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So often with fibromyalgia, we’re given negative news: there’s no cure, your life has changed, and the list continues. Once again, we’re on a mission to break that trend and show you that there are still adventures for you.
Tami is excited to be joined by Melissa Swanson to share the recent epic hiking adventure that, not too long ago, neither of them would have thought possible. Melissa and Tami met about eight years ago at the Leaders Against Pain Scholarship Training in 2014; since then, so much has changed.
In this episode, Melissa and Tami share what their fibromyalgia symptoms were like when they met, what it was like to have their sole focus be on getting through the day, why Melissa needed to wear sunglasses all the time, how Melissa’s bad knee acted as a trigger for a lot of other pain, the anxiety around having surgery and the potential impact it might have on your fibro, Melissa’s amazing recovery following total knee replacement surgery, the significant improvements Melissa experienced after joining the Certified Fibromyalgia Advisor® program, Tami and Melissa’s recent hiking adventure to the middle of nowhere and navigating “steep but manageable trails,” the surprisingly light after-effects of Tami and Melissa’s adventure, what Tami and Melissa did to boost their recovery, Tami and Melissa’s recognition that they are doing better than they realized, the shifts that made the most significant differences on Melissa’s fibro journey, and more.
After their adventure, Tami and Melissa were blown away by what they could actually accomplish now with their fibromyalgia. We hope their story and journey will inspire you.
Note: This episode is not meant to be medical advice. Every person and every situation is unique. The information you learn in this episode should be shared and discussed with your own healthcare providers.
About Melissa Swanson
Melissa Swanson is a chronic pain patient, advocate, and author. Through her Fibro Warriors Living Life Facebook page and blog, she offers positive encouragement, medical information, resources, and support to 20,000+ fibromyalgia and chronic pain patients. In addition, Melissa is the author of “Ravyn’s Doll: How To Explain Fibromyalgia To Your Child” and is a Program Director with the International Support Fibro Network.
Melissa is a graduate of the Leaders Against Pain Scholarship Training, sponsored by the National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association and the International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute. Melissa works with clients as a Certified Fibromyalgia Advisor®, helping them learn tools to live with the chronic illness fibromyalgia. If you’re looking for a cheerleader to be in your corner with a little bit of “tough love” when needed, Melissa is the one for you. She understands the struggles of trying to balance family life and work while living with the challenges of fibromyalgia and its evil sidekicks.
Facebook: Fibro Warriors ~ Living Life
Links & Resources
Note: This episode’s show notes contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we will likely receive a small commission. Read about what we do and don’t promote here.
- Ravyn’s Doll: How To Explain Fibromyalgia To Your Child by Melissa Swanson (Affiliate link)
- Our Fall 2022 class begins on August 30. Learn more about our Certified Fibromyalgia Advisor® program and how to enroll at FibromyalgiaCoachingInstitute.com
- Fibromyalgia Podcast | Episode 88: Stories of Hope and Healing #5
More from Tami
- For daily doses of hope, inspiration, and practical advice, join Tami on Facebook or Instagram.
- Get free copies of Tami’s books here.
- Schedule a consultation with Tami or one of her coaches through the International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute.
Listener Shoutout
“I have been listening to your podcasts and for the first time since 2018, I feel like I’m not so alone. I have not been officially diagnosed with Fibromyalgia but like so many others I have made the conclusion that this is what I’ve been suffering from. In the last four years I have seen sleep neurology, migraine, muscle and spine neurologists. Orthopedic, physical therapy, chiropractor and massage therapists. Also rheumatologist, endocrinologist and eye neurologist. I’m sure I’m leaving something out🤣just so many. But all my issues are starting to make sense.
The worst part for me has been the loneliness I feel and not being believed by the best doctors. Not one of them has ever mentioned that I might be suffering from this. I’m just tired, but the more I understand the better my state of mind is and I can feel my anxiety lifting.
Thank you Tami for your podcast!”
~ Sandra, North Carolina