Never Judge A Book By Its Cover, Never Judge A Person By Its Title

Opi is a young woman who is Gender Neutral.
Like many others she does not fit within the category of Male or Female, instead she is and as I quote "I am neither but closer to female"

Gender Neutral means a person sees themselves as both male and female, neither or a mixture of both.

Male, female, straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual, transgender and so many more are "titles" but why are people looked upon as a "title"
When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

The Daily Mail newspaper recently did a story on Opi however some if what they stated is NOT FACTUAL therefore I'd like to correct this...
*Opi's breast size was stated which shouldn't have been.
*It stated that Opi wants a Bilateral Mastectomy, this is a lie.
*It stated "Opi no longer feels comfortable in the female body" this is a lie.
I personally believe The Daily Mail should reprint the story with ACTUAL FACTS and issue an apology to Opi.

Opi kindly agreed to an interview with me and every word stated below is the truth.

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The Interview:

What is your name and age?
Opi, aged nineteen.

You identify as Non Binary, please explain in detail?
I am Gender Neutral with a heavy female lean.
Meaning that, in the grey-spectrum towards 'male' and 'female', I am neither but closer to 'female'.

How was your childhood in relation to health, beauty, clothes etc?
My childhood, as a young child, had complications that are not relevant.
Being a teen (13 - 17/18), I heavily compensated with makeup, very feminine clothing and typical female habits.
All in all in made me severely unhappy.

At what age did you start puberty and why did you suddenly feel ashamed?
I started developing very young, around nine or ten.
It was awful.
Suddenly I was told I had to 'be a woman' due to physical changes.
The feelings of shame came with the feelings of hating my physical body; I knew I shouldn't hate myself because I was a 'girl' and that all of things I was experiencing were a sign of becoming a woman.
I know now this is why I experienced such distress.

You are hoping to raise £6,000 so as to have your size 30D breasts removed, why?
For the record, I don't know WHY the articles have listed my breast size like that.
It's a very poor estimate - either way...
I wish to reduce the size of my breasts dramatically in order to rid myself of gender dysphoria.
Having them causes me great distress.

You wear unisex clothes, why?
I just wear clothes.
I don't know why every article has specified 'unisex'.
A t-shirt is a t-shirt.

Everyday you "bind" your breasts, what is the process of this and why?
Depends.
Some days I will just apply a sports bra of varying degree.
Some days I will put on my heaviest sports bra then bind with bandages; this is is to make my chest flat, so I do not experience the dysphoria has heavily.

According to Daily Mail Online it states you "no longer feel comfortable in the female body" can you please explain this in more detail?
The Daily Mail online is a complete and utter disgrace.
That statement is their own addition.
I experience dysphoria with my chest, and some other functions that can easily be avoided.
That article was designed to get a response from the public - it did just that.

What is the process of a Bilateral Mastectomy?
I do not want a bilateral mastectomy. Again, lies from the papers.

You are in a Heterosexual Relationship with your partner Phill Abbott, how does he feel in relation to your decision to become Gender Neutral?
Correction.
I am in a relationship.
Being with a straight male does not make me in anyway heterosexual.
I am also not a woman and therefore 'straight' cannot be applied to me anyway. As for my other half, he has been wonderfully supportive as he always is. He stands by my decisions.

Do you friends/family support you in your decision?
Yes.

Have you ever been the victim of narrow-minded attitudes due to your lifestyle choice?
Of course; upon coming out to the public I was met with a barrage of insults and demands I should end my life - people are ignorant.

What advice can you give parents/guardians of children in similar situations?
Even if you don't understand, please support your children.
They will need your strength and your support; it is not wrong or strange, they are still your child, they are still your baby.

What advice can you give other people in your situation?
Keep your chin up!
You aren't wrong or broken, no matter what anybody tries to tell you - remember you are valid and that you matter, remember that ignorant people have no place in your life!
If you wish to be apart of a Non Binary community, I run a facebook group called the Non Binary Network - http://www.facebook.com/groups/NonBinaryNetwork - and we're always open for more members.

