Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Who is Fibro Warriors ~ Living Life? Guest blog by Melissa Swanson


Who is Fibro Warriors ~ Living Life?


Melissa Swanson started Fibro Warriors~Living Life Facebook page in September of 2012. In her quest for understanding and supporting fibromyalgia, she joined various online groups and Facebook pages. Quickly she learned how important it is to be able to talk with others who have been there/done that! More importantly, she believes in sharing information from verified credible sources. Fibromyalgia is real. Melissa also believes in the value of surrounding one's self with positive people in order to create an environment for healthy coping and energy conservation.


Who is Fibro Warriors ~ Living Life?

My name is Melissa. I am a full-time working married sports mom of a very active 14-year-old daughter and a one-year-old Border Collie.

Throughout my childhood, I experienced many symptoms of fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome. I had muscle knots, leg cramps, and sensitivity to light and touch. I bruise easily suffer from high anxiety, panic attacks, and depression.

In 2009, my family experienced a family loss that led to an emotionally stressful year of traveling. The extraordinary physical work also caused more health issues to develop.

I spent 2010 going from doctor to doctor taking every test. Finally, a thorough exam led to the diagnosis of fibromyalgia and other syndromes/diseases that I call evil sidekicks. This is when I began searching the internet to find others who could help me understand what it was like to live life with fibromyalgia. What I found was—having fibromyalgia is like riding a roller coaster with many unpredictable ups-and-downs.

It is important to be your own health advocate. I have found the combination of keeping a daily routine, using prescription medications, finding helpful supplements, stretching, participating in light warm water exercise, maintaining good sleep hygiene, having a positive attitude, and putting together a good team keeps my pain and my health manageable, most days.

My "Fibro Team” consists of my Rheumatologist, Neurologist, primary care provider, Acupuncturist, Chiropractor, Psychologist, a pain management doctor, and a wonderful, positive support group.

Along my journey, I have made wonderful friends and fellow advocates. One of those is Celeste Cooper. I am proud to call her my friend and mentor. Celeste Cooper, RN, BSN, is an Author, pain patient/advocate and fibromyalgia expert at Sharecare.com and thesethree.com.

Through my networks, I share motivational images, helpful hints, questions, and my own experiences. Celeste brings her medical expertise and experience as a patient, registered nurse, educator, legal nurse consultant, and member of the Pain Action Alliance to Implement a National Strategy. She considers herself a conduit of information by sharing what she learns regarding current studies, associated conditions, and so much more.

Fibro Warriors ~ Living Life strives to help others living life with "Fibromyalgia."
The key words are “LIVE LIFE.”

We have made it our mission to tell other Fibromites that they can still live their lives.
We believe through education, positive affirmation & a great support team that we can all be a


Fibro Warrior ~ Living Life.


I am a freelance writer for the online magazine, Living Well with Fibromyalgia (subscribe@http://fibromodem.com)





1 comment:

Anonymous said...

In conclusion, St Johns Wort gets two thumbs up from me when used for mild too moderate depression
as well as mild to moderate anxiety, but of coursse always used as an
effective sidekick as you tackle the root of your problem.
It is very important to control your thoughts, because
your strength, determination and ability to win over anxiety
can only let you overcome it. In case adequate hydration is nott maintained the body may also respond in a different manner.


My homepage Panic Attack

Celeste's Website

Celeste's Website
Click on the picture