
So, I started this thing when I was 27 years old. Now I’m about to be 30. Ew.
My name is Mary, my dog is Monty, and here’s what happened.
I was kind of this badass gymnast when I was nine, then I got the flu and just never recovered. Like ever. I was first diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, then Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome. I had to quit gymnastics and home school the rest of 3rd grade, and then learn how to live a life with this thing inside me that no one else could really see. (Except my mom, she has the illness too)
A few years ago the illness really intensified and gradually my body sort of just fell apart. Eventually I crashed and could not recover. I woke up one morning too weak to walk to the bathroom and I was like crap, this is turning into a real problem.
In the months following that crash, I had to leave my job, boyfriend and apartment. I saw a specialist in Miami and was diagnosed with Lyme Disease among other things. I was too sick to care for myself anymore or earn money, so at 26 I moved back in with my parents. I was lucky they took me and my dog in and cared for me. But that was really hard too–a big lesson in humility if nothing else.
After losing all my attachments, I had a lot of time on my hands. And that’s where this blog began. Me: sick, jobless, and living with my parents. No schedule, no real expectations, and a lagging social life. Admittedly I experienced some psychological “confusion” and didn’t quite know how to pursue life this way. So I began writing here. For one thing, it was something the illness couldn’t take from me. I could do it sick, from bed, from the floor of my bathroom. It also worked well as a way to give people a glimpse into the experience, and as a place for me to face the realities of my life and try to sort them out. I guess that’s what everyone is trying to do.
If anyone has the answer to life, just shoot me an email; theothergelpi@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you. Otherwise, the search continues. Here are some other anecdotes from my life and how I got to be me.
I stole orange flavored tic tacs when I was 4 and my dad heard them jiggling in my osh-kosh-bgosh overalls and made me return them to the gas station.
I am the youngest of four siblings. I have two older brothers, Nick and Doug, and an older sister Amelie. They are my favorite!
My dad died of cancer when I was 12. He died on the toilet. No joke!
High school was terrible. I am in awe of people who loved high school.
I graduated from LSU with a degree in journalism. College fucking rocked.
My mom re-married a dude named Roger and in the middle of college, HE died suddenly. Yeah, that happened.
I studied abroad in France while in college and that was one of the best times of my life.
My mom re-married again, we’re keeping our fingers crossed…
I love my dog Monty. Like a lot.

Fabulous blog….hopefully readers of your freakin’ awesome FB blog will learn a little about fibro, too.
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Going viral indeed! You’re hilarious. I’ll be reading everyday! :)
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I was diagnosed with CFS when I was 17, and Fibro when I was 19.
Made it through college working a full time job with both, and it damn near killed me.
Slowly recovering after finding that cutting out gluten helped many of my symptoms (perhaps it may help you as well? I’ve found many, but not all CFIDS/FMS folk feel better when cutting out gluten).
Although it makes me sad to see another young adult female suffer through the experience, it’s also nice to see someone else fighting through and refusing to let it get the best of them.
I cant imagine having this since I was 9. The past 10 years have been hard enough. :/
Kudos to you girl.
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You’re my new favorite person, just fyi.
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well, thanks to your “15 things white girls….” post, i am now addicted to your entire blog. yer fucking awesome.
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Hot damn! I can’t get enough! Your writing is a blessing. Thank you for all the laughs :)
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I (heart) Monty! BTW – You GO girl! And -also BTW – I am SO absolutely guilty of everything in the “White Girls” post :) Laughed my ASS off!
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The term fibromy-awesome gives me the giggles and makes me feel so much better on this rainy fybromyalgia flair up of a day. Thanks for writting what is in your head! Found your blog through someone posting on fb your thing that white girls do on fb. The world is strange :)
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Mary,
Like your writing. You have a great style and can be funny at the same time. Keep on keeping on, nad oh yeah, look for an agent.
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Hi Mary!
I really like your blog – looking foward to reading more of your posts! =)
Greetings from Austria!
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You are awesome. I love your writing. Like, a lot. ;)
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I just saw your blog on wordpress recommended and read a couple of posts (starting with white girls) it was hilarious. One of my best friends/past college roommate/the maid of honor in my wedding has fibromyalgia and so i lived with her pain and can understand that part of your life. your posts are very candid and real! I cannot wait to read more!