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Help & Support:

Facebook
(Page) https://m.facebook.com/thenonbinarynetwork/
(Group) https://www.Facebook.com/groups/NonBinaryNetwork

Website
http://nonbinary.co.uk/

A Dog's World

Jo-Rosie Haffenden is an animal behaviourist and the owner of Scool4Dogs (along with Debbie).
Jo-Rosie's dogs have appeared on Channel 4, BBC and ITV television adverts.
They have also worked alongside Vogue, Cosmopolitan, GQ and Topshop.
And let's not forget they have featured in 2 shorts films and 2 comedy series.
Jo-Rosie along with her partner (and fellow dog trainer) Nando Brown have currently been working on a new series for Channel 4 which should be aired next month.

Jo-Rosie kindly agreed to an interview with me regarding her life and her work with dogs.

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The Interview:

What is an animal behaviourist?
An animal behaviourist is someone who is qualified to work with animals that show problem and/or abnormal behaviour like.
For example, separation anxiety - which is when an animal becomes distressed when they left or separated from their primary caregiver.

What training/qualifications do you have?
There are many different journeys into dog training and behaviour.
It's important to have a thorough understanding of the science (and academia is a super way to get this); as well a practical experience.
I got a degree in psychology and specialised in zoology.
Then I gained a post grad in animal behaviour.
During study I was lucky enough to work at an animal hospital where I developed my practical and handling skills as I became accredited.
There is no real regulation in the industry however the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers provides a very good mix of theory and face-face hands on practical in their assessment which is why I think it's an excellent accreditation scheme.

What is Real Dog Yoga?
Real Dog Yoga is a concept I developed when I started working with one of my own dogs.
It involves training dogs to take and hold specific postures which help them to learn to practice relaxation, calmness and control - key features for being a good pet dog.

What is School4Dogs?
School4Dogs is a training centre owned and run by myself, my business partner Debbie.
We are lucky to work with a team of wonderful trainers and behaviourist and we provide training and behaviour throughout the whole of Sussex.

What does a Dog Yoga class consist of?
Dog yoga workshops are run by accredited instructors throughout the country at varying costs.
These workshops are for owners and their dogs.
I also run instructor workshops which are a week long and run at rescue centres handling the dog looking for homes.

You are the proud author of a book called The Real Dog Yoga, where is this available to purchase?
To learn more about Dog Yoga get the book which is available at Dogbooksonline.com

Your talented dogs have featured on television and in publications, please explain?
It sounds really funny but my dogs and my old Bengal are represented by an agent.
They been cast for various magazines and TV shows including GQ, Vogue and Cosmopolitan.
I've also just finished filming a series with Channel 4 with my partner and fellow dog trainer, Nando Brown.
It's very exciting but I can't say much.
It should be out early next month.

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School4Dogs
http://www.school4dogs.com/#!meet-the-team/c1ecj

The Real Yoga Dog (book)
http://www.amazon.com/Real-Dog-Yoga-Jo-Rosie-Haffenden/dp/1910488178

A Plus Size Beauty

Mariangela is a young woman who wants to put a stop to body shaming and show people that you don't have to be thin to be beautiful.

Mariangela kindly agreed to an interview with me.

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The Interview:

What is your name and age?
My name is Mariangela.
I am 32

What is your height and weight?
Height - 5.10
I'm pregnant so I'm not sure what my weight is at moment.

What is your clothes size?
My clothes size is 16-18.

As a child you were slender, how did that make you feel?
People always used to say to me when I was skinny, "do you have hollow legs" or commented on how skinny I looked.

At the age of 16 you were prescribed the pill and since you were a toddler you were diagnosed with ADHD, you gained weight as a result.
How did that make you feel?
Now I am plus size I feel amazing.
I love my curves.
I put on weight because I was on the pill when I was 16.
I've had ADHD since I was a young toddler.

What symptoms did you / do you have due to ADHD?
My parents found out I had ADHD when I was very young by a doctor up at the hospital.
I used to have so much energy and wouldn't sit down, I just danced about.

In 2012 you did a nude photo shoot, why?
I did a nude photo shoot in 2012 because I wanted to show other women, plus size is sexy and show those curves.

What are your thoughts on body shaming?
I don't think its right that people body shame others.

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Featured Publication:

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/real-life/curvaceous-mari-pollicino-tells-shes-4466884#gObkRJ7TwpQRHkGB.97

Sepsis

Help & Support:

http://www.healthline.com/health/sepsis

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/mobileart.asp?articlekey=97492

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An Interview With Lettie:

What is your name and age?
Lettie and I'm 22

When did you first become pregnant?
I first fell pregnant at 17

Were there any complications throughout the pregnancy?
I was crushed by a horse and that's how I found out I was pregnant.
I went into pre term labour at 29 and 31 weeks but they stopped it.
I had group b strep and developed late sudden on set pre eclampsia at 39 weeks.

