If so, come join us!
This is a great place to get to know Babes with Fibromyalgia and other Chronic Illnesses.
Kuddos to Jenni Prokopy the founder of this amazing, welcoming and informative web site.
There is a a Group for us called "Fibrobabes".
Let me know if you join so that I can add you!
ChronicBabe
Showing posts with label fibromyalgia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fibromyalgia. Show all posts
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
H pylori and Fibromyalgia
H Pylori is a stomach bacteria- http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helicobacter_pylori
The link below is to the article that states that it could be related to Fibromyalgia.
Ironically, I was dx’ed with H pylori when I was 7 years old in 1972. I have had years of Fibromyalgia symptoms and finally a diagnosis in 2008. Interesting theory.
http://chronicfatigue.about.com/b/2010/12/07/bacteria-tied-to-fibromyalgia.htm
The link below is to the article that states that it could be related to Fibromyalgia.
Ironically, I was dx’ed with H pylori when I was 7 years old in 1972. I have had years of Fibromyalgia symptoms and finally a diagnosis in 2008. Interesting theory.
http://chronicfatigue.about.com/b/2010/12/07/bacteria-tied-to-fibromyalgia.htm
Days 5-7 Guaifenesin Treatment
It's hard for me to assess my progress at this time because
I came down with a bad cold and flu.
I'm still experiencing a little less pain and stiffness.
I can't wait to get over this bug so that I can continue to chart my progress.
I came down with a bad cold and flu.
I'm still experiencing a little less pain and stiffness.
I can't wait to get over this bug so that I can continue to chart my progress.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Day 4 Guaifenesin Treatment
As I got ready for work this morning I noticed that I woke up feeling less stiffness. (I work a total of 9 hours a week to pay for groceries, gas and medications. Most of those 2 days are torture). I went to put on my boots with little effort. I thought I was being deceived or confused and paid more attention to the other boot with the same result.
Normally, it hurts so bad to bend at the hips and squeeze my hands to pull my boots on. I usually sit on our sofa which is Lower to the ground to help ease the pain and less struggle.
Later in the day, I noticed a worse flare coming on. Shooting pings and pains throughout my body and reoccurring muscle spasam. That I haven't had for about a year. It seemed like my symptoms through out the years finally bundled into one symptom. Massive pain and stiffness which made it hard to notice anything else going on with me. I should note that my urine has this unexplainable order that the doctors can't seem to find a cause to and I have lumps in my forearms both left and right arm. Left side the worse and at the bottom of my legs near my ankles.
Continuing to take the 200mg dose 2x's a day.
Normally, it hurts so bad to bend at the hips and squeeze my hands to pull my boots on. I usually sit on our sofa which is Lower to the ground to help ease the pain and less struggle.
Later in the day, I noticed a worse flare coming on. Shooting pings and pains throughout my body and reoccurring muscle spasam. That I haven't had for about a year. It seemed like my symptoms through out the years finally bundled into one symptom. Massive pain and stiffness which made it hard to notice anything else going on with me. I should note that my urine has this unexplainable order that the doctors can't seem to find a cause to and I have lumps in my forearms both left and right arm. Left side the worse and at the bottom of my legs near my ankles.
Continuing to take the 200mg dose 2x's a day.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Days 1-3 Guaifenesin Treatment
I took the recommended dose of 200mg's of Guaifenesin two times a day for these three days. I didn't notice any symptom changes. Just my normal excrusating pain through out my entire body. My neck, shoulders, forearms, elbows, hips thighs, knees, ankles and feet.
The protocol states that you should feel worse in the first week and that suggests you are at the right dose, before FM symptoms begin to reverse. It also says that for every year you've been sick it could take a month or so per year to see reversal of symptoms. However, every person is different.
I beleive that I have had FM for years. I remember mild symptoms after my first child when I was in my early 20's. I am 46 now. I was dx'ed in 2008 when my symptoms exacerbated and became dibilatating which was about a year prior.
The protocol states that you should feel worse in the first week and that suggests you are at the right dose, before FM symptoms begin to reverse. It also says that for every year you've been sick it could take a month or so per year to see reversal of symptoms. However, every person is different.
I beleive that I have had FM for years. I remember mild symptoms after my first child when I was in my early 20's. I am 46 now. I was dx'ed in 2008 when my symptoms exacerbated and became dibilatating which was about a year prior.
