My Friend The Ogre: A Website Devoted To Chronic Pain Help

I’m here to tell my story but more importantly I’m here to share hope. I was diagnosed in October of 2019 with Fibromyalgia. The Oxford Dictionary defines Fibromyalgia as “a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain and other symptoms such as fatigue, muscle stiffness, and insomnia.” It took until this year, 2023 to meet other people who also had Fibromyalgia (other than a Great Aunt on my mum’s side who was diagnosed years ago) and from my experience, everyone’s condition is slightly different in their specific details, but we can all agree on experiencing pain, exhaustion and sleep issues. It is the tie that binds.

I started experiencing symptoms that were consistent with Fibro around 2009 or so. I won’t go into too many details yet though; read more about that in a future blog post. My story is a long one with twists and turns and up and downs which I’m starting to realize is very common in the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia! Nine or ten years felt like a very long time to get my official “Fibromite” stamp of recognition but luckily less time was needed to meet some amazing and inspirational doctors, health care professionals and fellow chronic pain sufferers who changed my life and how I view having Fibromyalgia. Disclaimer: I am NOT a doctor. I am NOT a kinesiologist. I am NOT a nutritionist. I am NOT an OT. I will never pretend to be so. However, I am a girl who wants nothing more than to share some of the things that I have learned from these wonderful people in my life. If it helps but one person to feel like their life is full of promise despite some of the limitations placed on them, then it's worth it! I like to think of it as making friends with the ogre. The ogre being our chronic pain.

I’m so very glad that you’ve taken the time to be here with me! If you find value in these writings subscribe to my mailing list. My wish is that you find hope in the face of pain. Hugs.