In June 1984 I had a hysterectomy. During the previous months, I had suffered from severe low back pain; the pain left after my surgery. Six weeks later it came back with a vengeance. That is when things started to deteriorate. I started to experience different symptoms at any given time. I started to see specialist after specialist for my various symptoms. 1994 is the year where everything fell apart. I finally saw a rheumatologist who diagnosed me with fibromyalgia. I was suffering from all the symptoms of fibromyalgia. I was working full time while raising 2 kids and trying to run a household. One month and a half later I saw my family doctor who ordered me to stay home. I decided to take 6 months off but, to this day, I'm still unable to work.

In 2000 I was diagnosed with severe chronic depression and anxiety disorder. I was extremely sick and weighed 82 pounds. In 2003 I was finally diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. The only good thing about Bipolar Disorder is that I take medication that makes me sleep. I sleep 11-12 hours a night. Because of the restful sleep I get, I can better manage my symptoms of fibromyalgia.

I still suffer from all the symptoms of fibromyalgia, but I can manage when I do not overdo it. My husband is of great help with the household chores for which I am grateful.

I have learned to adapt to this illness to the best of my knowledge and I take it one day at a time.

Nicole