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.
FibroM.E.-Awesome 
Wow you’re hilarious and courageous… should have thought of going into the social work field. We need more people like you out there to help us! Keep writing because tons of people will keep reading.
LikeLike
One word for you – AWESOME! I actually have several that popped into my head but I wanted to make a statement..hee hee. I’m hooked on your blog…I will be getting my fix daily(or as often as you post)!
Thank you….simply thank you! You totally get it! Hugggggs!
LikeLike
I enjoy reading your blog…gives me lots of laughs. I nominated you for The Versatile Blogger Award…you can check out details on my post.
LikeLike
what’s the Versatile Blogger Award?
LikeLike
You just got nominated for that 7X7 Link Award. How do I know this? Ah yes, because, I nominated you. You’re wonderful.
LikeLike
I’ve been told we should be blog BFFs. Because after all if there is one thing a 27 yr old lady with a disease can do….its blog in gross detail about it….AmIRight?! Keep on Truckin’. I’ll keep reading.
LikeLike
I like your blog and have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award.
Click me back to get the details on your award.
LikeLike
Yo! I like the way you put it down! (your words)
We have a few things in common, but I’m sure you hear that all of the time…since I have just read of all who have things in common with you…
But I always appreciate a lover of dog…especially, a black lab…While I was par-oozing what Monty was up to, my lab mix (all 98lbs) lie on my lap dreaming,or possibly sleep swimming.
Happy Holidays!
LikeLike
You and I have a lot in common you know. I just finished nursing school last year. Diagnosed with Fibro a few weeks ago. I’ll be lurking.
LikeLike
hi there! i’m an RN, BSN – living in hawaii – WITH a chronic blood disease and my hubs is a Marine. i have a feeling you and i have a lot in common! i saw your comment here and then clicked over to your blog. i blog about hiking in hawaii too!!
LikeLike
Hi,Mary!!!
Loved your posts and I’ll come back more often.
Kisses from Brazil.
LikeLike
You’re so hilarious!
LikeLike
Hello, I was wondering how your doctor diagnosed you. I’ve been sick since I was about 10/11 years old and the doctors have never been able to figure out what is wrong with me. I’m 21 now and still having problems, like today. It all started with a virus, I know that but, maybe I’ve just never seen the right type of doctor. By the way, I just found your blog today, and I’m reading and loving your posts.
LikeLike
Meeklydemure—they usually diagnose you based on a culmination of the symptoms that you have. There is a theory that it IS caused by a virus, and they dont have a definitive test. Although sometimes if they do a spinal tap-they MAY see substance P in your spinal fluid, other than that-its based on ruling out other things and your symptoms
LikeLike
A Rheumatologist will also likely do a trigger point test. There are 18 very specific points that only people with fibro have. I believe if you have 11 out of the 18 then that’s part of the potential diagnosis.
Just keep searching – go to different specialists until you find an answer…it IS out there. Don’t put your health in the hands of anyone but yourself. You HAVE to take charge. Having at least some answers or a path to answers can be so helpful.
LikeLike
OK, I’m hooked. Just subscribed. Into every life some rain will fall, and sometimes it feels like a bloody downpour, and othertimes a refreshing shower.
You epitomise the most important advice anyone can ever give anyone else – whatever happens, just keep going. Things get better.
LikeLike
Keep doing this stuff – you are really insightful and easy to read!
LikeLike
You are hilarious and I’m so glad you got FP so I could read your stuff! Keep it up, Mary. <3
LikeLike
amazing! I just started blogging myself, just turned 27, and have recently had a crazy few years myself!
I look forward to following!
@graylinsample
yepindeed.wordpress.com
LikeLike
I think you’re an awesome lady despite the illnesses. Keep on writing:)
LikeLike
Good gravy, 27 is too young to give up and be a victim to so many illnesses! I am curious, what did you eat today? this week? Have you noticed there is a common thread that ALL of your sickness-inflammation?! Have you considered working with a nutritionist about an anit0inflammatory diet?
