminished profusely. I would like the entire world to recognize this disease for what it is: A DISABILITY!
# 74:
12:42 pm PDT, Jul 2,
Theresa Ledbetter, Alabama
For more impact, add a personal comment here
For more impact, add a personal comment here
# 73:
8:55 pm PDT, Jun 27,
Tamela Cole, Michigan
Hello, I am 32 years old with Fibro, degenerative disc disease, spondolytis, and sever depression. The start of the depression was when I got divorced. I was 23 and divorced with 2 kids. Which I believe everything happens for a reason. I always wanted to have kids. I wanted to have them young and as they went to school I would go to college for the medical field. I have suffered with chronic pain since 1997. It seemed like every birth, surgery, or anything else that happen just made the pain get worse and worse. At 26 I had to have a hysterectomy with the believe that once it was over the pain in my low back would be gone. Wrong again. Then a whole new depression came on, on top of all the pain. It took a hard toll on me not being able to have kids anymore at such a young age. I was very thankful for the 2 I had, but I had remarried to my child hood sweet heart and figured we would some day have a baby of our own. I had emotions I didn't know even existed in me. I didn't want my children out of my sight and on the other hand I couldn't be around babies. I am in pain 24hrs a day 7 days a week. Yes the intensity of the pain is not always the same, but it is always there. How on earth are you suppose to live a normal live when your children ask for your help and you can't concentrate long enough on what they are asking to help them. It's hard to think about anything else when you have this constant pain that feels like someone is pushing you down. The harder you try to stand the hard the pressure pushing you down is. I am so tired all the time I feel like I never go to bed. Actually I don't. I have to sleep in the lazy boy chair. If I lay flat on my back the pain is so bad I feel like I am going crazy. Let me tell you sleeping in the chair is not very good on my marriage either. Not to mention the fact that a simple touch or rub from my husband can send pain through my whole body. Please tell me how am I suppose to live a normal life? I am a giving person. I would give the clothes off my back to someone who needed them. Why did this happen to me? I feel Like I am being punished everyday and I don't know why. Like others I don't wish pain or hurt on anyone, but I am tired of trying to prove I am in pain because you can't see it. I wish anyone who thinks it's in my head could just feel the pain and emotion I feel for 24hrs. Just live my life for a day. Have you any idea how embarrassing it is to be in the grocery store and you are in so much pain the sweat starts pouring off you and I break out in the hives. I won't go to store alone. The pain has got so bad it has scared me to where I didn't think I was going to be able to get myself home. I take some pretty high powered pain medicine and I have days it don't even take the edge off the pain. I keep asking my dr. why and how can it not. It is suppose to such a powerful pain medicine. The medicine is also good for messing with my mind. Half the time I can't tell you what happened the day before. I was once diagnoiced with over excessive compulsive disorder. I couldn't leave my house unless the beds were made, I vacuumed and my house was spotless. I can't tell you the last time I dusted. My mind wants to do things but my body is on E. Maybe when a member of congress get attacked by this disease then it will be recognized!