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I just started reading your blog (came across it by the white girls thingy) anyway I think it’s great…I too have been diagnosed with fibro, lupus and RA!! It is a daily struggle but I try VERY hard not to let it get me down! You are right, ppl don’t understand these autoimmune diseases and it’s very easy for them to call us lazy and think we act out for attention!! Keep it up! Good luck with your nursing career…I have been in nursing for 9years…I love it!
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I just realize that my post was anonymous….anyway this is ME!! With 9years in nursing and have fibro, lupus and RA!! Like I said before…good luck!! :)
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You go, girl. Have a great life.
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Excellent blog! I think you are definitely a future journalist. To be able to have your sense of humor after all you’ve been through is amazing. They say humor is healing, and I hope it works for you.
Thanks for the great read!
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Regarding CFS I’ve heard time and time again that blackstrap molasses works wonders. There’s something else on the natural remedy front but I can’t recall…Check out your local healthfood store. (For some reason this comment I’m posting made me feel really old. Like polyester and Aerosol shoes old. But it’s hopefully good info so I’m passing it on.)
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I am definitely going to turn into a repeat reader. I’m sneaking reading this at work and keep having to stifle my giggles.
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I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a few year ago. I have been following a paleo/primal diet. No sugar, industrial veg oils (canola/soybean), no soy, no processed food, grains or legumes. It’s pretty much gone away. I don’t take any meds except some aspirin or ibuprofen once in awhile. Lots of info out there. You might want to start here:
http://paleohacks.com/questions/1990/paleo-and-fibromyalgia#axzz1frElJNHb
BTW, you’re writing is great! Keep it comin’.
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I agree about paleo diet- I think it’s great for any autoimmune disease. Many autoimmune triggers are diet related (esp. gluten and dairy). I manage my Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis with a paleo diet and an immune modulating functional medicine protocol- no meds, just supplements and diet. It’s given me my life back:-)
The Paleo Solution by Robb Wolf is a great book on nutrition that includes info on eating for autoimmune diseases.
http://www.chriskresser.com is an awesome functional medicine practitioner who specializes in treating autoimmune conditions and works long distance with patients. He also has a great podcast, the last episode of which is all about autoimmune conditions.
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All the joking about death of people that were important in your life was incredibly off-putting. Joking about horrible things is fine, but this was just vapid. I’m now kind of terrified that someone I might have as a nurse could have your shallow and ugly view on the world.
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Ignore this dude. He obviously does not understand dark humor. You have to have it when you have so much going wrong — otherwise you will crawl in a deep dark hole and not get out. Life is funny. And I would LOVE a smart ass nurse. Keep up the writing.
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Words that should never be used again: vapid; vitriol; repudiate.
And I think you need some counseling. You shouldn’t become terrified from reading a blog. Unless the blog was written in 1977 and is called the shining.
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You obviously haven’t had many losses in life, dude. As a nurse, I can tell you that the nurses WITHOUT this girl’s sense of humor on death are the ones that you don’t want anywhere near you. You’ve got it all wrong…this chick will go far. You should probably re-evaluate, and as a start, take that giant stick out of your ass hole. :-)
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Vapid? WTF. If you find this blog so offensive, stop reading! Finding humor in difficult situation is how a lot of people cope. I don’t think that makes her shallow or ugly, quite the opposite. I find her blog very honest, refreshing, and endearing. Mary – Ignore this jackass and keep blogging!! PLEASE.
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You make me want to steal blue instruments. I… think I’m in love with you.
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You’re a really good writer. (seriously.)
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I am 27, too, and have chronic fatigue as a result of mono (or so I’m told). My mom suffers from fibro and I know I’m doomed. Enjoyed your blog. Keep it up!
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Found you through your “White Girls” post (and repost and repost and….) YOU are a writer!! Love your sense of humor, i too have fibro and seem to have lost my own sense of humor lately, so i’m borrowing yours. i’ll definitely be reading more. :-)
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Hello, I ran across your blog and thought I would share some info with you regarding your health. I read your symptomatology. You read like a textbook case for Flouroquinalone Toxicity. Many people who have taken the drugs Avelox, Cipro or Levaquin are diagnosed as Fibromyalgia and they really are damaged from the toxicity of these drugs. If you have taken any of these drugs (even if it was years and years ago) contact me for information. I run a support group and assist people from all over the world with how to address the damage these drugs cause and how to recover. Very best regards, Erin Wilson.