The Guaifenesin Protocol
After stumbling upon this book "What your Doctor may NOT tell you about Fibromyalgia and all the years of suffering with my FM and no adequate treatment, I decided to give this protocol it a try. I have absolutely nothing to loose by trying this treatment option. Especially, since I've already lost the quality of my life, my social life, my career, and some relationships! You can download a free sample of the book which consists of 100 pages of content from throughout the book. I am not solicatating this book or profiting from it in any way. The sole purpose of these blog posts will be to share my own personal experiences using this treatment since all others have failed me.
I thought about the title of the book thinking the reason you doctor might NOT tell you is probally because of their lack of knowledge and information. However, it is mentioned in the book that some doctors use this treatment on their patients. Obviously NOT mine :)
One last thing, the author of the book won an award from the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA). I am having a Fibrofog moment and can't recall the name of the award. I will update that later. Do excuse any typos as well, this is the first post I've created using my
Mobile device,(which is a much smaller device that I'm used to using) unfortunatly since my Mac has decided NOT to turn on.
Here is a link you might want to check out prior to the purchase of their books and DVD 's. It states on this website that all profits goes to Fibromyslgia Research-
What your Doctor May NOT tell you about Fibromyalgia-http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0446694444?ie=UTF8&force-full-site=1
I thought about the title of the book thinking the reason you doctor might NOT tell you is probally because of their lack of knowledge and information. However, it is mentioned in the book that some doctors use this treatment on their patients. Obviously NOT mine :)
One last thing, the author of the book won an award from the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA). I am having a Fibrofog moment and can't recall the name of the award. I will update that later. Do excuse any typos as well, this is the first post I've created using my
Mobile device,(which is a much smaller device that I'm used to using) unfortunatly since my Mac has decided NOT to turn on.
Here is a link you might want to check out prior to the purchase of their books and DVD 's. It states on this website that all profits goes to Fibromyslgia Research-
What your Doctor May NOT tell you about Fibromyalgia-http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0446694444?ie=UTF8&force-full-site=1
Friday, January 13, 2012
My Life with Fibromyalgia
FIBROMYALGIA HAS NO CURE YET
I WAS HAPPY THE DAY MY DOCTORS AND I MET
TO THINK MY PAIN COULD BE OFFSET
MEDICINE IS A START I BET…
I AWAKE IN THE MORNING IN SO MUCH PAIN
UPSET AT THE LIFE I CAN'T MAINTAIN
I FEEL A WEIRD FEELING IN MY BRAIN
WONDERING IF I AM GOING INSANE...
THE PAIN FILLS MY BODY IN DIFFERENT WAYS
LYING IN BED FOR SEVERAL DAYS
HOPING TO RELEASE A PAINFUL DAZE
BUT I HOPE AND PRAY AND THE PAIN STILL STAYS…
MY PAIN HURTS HERE AND THEN THERE
IT'S NEVER THE SAME BUT IT HURTS I SWEAR
ONE DAY IT'S MY HIPS THAT FLARE
OTHER DAYS ITS MY HANDS THAT WEAR...
MY LIFE IS NOW PAIN AND SLEEP
AND THO I SLEEP IT IS NOT DEEP
SO I WANT TO SLEEP AND COUNT MY SHEEP
BECAUSE MY SANITY I HAVE TO KEEP.
by Kacy Wright kacybaldock@yahoo.com
I WAS HAPPY THE DAY MY DOCTORS AND I MET
TO THINK MY PAIN COULD BE OFFSET
MEDICINE IS A START I BET…
I AWAKE IN THE MORNING IN SO MUCH PAIN
UPSET AT THE LIFE I CAN'T MAINTAIN
I FEEL A WEIRD FEELING IN MY BRAIN
WONDERING IF I AM GOING INSANE...
THE PAIN FILLS MY BODY IN DIFFERENT WAYS
LYING IN BED FOR SEVERAL DAYS
HOPING TO RELEASE A PAINFUL DAZE
BUT I HOPE AND PRAY AND THE PAIN STILL STAYS…
MY PAIN HURTS HERE AND THEN THERE
IT'S NEVER THE SAME BUT IT HURTS I SWEAR
ONE DAY IT'S MY HIPS THAT FLARE
OTHER DAYS ITS MY HANDS THAT WEAR...