Hello, I am 32 years old with Fibro, degenerative disc disease, spondolytis, and sever depression. The start of the depression was when I got divorced. I was 23 and divorced with 2 kids. Which I believe everything happens for a reason. I always wanted to have kids. I wanted to have them young and as they went to school I would go to college for the medical field. I have suffered with chronic pain since 1997. It seemed like every birth, surgery, or anything else that happen just made the pain get worse and worse. At 26 I had to have a hysterectomy with the believe that once it was over the pain in my low back would be gone. Wrong again. Then a whole new depression came on, on top of all the pain. It took a hard toll on me not being able to have kids anymore at such a young age. I was very thankful for the 2 I had, but I had remarried to my child hood sweet heart and figured we would some day have a baby of our own. I had emotions I didn't know even existed in me. I didn't want my children out of my sight and on the other hand I couldn't be around babies. I am in pain 24hrs a day 7 days a week. Yes the intensity of the pain is not always the same, but it is always there. How on earth are you suppose to live a normal live when your children ask for your help and you can't concentrate long enough on what they are asking to help them. It's hard to think about anything else when you have this constant pain that feels like someone is pushing you down. The harder you try to stand the hard the pressure pushing you down is. I am so tired all the time I feel like I never go to bed. Actually I don't. I have to sleep in the lazy boy chair. If I lay flat on my back the pain is so bad I feel like I am going crazy. Let me tell you sleeping in the chair is not very good on my marriage either. Not to mention the fact that a simple touch or rub from my husband can send pain through my whole body. Please tell me how am I suppose to live a normal life? I am a giving person. I would give the clothes off my back to someone who needed them. Why did this happen to me? I feel Like I am being punished everyday and I don't know why. Like others I don't wish pain or hurt on anyone, but I am tired of trying to prove I am in pain because you can't see it. I wish anyone who thinks it's in my head could just feel the pain and emotion I feel for 24hrs. Just live my life for a day. Have you any idea how embarrassing it is to be in the grocery store and you are in so much pain the sweat starts pouring off you and I break out in the hives. I won't go to store alone. The pain has got so bad it has scared me to where I didn't think I was going to be able to get myself home. I take some pretty high powered pain medicine and I have days it don't even take the edge off the pain. I keep asking my dr. why and how can it not. It is suppose to such a powerful pain medicine. The medicine is also good for messing with my mind. Half the time I can't tell you what happened the day before. I was once diagnoiced with over excessive compulsive disorder. I couldn't leave my house unless the beds were made, I vacuumed and my house was spotless. I can't tell you the last time I dusted. My mind wants to do things but my body is on E. Maybe when a member of congress get attacked by this disease then it will be recognized!
# 72:
1:06 am PDT, Jun 27,
Jessica Maracle, Canada
I am 25 yrs old and my life will never be the same because of Fibro Myalgia.It's very disturbing to me that just because of " my age " and " I dont look sick" is the kind of comments that people like me can't get the help they need. This pain we suffer inside is taking over our life! I'm so sick of trying to prove that. We need society and the government to recognize this and do more to help!! The pain, migraines, lack of sleep, anxiety/depression, the list goes on... I don't know how much longer I can put on a brave face to my family and friends when I'm screaming inside. Walk one day in my shoes, then tell me how I can live a normal life. I had goals and dreams like everyone else. I have suffered going to work in pain, no sleep because I need to provide for myself and I was so afraid to tell any employers because I did'nt want to lose my job. but I can't do it anymore, I suffered and stuck it out. I'm hanging on by a thread just trying to cope with daily activities now being major accomplishments. Now I'm begging the government to recognize this so I can live on disability? Sad. but that's the reality for me. I never wanted this. Please help us.
I am 25 yrs old and my life will never be the same because of Fibro Myalgia.It's very disturbing to me that just because of " my age " and " I dont look sick" is the kind of comments that people like me can't get the help they need. This pain we suffer inside is taking over our life! I'm so sick of trying to prove that. We need society and the government to recognize this and do more to help!! The pain, migraines, lack of sleep, anxiety/depression, the list goes on... I don't know how much longer I can put on a brave face to my family and friends when I'm screaming inside. Walk one day in my shoes, then tell me how I can live a normal life. I had goals and dreams like everyone else. I have suffered going to work in pain, no sleep because I need to provide for myself and I was so afraid to tell any employers because I did'nt want to lose my job. but I can't do it anymore, I suffered and stuck it out. I'm hanging on by a thread just trying to cope with daily activities now being major accomplishments. Now I'm begging the government to recognize this so I can live on disability? Sad. but that's the reality for me. I never wanted this. Please help us.
# 71:
8:16 am PDT, Jun 25,
Jennie Halen, Sweden
# 70:
6:46 am PDT, Jun 22,
Sukeana Fischer, South Africa
# 69:
7:34 pm PDT, Jun 19,
Carolyn Wolfe, Arizona
After over 2 years of being told nothing was wrong with me, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in July 2005. I finally found a wonderful pain management physician in October of that year. I had become all but bed ridden at age 36-37! If it wasn't for finding the right doctors, I may still be bed ridden! I am a Registered Nurse, working in Labor & Delivery, but my work life has been very limited due to my illness. I have been able to return to work on a very part time basis, but find much discrimination even in my own profession regarding this illness! I have even experienced the loss of a job due to discrimination from those in my profession! I believe because the medical community is so slow to recognize that we ARE really sick and it ISN'T "just in our heads," it has impacted far more lives than we will really know. Please take the time to become educated and learn how this illness impacts people! Thanks!