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I, too, am a youngin’ (22) with fibro. I found your blog via the white girls post (bitches be crazy) and I am so glad! I rarely talk about what I’m going through because I never want to feel like I’m complaining all the time but your outlook on it is refreshing, so thank you! Look forward to reading more from ya!
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Totally being intrusive, but I was diagnosed w/ Lyme when I was 18 and then Fibro and CFS when I was 19. Five years ago I read this book and it changed my life. So if you ever want to stop taking all of those pills… you totally can. Probably. http://www.amazon.com/Chronic-Fatigue-Fibromyalgia-Alternative-Medicine/dp/1587611910/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323283359&sr=8-1-spell
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Saw your viral post on 15 things white girls love to do on facebook and subsequently read some of your other posts – you are a funny lady. Keep up the hilarious writing!
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rock on, crouton. thanks for the inspiring read this morning! keep it up, such good stuff!
hi5 from northern cali!
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You are too funny! I love when you talk about people singing so seriously…I absolutely hate that! I’m going to keep checking back you make me laugh and put me in a better mood :)
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Your tagline alone is hilarious. I doubt you’ll go into nursing. You’re a writer. After all this fame you received writing that article, I would imagine that someone will scoop you up. Then Lifetime will do a movie about you.
Peachy!
-Keep it up.
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Hi Mary!
A friend of mine turned me on to your blog. I love the humor woven into each of your posts…not matter what the topic! You certainly have a gift for letting others experience the world through your eyes.
I am also writing because I am a Health Coach and my specialty is in helping people, like yourself, lead healthier lives through changes in their diet and lifestyle. Please check out my blog http://www.myintrinsichealth.com. No one should have to take 25 pills per day just to function….
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What are you taking? My meds seem to be failing me these days.
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Wow, we have like everything in common. I have Fibro, Chronic pain/fatigue. I was on about 20 different meds and within 4 months of starting them I gained over 100 pounds. Yeah, that one hundred, I didn’t accidentally add an extra zero there. I am battling to lose that everyday, which most days seems hopeless. Not to mention I have hypothyroidism (under active thyroid) Which means I have like no metabolism, plus the fibro and chronic pain/fatigue working out is so damn hard. And people don’t get it. I get all sorts of advice and opinions that usually piss me off cause I have tried everything. Been tested for everything and nothing works. I’m curious what you take for meds, since you said they help. Cause mine don’t You can find me on FaceBook, I’d like to talk to you privately if you have time, you know being a celebrity now and all. :) My name is Madalyn Tonges and I’m from Connecticut.
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Ok so I found this blog via facebook link to the white girl-facebook post, which was funny, but the rest of your blog is way more awesome. From one Gulf Coast girl to another: you’re pretty fucking amazing. In a good way, of course.
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I’m 47 and suffer the same as you do..minus lyme and plus lupus and breast cancer…all i can say to you is…keep on keeping on..you are doing a fantastic job of living life
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<3. You seem really awesome despite what you've been through. I admire that ^_^. Oh and your dog is gorgeous! Give him a hug from a dog-loving British girl =D.
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you are cool. best of luck with everything.
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Your writing is delightful darrlin.
I have a friend who has had some struggles with Lyme disease too and has made great progress against it with hyperbaric treatment. Here’s where she works, her name is Gayle and she’s delightful like you too: http://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Francisco-Institute-for-Hyperbaric-Medicine/105527352818100
Keep up the good work. J.
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I think it is great that with one witty post, you have gone viral-ish on facebook. I myself have re-posted the 15 things white girls love to do on facebook. This will hopefully expose you to many opportunities to continue with your writing. I plan on going and reading your blog now, because with simple honesty you have created something that many others can relate to. Thank you.
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You sound fucking awesome. I’m going to read your blog forever. And on a side note: I would not marry your mom. No offense or anything, but it sounds like a pretty bad idea. I hope this fella works out. Also, I hope you feel better. My hubs has Lyme disease. It rears its ugly head occasionally. Blech. On top of fibro? Double blech. Thanks for blogging!
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Hi,
Never really read blogs…found a link to yours and read pretty much everything on it in one sitting!
Wishing you all the best!
