Hi I'm Emma!I am a 30 something Sheffield based e-communications graduate, technical writer, mum, feminist, metalhead, tea and ale drinker, social media nut and blogger. In 2013 I was finally diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. For years I had suffered back pain, then knee pain, then all over body pain. I was tired all of the time, had IBS, constantly felt bloated, struggled to think straight, often snapped or became frustrated and was struggling to keep on top of my job and looking after my daughter. When I looked in the mirror I just saw sickness and sadness; yet I wasn't sick, the doctors could find nothing wrong with me!?
When the diagnosis finally came I was relieved. Finally I knew what was wrong with me, which meant I could actually start to get better? Didn't it? Apparently, not so much! It soon became clear that not only is there no cure for Fibromyalgia, but the condition is so complex and misunderstood, that there was also no clear path forward either; no real answers to be found in the diagnosis. The doctors prescribed me with some anti depressants, advised me to exercise and sent me on my way. I felt terrified and had no idea how to move forward. I started looking for help, support, advice and encouragement. I felt alone, un-educated on the condition and desperately trying to find a way to live a happy and fulfilling life. All I could find were places that seemed to constantly reinforce how terrible things were and repeat over and over what the symptoms of Fibromyalgia are ... like I needed reminding. In a bid to bring more positivity to things, I launched Sheffield Fibromites; a Facebook page designed to bring together the Sheffield, UK Fibromyalgia community in a more positive and healthy way. Now I finally have the clarity of mind, to put that focus into this blog. A place for me to document and share my journey towards living life positively with pain. If you are reading this, I am super excited to have you a long for the ride. |
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