How long were you in labour for?
I had a 4 day induction followed by 17 hours of contractions.

Why did you need an emergency caesarean?
I was hyper stimulating which is where I had a natural contraction and then an induced contraction.
They were 20 seconds apart.
My son Zachary became distressed and they needed to get him out straight away.
Once they delivered it turned out the cord was twice around his neck so tightly he couldn't get his head down and make me dilate.

What weight was your baby?
He was 7lb 9oz, one day late.

When did you become ill?
Around 3 days after birth I got a fever.

What were you diagnosed with?
After several tests, scans and blood tests I was diagnosed with sepsis.
A life threatening blood infection.

How was this treated?
I was given tons of IV antibiotics and went home on oral antibiotics.

When did you fall pregnant for the second time?
I fell pregnant for the second time aged 18 in June 2012.

Were there any complications throughout the pregnancy?
My son Henry did not move much but apart from that everything seemed fine.

How long were you in labour for?
My waters broke 15 days early and Henry was born 26 hours later.

You had another emergency caesarean, why was that?
My waters broke naturally and meconium was being passed.
It got thicker and greater in volume.
I was placed on the monitor and his heart rate went flat and they rushed us into theatre.

Your second child had inhaled meconium which is "unborn baby poo" what was the result of this?
He was born grey and floppy and needed resuscitation.
The doctors ran into theatre and I watched them place a tube down his throat.
He is now delayed but thriving otherwise.

What weight was your second child?
He was 5lb 3oz.
Scans had failed to pick up the fact my placenta was failing and he did not grow properly.

You became ill for a second time, what was the diagnosis?
I once again had sepsis.
This time I also developed septic shock.

How was this treated?
Blood transfusions, CT scans and the combination of the right antibiotics.
I also had two returns to theatre.

What happened to you after surgery?
After the first surgery I was just not getting better.
I had a large open wound that specialists where treating and I had to undergo more tests.
The tests showed I had internal bleeding.

You had more surgery, why was that?
I had a large collection of internal bleeding and they had to drain it to make me better.

You were diagnosed with Sepsis, what symptoms did you have?
I started with a high fever 39.3-39.4 degrees.
This then progressed to Riggors ( excessive shaking) my heart was racing up to 145 beats per minutes.
My lungs had began to fail so I needed constant oxygen.
I became delirious and very sleepy.

Have you had any health complications since the diagnosis?
I am now left with a compromised immune system and a damaged right kidney.
I also suffer mental health issues due to the severe trauma.

Since then you went on to have a third child and this time you weren't ill.
What was different with the third pregnancy unlike the first and second?
My third pregnancy was a breeze.
All that's different was she was a girl!
I was very closely monitored and had antibiotics before I delivered her.

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Sepsis:
http://sepsistrust.org/

Body Modifications

Body Modifications Wiki:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_modification

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Miss Kylie Garth is a unique and modified individual who's personality shines through her amazing body modifications and artwork via her tattoos.

Kylie kindly agreed to an interview with me.

The Interview:

Name?
Kylie Garth

Age?
30

Occupation?
Professional piercer and handpoke tattoos

How many tattoos, piercings and other body modifications do you have?
Right now I only have maybe 20 piercings, that includes a bunch of little ones in my ears.
I have had more but have taken out a bunch over the years.
Tattoos I have a lot, lots on my legs and one arm is completely covered

What do tattoos, piercings and body modifications mean to you personally? My piercings are very special to me as they were the starting point of me expressing myself on the outside.
They were the first step to me accepting myself and gave me confidence as a young teen, they don't have a specific meaning but what the represent as a whole is very important to me.
My body modifications are all very special individually.
Some have a very personal meaning to me that others may not understand, and as a whole I feel they complete me and they make me feel beautiful.

What do your friends/family think of your tattoos, piercings and body modifications?
My family and friends like everything I've done.
My mum is a very open minded person and raised me to be the same.
She said it doesn't matter what you do to yourself as long as you're a good person. I don't think that she ever thought about eyeball tattoos but she likes them.