Wojtek
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Mary, ur blog is awesome. people keep posting ur list of the 15 things white girls love to do on facebook and all i can tell people is they should read the rest of ur blog because i am sure no one else does. i have read it and i wanna say i was sad to read about what u and ur mom have and are goin thru. i really hope things get better for u and they can find a cur.
i am happy to read that ur living ur life to the fullest that u can.
I wish u luck in all u try and do in ur life and i hope u accomplish whatever u can.
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Mary, you are a gifted writer. That is what you should be doing, unless you feel called to be a nurse to help other people. Rarely have I read such creative, well-put-together writing.
Great job! Please don’t stop writing, for the sake of your audience.
http://mjmonaghan.wordpress.com
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Your blog is awesome…and by default that means you are awesome! Thanks!
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I didn’t mean to be anonymous. I’m Hunter. HA.
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I would also like to follow you on FB ( Sounds so stalkerish). I am 29 and was diagnosed with fibro/CFS earlier this year. I am still trying to get my head wrapped around it. I also have endometriosis. So, I basicly got the short end of the gene stick. My husband was diagnosed with Lyme last month. I know a match made in heaven (The dishes never seem to get done). I work in PR, so I write a lot too. It can be so calming. You rock! I will be adding you to my blogroll.
Much Love.
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First, Very sorry about all your problems. I have seen many problems, abuses and adversities knock on my door and my moms.
My Mom had this favorite saying when circumstances were horrible. (She was a victim of severe abuse and had many, many, many meds prescribed by doctors.)
Her simple saying: “I am just to stupid to know I am defeated.” She was very sick, depressed and alone. She taught me that it just enough to get up every day. A success is just going for a walk to Mc Donalds everyday; Just for a cup of coffee.
Today, your post was read on the “Dave Ryan in the morning show” in Minneapolis, Mn
You are very successful today and everyday! The intern “Katie?” was agreeing with everything you wrote. The cohost “Crisco” acknowledged he had experienced some of your observations. Keep writing! Keep Going!
By the way-you are a writer, few people can write like you do!!!
why are you going to school for nursing?
Don’t worry about your Mom. Old saying-The third time is the charm.
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What’s your facebook user name? You’d be fun to follow on facebook & twitter, lol
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You sound so lovely.
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Good post on shitty-Walgreen’s.
My dermatologist recently sent me to the best and nicest pharmacy I’d ever dealt with. They apply all available coupons for you and deliver to your house for free!
http://www.irmatpharmacy.com/
It’s in Midtown East.
Be good,
Sarah
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Loved your FB post, your “about” page, and the Fibromy-Awesome tag. If you were a student at the community college where I teach, I’d want to write about you at my blog, where I profile awesome (and not-so-awesome) students. http://notesfromtheprofessor.wordpress.com/ And I will be sure to direct my students to your blog, too.
Best to you.
KG
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A friend shared your latest post on Facebook. I read it. I liked it. I scrolled down and read the next one and liked it as well. Over the course of the night, your blog successfully distracted me from many pressing tasks. As someone who has trouble just writing my feelings out without worrying about how perfect the final product is, your blog is a great example of why its cathartic to write just to write. So, naturally, I’m now following it for future distractions, insights, and just quality writing.
Good luck with everything.
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You. need some dick.
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I absolutely hate comment-wars. I consider them the lowest form of discourse. But you, sir/madam, are a jackass…
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Anon – I’m guessing you’re a bloke who also needs a dick. However, since you’re MEANT to have one, it’s gonna be a lot harder (hohoho) for you to rectify that problem.
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This is great, I creep around on Facebook and look at pictures too. I also friend ppl I know that suck reaallllly bad so I get to see their sad face updates.
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I’ve had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since I was 13 (I’m 30 now) and developed POTS after a virus last year. Just wanted to say it’s great to see you keeping your sense of humor and lust for life. So many CFS/fibro bloggers are just depressing, and I think you’re making the right choice for yourself and others like us by choosing to focus on the positives. Keep on fighting the good fight, girl!
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hi. yeah Lyme sucks. and it brings friends along for the ride… i have Lyme and Babesia and Bartonella and some other viruses I can’t remember. i get my ass kicked with IVs and I. Hate, Needles. humor is the only way to stay sane in this mess. or at least mostly sane… and I’m not really sure I am that funny. if you want to read about someone else battling this crap, here is my place where I spew about stuff:
http://www.rawspewage.blogspot.com/
hang in there. you are not alone.