LikeLike
GIVE UP? That is the last thing this young lady is doing. Why on earth would you post such a miserable, judgemental comment?
LikeLike
It’s refreshing and encouraging to see that I am not alone in the world! I recently moved home to live with my parents because of some physical problems I was having. Tough stuff but we have to stay optimistic! I really love your blog, I am so glad I stumbled upon it. Best wishes to you!
-elisajoy
LikeLike
Led to you by Freshly Pressed, and have enjoyed reading your blog. As one who has also lost a bit through life (who hasn’t?), I’m inspired by your great attitude – it must be difficult sometimes – and now you have to meet all these new expectations. BUT DON’T TRY! Just keep being real and writing from that funny place you seem to have in your heart. The rest will take care of itself. Thanks, Mary. And keep the red pants.
LikeLike
you crack me up! thanks for writing, glad you got on freshly pressed. i wish you the best with nursing school. i’m a nurse and it’s a ridiculously awesome profession!
LikeLike
Madame Mazel Mary! I miss you! – Cody Blue
LikeLike
I am inspired by you and happier because of you now that I’ve spent the last hour chucking at your sarcastic humor! You rock…keep blogging, and good luck with nursing school. I’m in grad school right now it’s *awesome! There’s a light at the end of the tunnel :)
LikeLike
Wow that’s nuts, you managed to accomplish so many things I didn’t. Doctors diagnosed me with Fibro, Wilson’s Disease, and they’re still arguing about Lyme’s. I used to be a gymnast too! Hope you manage to get your life together, but it seems like you still know how to have fun. <3
LikeLike
Mary, you are AMAZING!
xo
LikeLike
Wow. You are brilliant and shockingly hilarious. I have a feeling I’ll be spending way too much of the next few hours reading your blog.
LikeLike
You are absolutely hilarious and witty and I can’t stop reading. PLEASE write a book or something, you clearly have a gift. This blog is one of the most entertaining and intelligent things I’ve read in a while.
LikeLike
You have a Beautiful writer’s voice! Your story touches me deeply and makes me laugh – how on earth? You sound gorgeous!!! Keep writing – and my husband hated high school too. And then he loved college. And then he loved his thirties. And now he loves me! But I don’t use f-book to say that strictly because I don’t use f-book..
LikeLike
Not sure if I want to take a serious route, or a comical one with my comment… regardless, I truly enjoy your voice. I’m also a journalism major, but haven’t graduated yet. I just started blogging in a more serious fashion, but can’t seem to find an decent angle. Good luck with everything.
LikeLike
hey mary, thanks for being so funny and candid. i like the 15 things white girls do on fb.
sorry about your health problems. i used to be a wreck too (thyroid disease and other stuff). i found this energy therapy called “network spinal analysis”. it changed my life. check it out; maybe it can help you too.
LikeLike
You: make me feel shamed about being miserable about my tribulations :(, and secondly, bring my great joy in seconds, we need more people in the world like you. :’)
LikeLike
I found your blog because of your feature on Freshly Pressed (congrats!) but wanted to comment because I’m so glad that I’m not the only young person out there with fibro! I felt so alone when everything about it seemed geared for the 60+ crowd. Now I feel like less of a malingerer. Thanks : )
LikeLike
Hey there! I just stumbled across your very awesome blog through a friend on facebook, your post about 15 things white girls do on facebook! Too funny and so true! I read a few more stories and you are inspiring, creative and pretty darn funny~!
Keep up the awesome and funny work of art going on here~!
LikeLike
Madam, you’re awesome and your blog makes me giggle. Thanks for that.
LikeLike
And, now, you can do a whole blog post on the cures for fibro, RA, CFS, lupus, and lyme disease. :)
LikeLike
i was brought to your site by your witty facebook entry, but was really sucked in by the comments on the most recent entry about about the meninges of the brain WHICH believe it or not is the very reason i am reading your blog in the first place, due to extreme procrastination for MY a&p final, which is saturday. i feel like we may have the same book. anyway i am also a 27 year old girl taking pre-nursing classes. i also have had lyme and suffer from chronic fatigue, and i also have a black lab :) i will be happy to start reading your blog!