What is your favourite tattoo, piercing and body modification?
I have favourite tattoos, I like the design but also the artist that did them.
I think if you have a bond with the artist and they have good energy that energy stays in the tattoos.
I don't only see a beautiful tattoo, I remember the positive experience of receiving a piece of the artist.

Do you have any regrets about any tattoos, piercings or body modifications? I have no regrets about anything I've done.

Do you plan to get anymore tattoos, piercings and body modifications?
I'll get more tiny piercings in my ears, and more tattoos but as far as heavy mods go I feel I am complete

When did you get your very first tattoo, piercing and body modification?
I got my first piercing at 14, it was my belly button and I lied about my age.

Do you feel there is stigma that comes with such body changes?
Yea I do, but you can't please everyone. You could be a banana split with cream and sprinkles, there's always going to be vegans, lactose intolerant people and people who hate sprinkles.
You will never please anyone no matter what you do.
As long as you are happy then that's all that matters 

Do you feel that body changes can have an effect on one's career?
Yes totally, I think it can limit you, or it can trap you.
I think the more alternative educated people out in the work force the better.
If you are the best for the job then eyeball tattoos won't/shouldn't matter.

For those wanting a tattoo, piercing or modification what advice would you give? Research your artist.
Look for healed pictures, and a lot of them not just one.
Make sure you are comfortable with the person, and their skill level.

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Publications Kylie Has Featured In:

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/features/7084150/I-tattooed-my-eyeballs-and-had-my-tongue-split-in-two-Woman-30-reveals-her-obsession-with-body-modification.html

http://www.moderninkfremantle.com/#!Guest-Artist-Kylie-Garth/x0yv3/56bae81d0cf2fb0f6ff794a2

http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/perth-woman-with-tattooed-eyeballs-fears-practice-will-get-out-of-hand-20160223-gn1r7f.html

Bladder & Prostate Cancer

What is your child's name and age?
Sebastian Stevens
2 years old

When was he diagnosed with cancer?
18 months ago during October 2015

What type of cancer does he have?
Rhabdomyosarcoma of the bladder and prostate

How was a diagnosis made?
An ultra sound showed the tumour and the MRI, biopsies, camera into his bladder

What symptoms did he have?
Blood in urine, prolapse bowel and 6 weeks of intense pain

What treatment has he received?
chemo x9 cycles, surgery to remove 1 third of his bladder and brachytherapy, catheters, NG tube, port line

What is Brachytherapy?
When they insert rods into the effect area and use radioactive drugs to blast the cancerous cells in an attempt to preserve the other organs.
Seb had to lay still for 3 days whilst he underwent 6 cycles

What is the Lily Pad?
The lily pad lays in the bottom of the UV pole and allows the children to sit on it instead of lugging the pole around after them.
It helps prevent them pulling out their lines.

Who is the founder of the Lily Pad?
Nick Konkler

At what cost is it to purchase and from where?
At present America and Ireland are producing them for us in the UK but I would like to get them started over here and we have worked out each one would cost about £6-£10

Please explain in detail about Nick's Lily Pad Fund on GoFundMe?
You would need to speak to Christina Konkler about this as it is her fund but basically as all the lily pads are made by them it helps to pay for the production and shipping costs

Please explain in detail about the JustGiving page called SuperHeroSon?
This is to raise funds for the Royal Marsden who took away sebs pain and spent time with him to manage him anxieties and pain.
Seb wouldn't of been able to have his treatment without this charity  and we want to raise as much money and awareness for them to say thank you for saving our baby boy's life

What advice would you give to other parents/guardians of children in similar situations?
Every situation is different.
We did not look up anything on google as it is all doom and gloom and everyone's experience is different.
Take any offer of help.
There are so many people and charities that are set up to help you.
It does get easier even though your whole world has crumbled unfortunately you and your child will get used to the hospital life and it just becomes the norm.
You don't have to be strong, I cried for the first month and still do whenever I think about things!

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Fundraising:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Superheroson

https://www.gofundme.com/sx4hzdpw

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Help & Support:

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/988803-overview

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1943114

Facebook:

https://m.facebook.com/childhoodcancerawareness/

Fibromyalgia

Help & Support:

Websites.