After over 2 years of being told nothing was wrong with me, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in July 2005. I finally found a wonderful pain management physician in October of that year. I had become all but bed ridden at age 36-37! If it wasn't for finding the right doctors, I may still be bed ridden! I am a Registered Nurse, working in Labor & Delivery, but my work life has been very limited due to my illness. I have been able to return to work on a very part time basis, but find much discrimination even in my own profession regarding this illness! I have even experienced the loss of a job due to discrimination from those in my profession! I believe because the medical community is so slow to recognize that we ARE really sick and it ISN'T "just in our heads," it has impacted far more lives than we will really know. Please take the time to become educated and learn how this illness impacts people! Thanks!
# 68:
12:01 pm PDT, Jun 19,
Katie Mathews, Virginia
# 67:
3:44 am PDT, Jun 19,
Stacey L, Oklahoma
I have been in pain for years, starting Febuary 2009 it has been excruciating. I am going to get shoots for my back to knomb it for a while but it will not stay for long. The government needs to step up to the plate and take care of the people. What ever happened to "We the people"
I have been in pain for years, starting Febuary 2009 it has been excruciating. I am going to get shoots for my back to knomb it for a while but it will not stay for long. The government needs to step up to the plate and take care of the people. What ever happened to "We the people"
# 66:
7:03 am PDT, Jun 18,
Robin Doscher, Kentucky
I have been living with fibromyalgia since 1992. It is so unfair that people think that there is nothing wrong with us just because they can't see it. If anyone had to live in my body for even 1 day they would never question whether fibromyalgia was a "real" disease process or not.
I have been living with fibromyalgia since 1992. It is so unfair that people think that there is nothing wrong with us just because they can't see it. If anyone had to live in my body for even 1 day they would never question whether fibromyalgia was a "real" disease process or not.
# 65:
10:51 am PDT, Jun 15,
KRISTINE SEIFERT KOSACK, Pennsylvania
Fibromyalgia takes away my ability to concentrate. I am an adult attending school to further my education and embark on a new career. But, I don't know how this is going to be possible as the pain is so bad some days that I can't even walk. I cannot play with my granddaughter as I would like to. Bathing her, and picking her up really causes a severe flare-up of pain. This is not fair to her or to me. I feel that the pain is causing me to become completely incapciatated. I cannot do ANYTHING thaT I enjoy, such as gardening, also cannot clean my home, or ride in a car, without a high level or pain folloiwing these actiivites. Cooking is rare for me. I love to cook, but even that causes the pain. I have an uncaring pain management physician, does not believe the level and frequency of pain. What are people like us supposed to do? How are we to handle a job, when every litltle activity causes pain?
Fibromyalgia takes away my ability to concentrate. I am an adult attending school to further my education and embark on a new career. But, I don't know how this is going to be possible as the pain is so bad some days that I can't even walk. I cannot play with my granddaughter as I would like to. Bathing her, and picking her up really causes a severe flare-up of pain. This is not fair to her or to me. I feel that the pain is causing me to become completely incapciatated. I cannot do ANYTHING thaT I enjoy, such as gardening, also cannot clean my home, or ride in a car, without a high level or pain folloiwing these actiivites. Cooking is rare for me. I love to cook, but even that causes the pain. I have an uncaring pain management physician, does not believe the level and frequency of pain. What are people like us supposed to do? How are we to handle a job, when every litltle activity causes pain?
# 64:
2:34 am PDT, Jun 10,
Linda Clark, Texas
# 63:
11:11 pm PDT, Jun 9,
DIANE JANULAWICZ, Connecticut
Hi Kristin ... Thank you for starting this petition ... After suffering for the past 30 years, yes 30 years, it's about time we get someone to take notice. This disease distroys lives and ruins families, both physically and financially, it's absolutly horrible. The pain and fatigue are unbearable. We really need to do something soon. The medications that are currently being used are not much help and many times they just make you feel even worse, if that's possible. WE NEED HELP NOW !!!