MY LIFE IS NOW PAIN AND SLEEP
AND THO I SLEEP IT IS NOT DEEP
SO I WANT TO SLEEP AND COUNT MY SHEEP
BECAUSE MY SANITY I HAVE TO KEEP.
by Kacy Wright kacybaldock@yahoo.com
Friday, December 23, 2011
Living with an "Invisible Illness"
While from the outside I may seem normal,
It’s the part that you can’t see,
The constant pain and struggles within,
Are ever so apparent to me.
Although I may wear a smile,
Often times it's covering the tears,
Yet not tears because of sadness,
As it often may appear.
Don’t be too quick to judge though,
Because there is so much more than is known,
What may seem to look like one thing,
Just might turn to prove so wrong.
I may sometimes seem unfriendly,
Or too centered around self,
Because sometimes standing takes all I’ve got,
And there is just no energy left.
Sometimes my words may sound awkward,
My communication may not always convey,
My true inner thoughts and feelings,
Aren’t always expressed by what I say.
You may think that I’m not really listening,
Sometimes my face or speech may not show,
But I do hear every word you say,
I really want you to know.
The information doesn’t always process,
As quickly and as clear,
And sometimes it takes me longer,
To interpret what I hear.
I possibly miss many opportunities,
To offer needed love or support,
Because sometimes it just takes to long,
For my thoughts and words to sort.
So if my actions seem inappropriate,
In the things I say or do,
I hope that you can understand,
That it is not because of you.
There are times I get discouraged,
When forced to accept my inability--
It’s hard to admit my limitations,
And it leaves me feeling so guilty.
Yet every moment is a reminder
As I look all around,
The effort it takes just to get through the day,
Just picking my feet up off the ground.
I am not looking to find pity,
I am just attempting to explain,
That the person that you may often see,
And the real me aren’t exactly the same.
You may not see the peace and joy,
When you look upon my face,
But I know that each day I live,
Is because of God’s amazing grace.
It is hard to always be cheerful,
When the pain is so very real,
And not everyone can comprehend,
The extend of how I feel.
I don’t see it as all bad though,
Although I’d much rather it not be so,
But I know that if I must endure,
God will strengthen me as I go.
It may seem as if I take no pride
In the way that I look or dress,
However, there might be much more going on,
Inside of the big mess.
My home may not be nice and neat,
My bed not always made,
The laundry may not all be done,
And often it makes me ashamed.
But I must only do what I am able,
Each day I have to choose,
What is most important right then,
And the tasks I am able to lose.
All the plans and dreams I once held,
Now don’t seem quite so clear,
Yet I feel a peace within,
As my Lord keeps drawing me near.
To have a chronic illness,
Or a disability that one must bear,
Somehow puts life into perspective,
And helps to make us more aware.
I realize now that each day I live,
Is a gift from God above,
It is hard not to lean on Him,
Or to look to His great love.
I now can fully understand,
On my own, there is nothing I can do,
It is only be faith and prayer,
That I can make it through.
It may seem an exaggeration,
No one can always feel so bad,
But only those who have walked in these shoes,
Can appreciate the battles that I have had.
I see so many people less fortunate than me,
Don’t have to look very far,
There are so many suffering all around,
It doesn’t matter who you are.
Circumstances and illnesses can hit unexpectedly,
And you can never really be prepared,
It may be difficult to understand,
Leaving you vulnerable and feeling scared.
I must constantly guard my thoughts and mind,
As Satan always tries to bring me down,
He wants me to feel hopeless and unworthy,
And turn my smile into a frown.
It is hard not to get depressed,
When I see the burden my family must bare,
The fact I cannot always meet their needs,
No one could be more aware.
There are times I feel like giving up,
When I look too far ahead,
But I know if my loved ones were given the choice,
They would just choose to have me here instead.
There are so many ups and downs,
New challenges each day,
I must strive to keep my eyes on God,
So that I be not led astray.
It would be so difficult to cope,
Without God, my hope would all be gone,
Because through submitting to Him in prayer,
Is when my weaknesses are made strong.
So when you see the way I look,
When my insecurities are in view,
Base who I am on what’s inside,
Not by the things that I can do.
The greatest lesson that I have ever learned,
Is the reason that I am here on earth,
Is not to live for self and gain,
For in these things are not my worth.