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/mobileart.asp?articlekey=89309

http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/fibromyalgia/fibromyalgia_ff.asp

Facebook.

https://m.facebook.com/fibromyalgiastories13/

https://m.facebook.com/FibroColors/

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Fibromyalgia can affect people in many different ways, in fact some might have a couple of symptoms whereas another person might have several.
Someone might be prescribed medication and be content with it but another person might be prescribed the same medication and fail to adjust to it.
Therefore, I've decided to write this blog not only to raise awareness of this chronic condition but to show you via several interviews how differently it can affect people.
I've asked each person the same questions and you will see from their answers how different each one is.

I am also diagnosed with fibromyalgia and I've answered the questions too.
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INTERVIEW 1:

What is your name and age?
Sam aka My Sunshine Sparkles (Interview Blogger)
Age 35

When were you diagnosed with fibromyalgia?
2009

What symptoms did/do you have?
Chronic muscle pain. Spasms, fatigue, insomnia, stiffness, brain-fog, diarrhea, cold, anxious, depressed, abdominal pain, coldness, migraines and tingling

How was a diagnosis made?
Various blood tests and x-ray

What treatment have you received?
No treatment

What medication(s) are you prescribed?
Xanax for panic attacks.
Zomig for migraines.
Lexapro for depression.
Lyrica for fibromyalgia
Occasionally I receive an injection in my hip when the pain is at its very worst.
And I often take paracetamol or panadol too.

Have you tried alternative therapies, if so what?
No

Do you take any nutritional/herbal supplements, if so what?
No

Have you made any lifestyle changes, if so what?
I'm currently dieting

What causes you to suffer a flare-up?
Stress is the biggest cause for me although the weather too.

Have you or do you use crutches and/or a wheelchair?
I have used crutches.

What is your prognosis for the future?
A long and happy one I hope although I know I'll still have fibromyalgia.

Do you / can you exercise?
I try my best.

Other than medication, what else eases your pain?
A hot water bottle, deep heat.

How do you explain your condition to family/friends?
I try to explain although I may look fine I'm actually in a lot of pain 90% of the time.
I don't ask for sympathy only understanding.

How has this condition affected your life in general?
The brain fog is terrible, at times I find it hard to remember things and often how to spell a word that is so simple and normally I'd know.
I have fallen in the past when my legs suddenly feel like heavy planks of wood and I collapse.
I don't normally attend parties or social outings although since meeting my partner I'm starting to venture out more despite the pain.

Please explain in detail what a day is like for you with this condition?
My alarm clock rings at 7am 
I get out of bed, sometimes my legs feel like planks of wood and my head hurts as soon as my eyes open which means getting out of bed at times is slow and difficult.
I have a shower and brush my teeth.
I wake my daughter for Youthreach which is a further education centre, she gets ready and leaves.
Most mornings I skip breakfast, I know I shouldn't but I do.
I take my daily medication then I start cleaning my house.
Despite the pain, I push myself as far as I can...
I polish/dust, hoover/mop and if there is linen to be washed I do just that.
I empty the ashes from the range and depending on the weather I light a fire.
After the house is in order I then sit down with a cup of tea or coffee.
At this stage my body is sore and in agony but I refuse to let my condition ruin my life.
I work on my blog.
If I receive mail in the post from my lovely pen pals I then reply to them.
I might have a sandwich for lunch depending if I feel hungry or not.
I then prepare/cook the evening meal for when my daughter arrives home.
Often around 3-5 o'clock, my body feels worn out and extremely tired, I try my hardest to not fall asleep but sometimes it just happens.
When my daughter arrives home, we have our meal.
I tidy up afterwards then take my second medication of the day.
I have a shower and I try to relax.
My back hurts most by evening time, no matter how or where I sit it hurts and often reduces me to tears.
At bedtime I wash then brush my teeth.
As I lay in bed, most nights my ankles feel like they are about to snap in half.
My knees hurt and my legs too.
Sometimes I have major headaches also. 
Most nights I take extra painkillers.

What advice can you give others in this situation?
Seek medical/professional advice.
Don't give up without a fight.

INTERVIEW 2:

What is your name and age?
Angela Chambers aged 39.

When were you diagnosed with fibromyalgia?
I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 2011, but have had rheumatoid arthritis since 2002.

