"I have learned never to underestimate the capacity of the human mind and body to regenerate even when the prospects seem most wretched. The life force may be the least understood force on this earth." Dr. Norman Cousins, the author of The Anatomy of an Illness.
"Last week I receive an e-mail from a reader. I would like to share with you her experience." Dr. Tsai
"I am 41 years old. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia when I was 27. Reading your article on Fibromyalgia brought back many memories and past frustrations: going to doctor to doctor and test to test, not really finding out what's going on. People doubt you have a problem and they are tired of hearing you don't feel well because you look normal. It was probably the worst time of my life. So, a diagnosis came with relief. It didn't matter that there was no cure; there was a name. After suffereing with years of flares, depression, fatigue, and sadness became my constant companions. My husband and I were very active and we had two young girls. Then, I became sick and was always tired and depressed. Every day, I asked myself "How could I live like this for the rest of my life?" After seven or eight years of living with fibromyalgia, I decided to give my immune system the fight of its life: I was going to regain control of my life over this disease.
I started eating REALLY healthy and exercising a bit everyday and learned to watch my stress level. NO EXCUSES! I was able to control my stress and depression through prayer and a strong relationship with God. What ended up happening was amazing. Mnoth after month, year after year, I got better. Now, six years later, I have only memories of fibromyalgia. I am healthy, I never get sick, and I never even suffer with allergies. I walk or run about 20 miles a week and lift weights three times a week. Now, I am strong, happy, blessed, and in better shape than I have ever been. I have the energy to work full-time, take care of my family, exercise and live life to its fullest. Every now and than I have a flare up for a day or two, and I am reminded that fibromyalgia will always be a part of my life, but it won't control it anymore. I feel truly blessed to have my health back and every day, I am very grateful for feeling good. Please share this with your patients. There is hope you can feel better: I am living proof!" Sincerely, Tracey.
I understand Tracey's radical transformation. For it will be two years I have been living with Fibromyalgia and it wasn't without radical change that put me back on the path to living. Although I am nowhere near Tracey's health accountability, I am able to keep a full time job with high stress that I tune out regularly. My diet is almost unheard of in today's world as it only consists of whole grains, natural meats, and fresh fruits and vegetables. The key to beating fibro flare-ups is healthy eating, little stress, exercise, and prayer. Just what is the inspiration for this blog.