God has a purpose for my life,
Although the details I may not see,
He still has it under control,
And is continually watching over me.
Maybe one day I will be well,
And my health He will restore,
But if that is not in God’s will,
I will still praise Him ever more.
If this suffering can bring honor to Him,
I will gladly accept the call,
Because of His great love for me,
He suffered and gave His all.
I have to believe that what I am going through now,
Will somehow work together for good,
And one day it will be revealed,
And all things will be understood.
While I still worry about what you think,
More the example that I may show,
I am learning so much more each day,
And this has really helped me to grow.
by Mary Hastings
written May 2003
It’s the part that you can’t see,
The constant pain and struggles within,
Are ever so apparent to me.
Although I may wear a smile,
Often times it's covering the tears,
Yet not tears because of sadness,
As it often may appear.
Don’t be too quick to judge though,
Because there is so much more than is known,
What may seem to look like one thing,
Just might turn to prove so wrong.
I may sometimes seem unfriendly,
Or too centered around self,
Because sometimes standing takes all I’ve got,
And there is just no energy left.
Sometimes my words may sound awkward,
My communication may not always convey,
My true inner thoughts and feelings,
Aren’t always expressed by what I say.
You may think that I’m not really listening,
Sometimes my face or speech may not show,
But I do hear every word you say,
I really want you to know.
The information doesn’t always process,
As quickly and as clear,
And sometimes it takes me longer,
To interpret what I hear.
I possibly miss many opportunities,
To offer needed love or support,
Because sometimes it just takes to long,
For my thoughts and words to sort.
So if my actions seem inappropriate,
In the things I say or do,
I hope that you can understand,
That it is not because of you.
There are times I get discouraged,
When forced to accept my inability--
It’s hard to admit my limitations,
And it leaves me feeling so guilty.
Yet every moment is a reminder
As I look all around,
The effort it takes just to get through the day,
Just picking my feet up off the ground.
I am not looking to find pity,
I am just attempting to explain,
That the person that you may often see,
And the real me aren’t exactly the same.
You may not see the peace and joy,
When you look upon my face,
But I know that each day I live,
Is because of God’s amazing grace.
It is hard to always be cheerful,
When the pain is so very real,
And not everyone can comprehend,
The extend of how I feel.
I don’t see it as all bad though,
Although I’d much rather it not be so,
But I know that if I must endure,
God will strengthen me as I go.
It may seem as if I take no pride
In the way that I look or dress,
However, there might be much more going on,
Inside of the big mess.
My home may not be nice and neat,
My bed not always made,
The laundry may not all be done,
And often it makes me ashamed.
But I must only do what I am able,
Each day I have to choose,
What is most important right then,
And the tasks I am able to lose.
All the plans and dreams I once held,
Now don’t seem quite so clear,
Yet I feel a peace within,
As my Lord keeps drawing me near.
To have a chronic illness,
Or a disability that one must bear,
Somehow puts life into perspective,
And helps to make us more aware.
I realize now that each day I live,
Is a gift from God above,
It is hard not to lean on Him,
Or to look to His great love.
I now can fully understand,
On my own, there is nothing I can do,
It is only be faith and prayer,
That I can make it through.
It may seem an exaggeration,
No one can always feel so bad,
But only those who have walked in these shoes,
Can appreciate the battles that I have had.
I see so many people less fortunate than me,
Don’t have to look very far,
There are so many suffering all around,
It doesn’t matter who you are.
Circumstances and illnesses can hit unexpectedly,
And you can never really be prepared,
It may be difficult to understand,
Leaving you vulnerable and feeling scared.
I must constantly guard my thoughts and mind,
As Satan always tries to bring me down,
He wants me to feel hopeless and unworthy,
And turn my smile into a frown.
It is hard not to get depressed,
When I see the burden my family must bare,
The fact I cannot always meet their needs,
No one could be more aware.
There are times I feel like giving up,
When I look too far ahead,
But I know if my loved ones were given the choice,
They would just choose to have me here instead.
There are so many ups and downs,
New challenges each day,
I must strive to keep my eyes on God,
So that I be not led astray.
It would be so difficult to cope,
Without God, my hope would all be gone,
Because through submitting to Him in prayer,
Is when my weaknesses are made strong.
So when you see the way I look,
When my insecurities are in view,
Base who I am on what’s inside,
Not by the things that I can do.