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Found your blog today through the post about white girls on facebook that went viral-ish, and I love it! I too had a mini-life-meltdown that led to lots of blogging. Luckily no illness here, but in a 6 month period I was dumped by my boyfriend, fired from my job, and blindsided by my parents announcement that they planned to divorce.
Anyway, I love what you have to say, and I’m glad I stumbled on your blog today!
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Girl, I love your blog. I’m almost 27 and was diagnosed with Fibro and RA when I was in middle school. I used to take pills, but not anymore. I don’t take care of myself, honestly. My kids come first. They are 2.5 and 8 mos. They take a lot out of me. Thankfully my husband understands and helps as much as possible when he’s home. (military) There are days when I just roll out of bed. It’s tough, but we just gotta hang in there! We’re slowly getting doctors lined up to help me. (military insurance… ugh!) Thanks so much for the laughs tonight! I surely need them! :-)
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I like this! Not that you have Fibro… I like your writing. I’ve just spent the past four days holed up in my house working on a photo project so I don’t trust my perception of humor right now… but still, you’re verrrrry funny. Happy blogging
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Love your blog! You are helping me…but my doctors don’t seem to care about people with messed up backs from being in the military and jumping out of airplanes!!!
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Just wanted to say, I feel your pain (literally) and am glad you seem to have a good, humorous head on your shoulders. I too am fibromy-awesome and for years now have been a guinea pig for virtually every test known to man with no super conclusive result. About 5 years ago I was told it resembled an autoimmune disease, mainly Lupus, and was advancing rapidly to the tune of being told I had a 5-7 yr ‘expiration’ date with my parents lined up to donate organs. Now it’s allegedly just fibro and a SEVERE vitamin D deficiency so I dunno what to believe anymore, I just know that I have a gallon Ziplock bag full of prescriptions that make me feel 80 instead of 29 and 2 small kids who don’t understand why Mommy can’t even get out of bed some days. I just wish I had all these drugs back in my wild youth when I could’ve actually enjoyed em :) But hey, if you’re ever in the Midwest we can get together and have a pill party LOL (j/k) Stay strong hon! Best of luck to you!! *non ouchy air hug*
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Nice! I like the pill party haha
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Lol I have a plethora between double knee and spinal surgeries, on top of the multitude of other seemingly never ending ailments. Grab a punch bowl and we can all throw some into the mix, see what comes of it lol
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OK. I’m 39 and yeah, been there, done that. FMS….and wow…25 pills? I take ZERO. I refuse to. Sounds very familiar: relationship ended, job ended, and for a while, life went on pause with the herky-jerky thing of an old VHS tape. I have FMS and Factor V Leiden. Not fun either. You rock. You crack me up. Keep swimming. ~Taj
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You are so witty and intelligent! You’re awesome on so many levels! Thanks for being so honest, brutally honest, it shows me how brave you are to admit your vulnerabilities to strangers. Teaches us all to learn to laugh and embrace what you have and do not have, and take it one step at a time, literally.
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You. Are. AWESOME. On so many levels!!!
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Hello friend. I have cured my Fibromialgia along with 6 other chronic illnesses through my diet and cleansing of environmental toxins and want to offer you hope.
http://bechangenow.blogspot.com/2011/03/rawnessnot-for-light-hearted-story-of.html
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Your choices make you who you are! Your blog is wonderful! Changing your diet can eliminate and/or reduce many problems!
Keep going! Keep strong!
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is it wrong that i find you amusing?
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You seem fun. I have random chronic issues, but not fibro. But I have friends with fibro.
I’m lying on the couch on temporary leave, because the illness de jour is a herniated disc, thanks to a lovely combination of genetics and a sixth lumbar. This is almost a welcome change when contrasted to other surfers no one has ever heard of. At least people understand “my back hurts.”
My doctor said I should start blogging the day to day craziness of my life. I see you had the same idea.
I think I’ll keep reading. But HI.