LikeLike
Hi Mary! I emphasizes with you. Your humor is an inspiration to others in the face of trying times. I hope you pain is not too great, and on some days you can actually feel symptom free. About Nursing school, and nursing in general; if you want to know some really interesting stuff of about what Nurses do and the health care system join Expert RN’s on Facebook. http://facebook.com/expertrns They would love to hear from you, I’m sure. And please bring some awareness about fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue syndrome to the site.
Thanks, and think well.
LikeLike
I feel your pain girl, in some ways at least, but as others have said already, I admire how you add humor to the painful. I was diagnosed with fms, cfs, and ibs between the ages of 14 and 16. Good lick! I’ll be following you.
LikeLike
You seem genuine (so rare these days). Love the blog!
LikeLike
You are probably the cutest thing in the history of the world.
LikeLike
Enjoying the humor, cheers
LikeLike
You Rock! & Community College Rocks too!
LikeLike
May I just say I really admire you. You’re a true inspiration to everybody else on wordpress. I look forward to your posts and poetry. Please carry on blogging. You’re so funny and interesting :)
LikeLike
I love your writing voice and your ability to find humor in the painful experience. I can identify with you in that I was diagnosed with epilepsy when I was a toddler, lyme disease at 13, Chronic fatigue syndrome at 15 and now Fibromyalgia.
I think you will make an amazing nurse with your infectious attitude about life. You’ve already inspired me! :)
LikeLike
Your blog is amazing! I just stumbled upon it on the main wordpress page while logging onto my blog… very entertaining! I will definitely be back
LikeLike
“My mom re-married again, we’re keeping our fingers crossed” You are hilarious! :)
LikeLike
I like your blog too. it has inspired me to start writing in my own blog again. :)
LikeLike
I am going to be your follower. love the way you write.
LikeLike
I like the blog. You have a great voice as a writer and seem like a quirky kind of girl who tells it like it is. My only suggestion would be to use more paragraph breaks to increase the readability of your blog; 5-6 sentences max.
LikeLike
I like reading you. I think you might like reading me.
knoes.wordpress.com
LikeLike
I am probably older than your mother, and have no autoimmune disorder, but I am still enjoying your blog. Keep it up!
LikeLike
I’m a 39 yr old female and absolutely loved reading this. You’re hilarious. I’ve been giggling all night. Thanks for bringing some happiness today :)
LikeLike
good luck with nursing school! I graduated a year ago and it was the hardest and most rewarding thing I have ever done!
LikeLike
this post made you famous today! Awesome. So funny.
LikeLike
Hey, I don’t have FM. Actually, I don’t know what I have, and neither does my doctor, but he’s treating it like RA, since that runs in my family. I’m 21. And since my RA started acting up, I lost my boyfriend, and have had to move halfway across the country to live with my family again. I’m still waiting on my ex to send me my stuff. I wish you the best of luck with your ailments, and I wish you comfort.
LikeLike
I was diagnosed with Lupus at age 21. . .rare for a white guy. Did the usual, job hopping to hide it, lost relationships, always in pain. I remarried 9 years ago to an amazing woman who one day told me we had to find an answer. Started seeing an MD who specializes in alternative medicine. Within 2 months she had found my thyroid was bad and I was allergic to peanut. Slightest bit of peanut and my immune system goes on the attach: brain fog, mood swings, debilitating arthritis, etc.
After 7 rheumatologists it took a doctor who listened to me instead of the lab tests. Please, anyone with an autoimmune problem, keep looking for answers.
LikeLike
Is the peanut thing normal w autoimmune issues ? I’ve got a list but peanut allergy popped up @27 along w 1/2 of the kitchen :( anyhoo I’m wondering if it’s something that just happens w it. Anyone else?
