In 1997 my medical problems started to multiply. I went to doctor after doctor and had every known test they could throw at me. Finally I found a Doctor willing to listen to me and go with my ideas on my medical problems. In July of 2000 I had to have a hysterectomy, the cause; endometriosis, adhesions, lacerations and cysts. Gee I wonder why I felt like crap! My uterus was so damaged that the entire back wall was stiff and unmaliable. Whenever I moved I literally was bruising other organs inside. They could not do the surgery laproscopically, so I have a permanent smile. They used a laser to burn off the endometriosis off adjoining organs, they saved my right ovary but the left and my uterus was removed.

Afterwards, pre-menopausal was the explanation to the discomfort and pain. I needed to heal and it would take time before they could pin point what was the best way to deal with my issues, hormones. After about a year a friend mentioned Fibromyalgia, I spoke with my Doctor and he said I had to see a specialist for that. I started looking into a Rheumatologist and I researched online but before I could get into see one other another medical problem took precedent.

In Jan. of 2004 I found a lump in my breast, a large one which turned into two. A third was found above my right breast in the area below my collarbone. They were not cancerous. Three biopsy later I go in for a check up because my stomach started to cause severe pain; this was cancer, my gall bladder. This could be removed laproscopically, you should see my scars -- I feel like the Milky Way is imprinted on my stomach and chest. Anyway the last surgery was done in December of 2004. I am cancer free; they caught it in plenty of time. I have to be under watch for a year- just to make sure.

Mid-year of last year during the medical nightmare the pain became unbearable. I have literally been in pain since before 1997 but was slowly loosing ground on how to cope with the fact it seemed it was never going to end. I saw the Rheumatologist let’s just say it took all of 5 minutes for a complete yes diagnosis for my FM. The final tally ends up being, FM with TMJ, IBS w/ constipation, and Hypoglycemia mixed in with a few other items. I have been on so much medication the last few years that I feel almost surreal in my own life. The Doctors I have dealt with have expressed that I have a high threshold of pain. But how high is high and why does that not make me feel any better.

I have been trying what the doctors prescribe and what I research but I know that I need to have an outlet. I needed an outlet so I thought that I could reach people who are familiar with my situation through a personal blog. This way if they comment or email me we can alternating pat each other on the back or get a kick in the butt. I have tried to speak to family and friends about my condition, they give me sympathy and I believe they try to understand but forget quickly. Not because they don't care but because they do not have comprehension of the meaning of "continious chronic pain".

I have cut back on school [dropped one course – any more and I loose my scholarship], on housework [husband & kids pitch in more and I care less if it’s messy], and even work [actually have a boss who cares]. Numerous other changes such as diet and exercise but sometimes it still feels as if it is not enough. Please do not misread this post as a pity-party. I hate pity parties and never plan on attending one, I will certainly never host one myself. All the individuals around me are defintely supportive and I make it a point to have a positive attitude and manner but even Mary Sunshine has a rainy day or two. If you are interested in learning about Fibromyalgia I will place a few links on my Web's of Interest List. Thanks for reading.