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I too was drawn in by your 15 things post and saw your title and checked out the rest of your site. You sure know how to draw folks in! I started having strange symptoms about a year ago and because my mom has Lupus I went and got checked out. My doc diagnosed with fibromylagia . I’m only taking 3 drugs but I’m pretty faithful to my vitimins and herbs. I’m not sure what to expect in the future but I certainly hope I can be as optimistic as you are! Best of luck!
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I’m adding you to my blogroll because… 1) They don’t make ’em with a sense of candid, witty humor like yours much these days 2) For being in your 20’s you are extremely insightful and intelligent (Heaven post for example) 3) I admire your strength and optimism despite all the cards you’ve been dealt. So a big hug and jump off the ground high five to you girl! Keep on…keepin’ on. xo — you newest friend from Cincinnati O-Hi-Yo
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If you’re open to naturopathic physicians, you might want to have one test for Lyme disease. Apparently, there are multiple markers for the disease, and western medicine doesn’t recognize that you have Lyme unless you have ALL of the markers. My personal opinion is that if you have some or most of the markers, why wouldn’t that indicate that you have the disease? Just a thought. XXOO
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Sorry, I did this wrong–I meant to post it for “anjaaneraste,” below. Having a “fibro” day–can’t remember anything. Drat. :-/
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Thank you for the tip, I will definitely pass the info on to my Mom and sister. We’re open to any treatment that might help. Like I said below, we are trying everything. Acupuncture seems to be helping, and my mom says Lyrica changed her life (not sure how much my sister is benefitting from it yet, but dr’s say it is helping).
I definitely agree with you…don’t understand why they don’t recognize it unless you have all of the markers. Thanks again! xoxo
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Liking your blog and especially the name, which caught my eye. Found it on FB when a friend posted the “15 things…” link. I just turned 27 and was diagnosed with Fibro when I was 25 and then this past spring diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis as well. Wild ride. Anyway, I appreciate your optimism/candidness/sarcasm because that’s kinda how I get through the day to day as well. I also love the 25 pills/day thing. At one point i was up to 80 a day! Yes, 80! Many were natural supplements/vitamins but it just got freaking ridiculous. Now I’m pregnant and can’t take much at all, but I look back at the 80/day thing and think how did I even have room for food? Looks like a bunch of people with fibro and AA diseases have noticed your words and have somehow related so thanks for that! Keep up the good writing and best of luck with your health journey. – Kate
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I have fibro and lyme disease also! Going to check out the website kindly provided in the comments. Sorry you all have it too, but so nice to be able to read about how others are handling it–real people, not just online stories. Thanks, and keep the humor going. I’ve found in my life that you just might as well laugh as cry, even though some people find it inappropriate. ;) XXOO
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Amazing… as I read the top part, I became convinced that you might have Lyme, given the timing and diagnoses. I dealt with some of that myself, but they caught it much faster. Are you on antibiotics? I’ve heard you can re-up those shots (mine was a 28-day regimen, but not for the chronic variety) to sort of battle it back. It’s a pesky little spiral. Sorry to read about this but at least you’re hilarious and can write, so there’s that.
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I’m a 27 year old graduate student, I have Lupus, and I take a ridiculous amount of pills too. You have the same sense of humour I do, so I enjoyed reading your posts.
Writing helps me to keep things in perspective, and laugh at myself. I hope you’ll keep writing too.
-Cheers
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Found your blog via FB…..saw the title and wondered if you had fibro of something like it. My mom and I both have it. She was diagnosed over 20 years ago, and while I suffered several years, was just diagnosed two years ago. Glad to see you approaching it with humor! I am enjoying your blog!
Gentle hugs,
Claudine
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I got diagnosed when I was 25; I’m turning 32 tomorrow. I took all the meds I could and nothing helped. Now I take retarded amounts of herbs and supplements and get a lot of acupuncture, which I am now going to school for. Better than nothing. I found your blog when a friend posted a link to the “15 things girls do on FB.”
You know the Hemingway quote about being strong in the broken places? yeah. that.
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Fifteen Things made me laugh out loud. I’m 65, take AT LEAST 25 pills a day (plus insulin), have FMS, lupus, and the whole auto-immune panoply of syndromes–and a sense of humor. Love yours! :-) I’ll send you a photo of my next pedicure. Stay strong.