I’m loving your blog, please contuie as not many can find humor when chronically ill & I’m really enjoying this. God bless
LikeLike
Thanks for your candor and sense of humor; your stream of consciousness style reminds me of Hunter S. Thompson. Your “About” info was the second piece of yours that I have read ( the first was a friend’s Facebook post entitled “15 Things White Girls Love To Do on Facebook” ) and I am hooked on your blog! I will pray for you, and I hope that you find peace and contentment within every day!
LikeLike
Ended up on your blog from your FB post – SO funny, by the way – and when I saw the name of your blog I knew I’d be reading more. I am yet another person that can relate to your struggles. While my lyme test was actually negative, I also have cfs/fibro and know how difficult it can be. I applaud you for your bravery and humor and look forward to keeping up with your blog. :)
LikeLike
Hey lovely! Wanted to share a link with you… curing fibro with green smoothies and a raw vegan diet.
Love the blog, v. cute!
http://www.greensmoothiegirl.com/blog/2011/07/19/stacy-tells-us-what-happens-to-inflammation-and-fibromyalgia-when-you-eat-green/
LikeLike
I’ve lived w lupus, fibromyalgia, immunity failure etc. I’ve lost everything I’ve ever held dear except my mom, grandma & Thank the Lord my daughter who because of my health it’s given her a life raised in hell on earth I often say & she says it’s inspired her to find a cure. She’s studying medicine w hopes of becoming an peds oncologist & immunologist eventually :)
My husband couldn’t take it, Dr.’s have pushed me over the edge & told me I had np reason to hope, they were wrong! No one van takeaway the hope God has given u & please rely on your faith, stregenth & family as I believe u can make your dreams come true after reading your blog. I hope to b able to follow it & see how u grow in your faith & Lord willing find a love that’s deserving of all that u have to offer, I believe it’s a lot! Merry Christmas to u & Monty :)
LikeLike
Loved the 15 things, glad my cousin posted it, I had to share it :) Live with Fibro myself, had since a child but diagnosed in my 20s. Keep blogging and study when you can. Seems like you are managing the best you can
LikeLike
from the White Girl Blog Ive become a fan! ur too funny!
LikeLike
White girl here, who hates pretentious Facebook status updates in French, usually about “les trois blondes meeting up at (insert expensive restaurant). Your blog is awesome. You are awesome. Keep writing, blogging and working towards your goals. Don’t read negative comments from losers! I don’t even know why they bother posting.
LikeLike
I was diagnosed with Fibro at 21 and totally understand starting from scratch. Sorry to hear about your other challenges you had to deal with along with it, stories like yours inspire me. Good luck with your new goals!!
LikeLike
Love reading your stuff. Like a lot .
LikeLike
you make me laugh, thanks
LikeLike
You are a fantastic writer. Keep up the fight with your health.
Good things come to those who wait.
LikeLike
Will you marry me?
LikeLike
Your life has changed with the post today and with it everything…it was all meant to be …you deserve it. I am very happy for you and I think that you need to continue to write. You have a gift.
LikeLike
You are 27 years old? I would have bet my last dollar you were at least 16. You really need to grow up. By the way, how many times do you say “like” in a conversation?
LikeLike
i think this person means “at most,” but awkward phrasing and math aside, what a pathetic comment. as our school counselors used to tell us, ‘they’re just jealous’- it must suck to see someone as cute and funny as you and realize they’ll never get it. also, leaving yourself anonymous: super brave. wow.
LikeLike
She is “at least 16”. She’s 27. Math is like hard for people who are mean to total strangers.
LikeLike
Dear Mary,
Please ignore the trolls and douchebags, the internet is full of them. I’ve read a bunch of articles lately about the written abuse female bloggers get, like this one:
http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/helen-lewis-hasteley/2011/11/comments-rape-abuse-women
so I hope you don’t have any nasty trolls or stalkers spamming you – and I hope it’s not easy for them to get your personal information.
FM/CFS can suck when it flares up, so I hope you’ve got a management system that works for you. I’m not going to give you random stranger advice over the internet for some miracle cure (what works for some won’t for others n all that) but I wish you good luck, less pain, and more spoons – if you haven’t heard of spoon theory check it out! ;)
LikeLike
Hope that made u feel good Anonymous! Got nothing good to say why not just keep your mouth shut. ASS-what is wrong with you such a skumbag with low self worth you come blast someone who is sharing some personal experiences-get a life and a therapist. Life long bully probably get your self esteem from doing something DECENT and not making dumbass comments on people who are. Can you spell L-O-S-E-R?