Hi Kristin ... Thank you for starting this petition ... After suffering for the past 30 years, yes 30 years, it's about time we get someone to take notice. This disease distroys lives and ruins families, both physically and financially, it's absolutly horrible. The pain and fatigue are unbearable. We really need to do something soon. The medications that are currently being used are not much help and many times they just make you feel even worse, if that's possible. WE NEED HELP NOW !!!
# 62:
6:39 am PDT, Jun 2,
C C Schenk, North Carolina
# 61:
4:42 pm PDT, May 29,
Katie Mathews, Virginia
# 60:
7:53 am PDT, May 29,
Tenia Mccard, Georgia
i too have suffered for years only to be looked down upon by alot of medical personel, this is a very REAL, VERY PAINFUL condition which ive suffered with since 2000, and it has disabled me.
i too have suffered for years only to be looked down upon by alot of medical personel, this is a very REAL, VERY PAINFUL condition which ive suffered with since 2000, and it has disabled me.
# 59:
2:54 pm PDT, May 18,
Hosanna Nelson, Kansas
I, too, have been diagnosed with this disabling disorder. It is extremely painful. Kudos to Mr. Williams and Mr. Fox for being able to conduct what would appear to be normal lives. People that suffer from Fibromyalgia have not even a moment of normalcy.
I, too, have been diagnosed with this disabling disorder. It is extremely painful. Kudos to Mr. Williams and Mr. Fox for being able to conduct what would appear to be normal lives. People that suffer from Fibromyalgia have not even a moment of normalcy.
# 58:
12:36 am PDT, May 14,
J P, Pennsylvania
Fibromyalgia ia a disabaling disease, I have suffered from this condition for almost 6 years. There should be more awarness about it. I have not worked since 2005 and it has significantly affected my life. I have been turned down for social security disability and am still appealing. We that suffer from firbo need more public awarnes other than the advertisment of medications that don't work.
Fibromyalgia ia a disabaling disease, I have suffered from this condition for almost 6 years. There should be more awarness about it. I have not worked since 2005 and it has significantly affected my life. I have been turned down for social security disability and am still appealing. We that suffer from firbo need more public awarnes other than the advertisment of medications that don't work.
# 57:
8:21 am PDT, May 12,
Jennifer Sissom, Virginia
# 56:
9:15 pm PDT, May 10,
Kim Diss, Australia
# 55:
7:33 am PDT, May 5,
Melanie Fedele, Massachusetts
# 54:
1:05 pm PDT, May 4,
Sherri Spitko, Pennsylvania
Living with Fibromyalgia
Living with Fibromyalgia
# 53:
12:27 pm PDT, May 4,
Cheryl Suarez, Wisconsin
I have been suffering with fibromyalgia or the past 4 years about. I am tierd of the doctor's telling me that it is all in my mind. I usually donot wish ill will on pwoplw, but if they could just expreience the pain, memory loss, the unbalance, unstableness d the effect not only does it cause on me, but on my family and work also!
I have been suffering with fibromyalgia or the past 4 years about. I am tierd of the doctor's telling me that it is all in my mind. I usually donot wish ill will on pwoplw, but if they could just expreience the pain, memory loss, the unbalance, unstableness d the effect not only does it cause on me, but on my family and work also!
# 52:
2:00 am PDT, May 3,
Name not displayed, Oklahoma
I have lived with constant pain, crushing fatigue, crippling fibrofog, and distressing gastrointestinal symptoms for most of my life. About a year ago I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, and all of a sudden all of my disparate symptoms had a name. It did not, however, carry weight. If other people could experience these symptoms for one day, there would be no question as to whether this illness is debilitating.
I have lived with constant pain, crushing fatigue, crippling fibrofog, and distressing gastrointestinal symptoms for most of my life. About a year ago I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, and all of a sudden all of my disparate symptoms had a name. It did not, however, carry weight. If other people could experience these symptoms for one day, there would be no question as to whether this illness is debilitating.
# 51:
9:27 pm PDT, May 2,
Alisson Goldberg, New York
I have fibro too!
I have fibro too!