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you seem mad chillah, keep up the hahahas
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My cousin posted your 15-things post on Facebook, but what caught my eye was the name of your blog, and I’m kind of excited to have found this. My mom has had fibromalygia for 18 years, and my little sister was recently diagnosed with fibromalygia/ chronic fatigue too (despite the fact that it’s not hereditary).
Really made my day to find your blog, definitely going to forward it to my sister too!
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Just saw your reply and you may want to suggest to your mom and sister that they may have Lyme Disease. Since your Mom and Sister have both been diagnosed with the same non-hereditary disease and Lyme Disease has been known to mimic other diseases the possibility is high. A good friend of mine was diagnosed with the same thing and 13 years later ended up taking a lyme test at the suggestion of a friend and it came back positive. Since she has been receiving treatment for Lyme she has been recovering. Do some research and you will find there is a lot of evidence worth looking at. I have Lyme and its a tough one to battle. Was originally diagnosed with early onset MS but got a lyme test done at the suggestion of another friend and the test came back positive. Had I not done this I would be battling MS, which has no cure as opposed to Lyme, which is treatable. Good luck
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Thanks! I will definitely bring that up to them. Pretty sure my mom has been tested for Lyme and it came back negative, but I don’t think we’ve checked my sister for it yet. She was just diagnosed with Juvenile Fibromalygia in Apriil. We’re trying a very intense approach that touches on all bases – physical therapy, aquatherapy, a couple medications, acupuncture, and she is seeing a psychologist.
Pray it works! My mom has been dealing with it for 18 years and the doctor’s say there isn’t really much to do, but since my sister is younger, they have hope that they can lessen the fibromalygia if not completely rid her of it.
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I too have a serious health issue, I live in pain, several types of nerve pains shooting off 24 hours a day. Rarely people understand it. I never heard of it before I was diagnosed 5 years ago. But, I never have a shortage of people’s opinions on how I should manage my nerve pain. Family, friends and strangers have suggested strange ‘juices’, mystical healers, psychological solutions, their own personal doctors, pills (aside from the numerous one I already take), creams, massage, massage where they don’t actually touch you, pressure points, exercise, even a magical ‘wand’…you probably have a similar list. They always assure you their remedy WILL work. I smile and thank them for caring but I am tired. I don’t even like explaining it anymore. I can’t do one more round of “Have you tried…?” , even though I know they are absolutely sincere.
I applaud you for finding humor in your situation. I have found the humor keeps me sane. I surround myself with people who make me laugh. Thanks for the giggles!
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Hey there, my friend in Cali randomly posted your 15 white girls link and I skimmed the other entry and saw that you’re in N.O too. I have to say as a black girl.. we sadly do those things too.
Either way.. best of luck to you in all your endeavors! I’ll be reading.
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Hey! Please please please visit Dr. St. Amand in Marina del Rey, CA. or visit his website at fibromyalgiatreatment.com if you have not already.
Many blessings.
E.
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Hey, I’m a literary agent would love to represent you and your stupid/awesome friend and your book!
Please let me know if you’ve got an agent or if you’d like to discuss further.
I put in my website. Check me out. I’m legit. :)
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Hmm. I only take 10 pills a day for my Fibro. I’m gonna have to up my game! :) Love your blog.
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I feel like I have discovered a hidden gem! Your blog is amazingly candid & hilarious! Reading your About Me section, I discovered we have a VERY odd thing in common… My father died from cancer. And my mom remarried a man named Roger, who also passed away shortly after. No joke.
Looking forward to following your latest & greatest posts!
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Wow, too weird. Tell your mom that my mom says to keep an eye out for a man named Marc. That’s her third husband, and after all she’s been through, has found happiness again. He’s still alive and kickin! ;)
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LOL, LOL, LOL. I look forward to an update on Christina’s mum’s next hubby, and if it’ll be a Marc. Ha. Haha.
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I just found your blog and I have to say, it’s pretty awesome. Wanna know something weird? I have Lyme disease too.
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I love your writing style and what appears to be optimism.
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Best of luck to you!!
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You’re kinda funny. I’ll kinda read you. Kinda.
But that’s not why I’m commenting. I’m commenting to let you know your Facebook Likey thing is broken. Check your theme’s code and make sure you have the right URL for your page.
I’m all helpful like that and stuff.
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you are an inspiration! great outlook on life! great writing! love, love, love your blog
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Great to see more South Louisiana bloggers on wordpress !!
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