I was 50 when Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain came to stay. Thanks to an early referral to Mayo Clinic, I was one of the fortunate ones who received a diagnosis within 6 months. At that point, we found a medication that helped a great deal. Many people suffer for years without a diagnosis or something that would ease their pain. Some people don’t have support from even their families or doctors. It is seen as psychosomatic – all in your mind. But Fibromyalgia is real! Fibromyalgia is finally getting some attention but we have a long way to go.
5 out of 100 women have Fibromyalgia
Yes, the disorder affects an estimated 10 million people in the U.S. and an estimated 3-6% of the world population. Many suffer silently. You may not even be aware that folks around you have it until you find you have it too. That’s when they share with you their demise.
I found the statistics to be on target. We had about 100 members in our church at the time. There were five of us with fibromyalgia. After my diagnosis and I was feeling some better, I shared with the women’s group about it. They had no idea how painful and distressful fibro can be. The response was so great that I shared on a Wednesday night to men and women about what Fibro is and how they can help. It made a big difference.
Then I started a Facebook Page to inform others, not necessarily to advise patients – just to help share information.
How a Fibro Family is Affected
As I mentioned, my family was very supportive. My children were 15 years old and above. They jumped right up in helping out around the house and everywhere else. My daughter, whom I was homeschooling, continued doing her studies and took over the laundry and the cooking. We did a lot of learning from my bed. She learned to drive by taking me to doctor’s appointments and therapy sessions.
Fibro Family Loses Job, Home, and more
My husband was a senior pastor. He moved his office to the house and continued serving the church full-time. The church was supportive for a while. But about five years into this journey, the church board decided it was time for a change and asked us to resign. Pushing 65, we couldn’t attract another church to hire someone with a sick wife and just a few years away from retirement. So we were forced to take an early retirement. This led to no place to live (We had lived in a parsonage.), no income coming in, and later bankruptcy.
Blogging About Fibromyalgia and the Family
Able to sit up and work at the computer, I saw a challenge to write every day for 5 minutes a day. I started a blog and began to share about my journey with Chronic Pain. People read my posts and encouraged me to write a book. It took me a long time to take this seriously; however, in 2022 I took on the challenge. I started with a children’s book about the farm I grew up on. My ultimate goal was, and still is to publish a devotional for those with chronic pain. But having a love for children, I kept being drawn to write for kids. I found a great need for books to help children understand their mother’s pain. (While fibro is largely something women acquire, men do suffer from it too). Out of this awareness, I created a new children’s book entitled, Soft Hugs for Mommy _ A Family Deals with Fibromyalgia. This book is due to be released anytime on Amazon.
Children’s Book About Fibromaylgia
Communicate with your child about Mommy’s (or family) illness, with this picture book, lovingly created by two moms with chronic pain. Learn ways your family might use to adjust and understand the new normal of dealing with chronic pain.
Mommy is sick, so her family must adjust their lives to accommodate her illness. “Soft Hugs for Mommy”, a heart-warming picture book, draws from author, Mandy Farmer’s personal experience with fibromyalgia. The touching story follows a loving family as they navigate the challenges of Mommy’s chronic pain condition. With illustrations by a chronic illness warrior, this book captures the emotions and experiences of the characters.
“Soft Hugs” demonstrates Mommy’s good days when she can play and make cookies, and bad days when she’s in pain and needs rest. “Soft Hugs for Mommy” depicts loving gestures that encourage understanding and unconditional love. The story highlights the strength, resilience, and unwavering love of the family as they support Mommy through her challenges.
More than just a book
“Let’s Talk” page at the end, offers questions to open doors for further communication. A must-read for families dealing with fibromyalgia or other chronic conditions. Readers of all ages will cherish it and its testament to the power of love and resilience in the face of adversity.
Pre-order yours today!
If for some reason, it is not available yet, follow me as an author. Maybe do that anyway! Thanks
Pastor’s Wife (retired) & Chronic Pain Warrior blogs about how to make it through anything by relating her own life experiences to her writing. She is passionate about her love for the Lord and desires to spread that passion to others. She has a great desire to encourage women who are following behind her.
Congratulations on your new book, Mandy! What an excellent resource for families. I pray blessings over everyone who reads it. May the Lord bring much comfort thru it!