In 2001 I had an accidental fall at work and hurt my back. As it progressed I was having pain all over my body and not just my back, although I had displaced two discs.  I couldn’t get the doctor to understand that my pain level was so high that I couldn’t stand it. He was an orthopedist and didn’t have any interest in my pain. When his treatments of facet shots, epidurals, physical therapy, traction and different meds didn’t work, he washed his hands of me.

I think now that it was mostly because it was a workman’s comp case and he didn’t want much to do with it. I suffered for a few months and then I found a physical medicine doctor who diagnosed my fibromyalgia. He treated me with compassion and researched my illness to help me.

Then I lost my job because the FM got so bad and I lost my insurance so I couldn’t see him anymore. I ended up on state insurance and went to countless doctors who put me on endless meds that didn’t make me better. They seemed to make me worse. At one time I was on twelve different meds and I was actually bedridden from the pain and depression for over six months. I thought I just wanted to die, but I am a Christian and suicide was not an option. After a while I started thinking about my dad who died at age 53 from a heart attack. He was a diabetic who gave up on life until it was too late. It was very sad. I decided I didn’t want to go out that way and I got out of the bed. I started taking myself off the meds.

I tried the natural route for over four years. I went from being a successful manager to being bedridden to just being unemployed. I even applied for my disability at one point but then I decided to try one last thing before I went down that road. I went to truck driving school and I drove a truck for 29 months. It was one of my long time dreams that I was always afraid to pursue. It felt like such an accomplishment not only because of my FM but because I am a woman.

I finally got to where I couldn’t stand to physically drive but I kept pushing until my company closed down due to fuel prices. Now I am going back to doctors and I am currently on four meds. I have started my disability app but this time I am going through a claim advocate and they’ll do all the work to get me my disability. I try to stay positive even though I am in constant pain.

I have a wonderful husband of 15 years who is my rock. Every great once in a while he does or says something insensitive, but I always tell him and he apologizes. He is really a great man. I also have a 14-year-old son who is my life. I have two horses, four dogs and three cats. My beautiful horses are a Tennessee Walking Horse and a Racking Horse. I live in the country in Tennessee and I love it. Sometimes I just sit outside in my swing and enjoy the quiet.

Well that is my story. I hope that it helps someone that is going through what I have been through. There is always hope if you don’t give up