The greatest lesson that I have ever learned,
Is the reason that I am here on earth,
Is not to live for self and gain,
For in these things are not my worth.
God has a purpose for my life,
Although the details I may not see,
He still has it under control,
And is continually watching over me.
Maybe one day I will be well,
And my health He will restore,
But if that is not in God’s will,
I will still praise Him ever more.
If this suffering can bring honor to Him,
I will gladly accept the call,
Because of His great love for me,
He suffered and gave His all.
I have to believe that what I am going through now,
Will somehow work together for good,
And one day it will be revealed,
And all things will be understood.
While I still worry about what you think,
More the example that I may show,
I am learning so much more each day,
And this has really helped me to grow.
by Mary Hastings
written May 2003
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Soak In a Warm Bath
Soaking in a warm bath, hot tub, or sauna or standing under a warm shower will serve two purposes. First, it will help you to relax tense muscles, reduce pain, and move more easily. Second, some studies show that the warm, moist heat may raise levels of endorphins and decrease levels of stress hormones. There may be an additional benefit as well. Healthcare professionals that specialize in sleep disorders have found that a warm bath before bedtime can help sleep be more restful.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Men & Fibromyalgia Survey
The Men’s Health Network, has posted a Men & Fibromyalgia Survey on its website.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Will Neurontin Work as Well as Lyrica for Fibromyalgia?
Expert Bryan Arling's advice on Cymbalta, Savella, and other treatment options for fibromyalgia
Posted August 19, 2009
Lyrica is prescribed for fibromyalgia, but its cost is excessive. Will Neurontin deliver the same relief?
Bryan Arling, M.D.: Lyrica (pregabalin) blocks calcium channels in the central nervous system and peripheral nerves. It is used to control seizures and also painful peripheral neuropathy such as that seen in some diabetics, some people after an outbreak of shingles (also known as post-herpetic neuralgia), or in nerve compression syndromes such as spinal stenosis and herniated lumbar discs. It has been found to be helpful in a significant percentage of people with fibromyalgia. Neurontin (gabapentin) is structurally similar to Lyrica and has a similar mechanism of action. Both are structurally related to the neural transmitter GABA, but neither drug seems to affect GABA uptake, release, or degradation. Both drugs can cause sleepiness, so it is good to start with a relatively low dose and gradually build up therapeutic levels. Likewise, one should taper off both drugs over a week or two to prevent seizures or other withdrawal symptoms.
I feel that it is essential that all patients thought to have fibromyalgia have their vitamin D3-25 levels checked. A significant number of these patients will be found to be vitamin D deficient, and many of their aches and pains will improve if they take 2,000 to 4,000 units of vitamin D3 a day.
Returning to an exercise program is one of the most helpful things that fibromyalgia patients can do. They need to start with very light exercise for just a few minutes and then gradually increase the intensity and duration of their exercise as their body allows them to do so. Additionally, one should do everything possible to optimize good sleep habits because symptoms often improve when the quality and duration of sleep improve.
Two other drugs have received FDA approval in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Cymbalta (duloxetine) and the just-released drug Savella (milnacipran) block the reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin and hence are known as SNRIs, for serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. There are other SNRIs available that may have benefits in fibromyalgia and may be less expensive. This would be an off-label use, and patients should find physicians who have used these other SNRIs in fibromyalgia patients.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Home Remedies
Many people turn to home remedies, including herbs, supplements, and alternative treatments, for relief of fibromyalgia symptoms. Discover which home remedies may help and which may not work at all.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Fibromyalgia Patients Show Decreases In Grey Matter Intensity
Previous studies have shown that fibromyalgia is associated with reductions in grey matter in parts of the brain, but the exact cause is not known. Using sophisticated brain imaging techniques, researchers from Louisiana State University, writing in The Journal of Pain, found that alterations in levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine might be responsible for grey matter reductions.
For the study, magnetic imaging resonance data from 30 female fibromyalgia patients were compared with 20 healthy women of the same age. The primary objective of the study was to confirm original findings about reduced grey matter density in a larger sample of fibromyalgia patients. They explored whether there is a correlation between dopamine metabolic activity and variations in the density of grey matter in specific brain regions.