LikeLike
Some people are just really very, very silly. Thankfully, we can mute them.
LikeLike
high five for lymies!
LikeLike
Hi, love your humour and writing…nursing good, but your words are amazing and filled with humour and great storytelling. Looking forward to more…xx
LikeLike
orange flavored tic tacs FTW!
LikeLike
dont know much about bloggin, but i like yer red pants.
LikeLike
Something about you is so Spunky.
I really like who you express yourself!
Fight on girl!
You seem awesome!!!
*FIGHTING!*
LikeLike
Wow. You totally get the prize. I started blogging too this year after I started having auto-immune issues, quit my job, moved home, and my bf broke up with me. I literally laughed out loud when I read that about you guys keeping your fingers crossed. Keep it up–I’m loving what I’m reading!
LikeLike
You are awesome! I love NOLA (used to live there) and I love you! Laughter – or sarcasm -is the best medicine!
LikeLike
I don’t mean to be nosey but could you give me the doctor’s name? I have fibromyalgia really bad too and I haven’t found anything that really works.
LikeLike
I am a 29 year old LPN with SLE, inflammatory arthritis, and fibromyalgia. I am currently working as a cashier, as I once again battle to control my pain that keeps me from being the damn good floor nurse that I am.
LikeLike
Enjoyed reading your blog after the fresh pressing today. Good stuff! Be well.
LikeLike
I only just came across your blog from the white girls post .. It was funny, I really like your writing style and your sense of humour. Keep it up! :D
LikeLike
I know there are LOTS of different theories out there about what causes fibro any how to treat it. If you haven’t already heard of Dr. R. Paul St. Amand check out his book. I’ve been a patient of his for 10 years and have been on his guafenesin protocol. His theory about fibro is explained in the book and makes a lot of sense!
https://www.fibropharmacy.com/store/item.cfm?code=BOO001&cat=46
LikeLike
Mary
We would love to have you come on one of our radio shows and share your story. Its incredible. Send me an email and we can discuss it. Be well!
LikeLike
My very good friend (http://hystericalhillbillyrants.wordpress.com/) writes a lot about her life with chronic pain-her husband’s, who has RSD. She is also working on becoming a nurse & believes her experience with chronic pain (which has totally de-railed their lives) will make her a better nurse.
Enjoyed your posts!
LikeLike
So I… like a whole bunch of other readers, came across your blog after the White Girls post was shared on fb, and I love it! Very enjoyable, I’m hooked. Also, your dog is very cute :)
LikeLike
Came across your hilarious post about FB.
Just wanted to say also that my mom greatly suffers from chronic pain /Fibro on top of severe arthritis as well. I sympathize with you, a lot of people dont really understand it and its such a life sucker.
Wishing you the best.
LikeLike
I came across your Blog post about white girls and facebook through a friend on fb. It was funny. :) Then I read your about. You’ve been through a lot and your pretty inspirational. Deff going to subscribe :)
LikeLike
keep the people interested. you can go somewhere with this. i’ve always wanted to be a writer (i’m a nurse). you’ve gotten very lucky. don’t let this opportunity fizzle out. seriously.
LikeLike
Oh goodness dear I think I love your blog.
LikeLike
Mary, you rock! I graduated with a degree in journalism in 1986, or maybe 7. Long f-ing time ago. Which makes me about to turn 50. Yup. Old. But I have little kids, so that makes me young. In my mind. Your writing is funny, urbane, refreshing…. and funny. I could look up another word for funny, but it would just be saying “really funny” in the end. Keep up the great work. You have great cadence and style. Yes, you did go viral with that White Girls of FB blog. Keep ’em coming. FB is otherwise so boring. I think I’ll go threaten to quit again…..
LikeLike