Results showed there were significant grey matter reductions in the fibromyalgia patients, which supports previous research. In addition, the fibromyalgia patients showed a strong correlation of dopamine metabolism levels and grey matter density in parts of the brain in which dopamine controls neurological activity. The authors concluded that the connection between dopamine levels and grey matter density provide novel insights to a possible mechanism that explains some of the abnormal brain morphology associated with fibromyalgia.
Invisible Illness Fact 25
RT @invisibleillwk #iiwk09 Fact #25 Faith gives plp w/ health challenges peace of mind & will to live http://ow.ly/6Otw
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Ask Dr. Gott
Cause of chronic fatigue can be difficult to diagnose
Dear Dr. Gott: I'm a 47-year-old female who has struggled with fatigue for years. I was having a hard time getting up to go to work. While at work, I was falling asleep on my half-hour lunch break for two hours.
My primary-care physician sent me to an endocrinologist who didn't discover anything. I've lost my job and insurance and am just as tired today. Breakfast acts as a tranquilizer and sends me off to sleep again. I battle taking naps all day. I had a heart attack at 44 and know I have had hepatitis C for at least 11 years. My doctor didn't see any connection.
Dear Reader: While suffering from a heart attack at 44 is not unheard of, you are young and should be at the top of your game. I wonder what, if anything, preceded the attack. Do you have chronic fatigue syndrome? Do you have a family history of heart disease? Was your diet improper? Did you suffer from high-cholesterol levels? Do you have unrelated medical conditions? Were you inactive and/or overweight? Did you get regular medical checkups? If you can answer "yes" to any of my questions, were positive measures taken to work toward a healthier lifestyle? If so, what was the outcome?
If you can pinpoint the initial stage for your symptoms, you might be headed in the right direction. For example, was the attack followed by the fatigue, or did the exhaustion precede it? Are you on any medication that could have an unwanted and uncommon side effect of fatigue?
It's time to wipe the slate clean and begin from scratch with
a new physician, at least until things get sorted out. You will need blood work, follow-up on your hepatitis C, referral to a cardiologist and perhaps a referral to other specialists and thyroid testing. Even if you have to borrow the money, it will be well spent if it gets you back on your feet.
By PETER GOTT, M.D. Newspaper Enterprise Association
Published: 5/28/2009 2:25 AM
Last Modified: 5/28/2009 4:05 AM
Write Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave. 4th floor, New York, NY 10016.
By PETER GOTT, M.D. Newspaper Enterprise Association
Invisible Illness Fact 24
RT @invisibleillwk #iiwk09 Fact #24 Depression can predispose patients 2 chronic pain due 2 chemical imbalance it creates.http://ow.ly/6Otw
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Biking for Fibromyalgia
Team to Raise Awaress During 3,000-mile journey
Denise Stone, of Long Valley, New Jersey, will bike across America to help raise awareness of fibromyalgia and funding for the National Fibromyalgia Association. Denise is a rider on Team CYCLE SMART, which will participate in the Race Across America event. The team will start the 3,000-mile journey June 11 in Oceanside, California and will finish seven days later in Annapolis, Maryland.
Team CYCLE SMART is a community service project presented by Dream Ride Projects, a nonprofit organization based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania whose mission is promoting healthy lifestyles and disease prevention through bicycling activities, programs, and special projects. The Team’s related goal is through its participation in the Race Across America (RAAM) event, which will select up to 30 nonprofit organizations to partner with in a shared ambition to raise more than $180,000.
“I am really looking forward to being part of this team and to realize my dream to not only ride across the country but to make a difference by riding for charity,” writes Denise on the team website. “I will ride for the National Fibromyalgia Association for my good friend, Deb Feather, to help raise awareness of this highly unrecognized chronic pain illness.”
Team CYCLE SMART, which began practicing for the ride last November, has three other riders who will ride on behalf of other nonprofit organizations. The team will be supported by four crew members and seven RV Support individuals. Two of these participants, Deb Feather and Sylvia Newcomer, have fibromyalgia. Deb is a former athlete who refuses to let the disorder control her life. She has struggled with FM for 12 years. Sylvia, who has been an avid cyclist since 1976 and began a racing career shortly thereafter that spanned six years, has been beset with fibromyalgia since the early 1990s. Deb and Sylvia, along with team members Brenda Weaver and Judy Flowers are also raising money for the National Fibromyalgia Association.
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