What symptoms did/do you have?
I had severe pain everywhere and was constantly tired. 
I was only able to get around with a crutch.
My rheumatologist didn't know what was wrong as all my bloods were fine so he admitted me to hospital. 
While there they found out that I had fibromyalgia.

How was a diagnosis made?
I was in hospital and my rheumatologist touched a number of points on my body and the pain was unreal.

What treatment have you received?
I was put on lyrica and antriplene.
I couldn't take the antriplene as it put me to sleep all the time.
So I  was left on lyrica for a few years until my stomach couldn't take them as I was vomiting after taking them.
Now I'm not on anything for the fibromyalgia but I take an injection called Cimzia  every 2 weeks for my arthritis.

What medication(s) are you prescribed?
The only medications I am on is a tablet for my stomach (nexium) and Cimzia for my arthritis.

Have you tried alternative therapies, if so what?
I have tried complementary therapies.
I tried Reiki and cranial sacral therapy.
I have been recommended to try massage.

Do you take any nutritional/herbal supplements, if so what?
I just take multi vitamins making sure the they don't contain iron and have magnesium in them.

Have you made any lifestyle changes, if so what?
I try to do as much exercise as possible.  I am hoping to get back swimming soon.

What causes you to suffer a flare-up?
That I still haven't figured out.
I know if I have too much iron in my diet or take iron supplements I have a flare and the heat doesn't agree with me.

Have you or do you use crutches and/or a wheelchair?
Thankfully I haven't had to use crutches since before I was diagnosed. 
I have a stick in the car with me all the time but again I haven't had to use it.

What is your prognosis for the future?
I've been told I'll always have arthritis and fibromyalgia.
I am only able to work part time at present but am in the process of retraining.
I hope eventually to be able to work for myself and on my own terms so if I need a few days off during a flare I'm not letting anyone down and I don't have to spend extra time catching up. 
I don't know how my health will be.
I know I can't work the way I used to.

Do you / can you exercise?
I do a little walking. 
I was going to kettle bells last year and found it brilliant, however, I am not allowed to do them anymore as I had a detached retina last November and the doctors won't let me.

Other than medication, what else eases your pain?
Exercise and rest help.
Sometimes meditation can help.

How do you explain your condition to family/friends?
I don't. 
They have seen me when I was on the crutch and barely able to move.
I don't worry about what they think.
My children have grown up with me having the conditions so it's just a way of life to them.
My husband has seen me at my worse also and I remember him having to help me out of the bed and get dressed.
My sisters seen it with my father as he also had arthritis.
I really don't care how my sister in laws think or know.
I don't explain it to them.
If they ask I'll tell them.

How has this condition affected your life in general?
Apart from having to give up the full time job I had it hasn't really affected my life. At that time I was working 42 plus hours a week and bringing my children every where.
So it was probably good that I gave it up. At times I have to depend on my husband to bring me places if I'm bad.

Please explain in detail what a day is like for you with this condition?
I have to go to bed early as I have to be up at 6.30.
It takes me a good half an hour to get up out of bed.
Then it takes me a good while to shower and get dressed. 
I then call the children at 7.30.
I get my breakfast then I make lunch for my son.
We leave the house at 8.40 to drop my daughter to school and then I  drop my husband to the farm before I drop my son off at 9.10 at his national school.
I then go to work.
My job is desk based so I sit at the desk for about an hour before I have to move.
I repeat this until about 1.30 and then I leave.
I go to see my mother in law before collecting the children. 
When we get home I have either to sit and do nothing or go to bed for a while before I prepare dinner.
I then go to bed after dinner around 8 or 9, unless I don't have to the be up as early.

What advice can you give others in this situation?
I think I would tell them not to worry.
Don't listen to what anyone else says or if they say that it's all in your head.
I would say to them to do things for yourself not for anyone else.
Take plenty of rest, exercise If you can. Do things that you enjoy.

INTERVIEW 3:

What is your name and age?
Lyndsay Nolan Martin and 38

When were you diagnosed with fibromyalgia?
2015

What symptoms did/do you have?
Body sensitive to touch, sore and stiff bones, tiredness and IBS, memory loss and tremors.

How was a diagnosis made?
I've had all these symptoms for many years along with narcolepsy and endometriosis and the doctors decided to see if there was a connection between symptoms.
After 6 months they diagnosed me fibromyalgia.

What treatment have you received?
Painkillers, physiotherapy and counselling.

What medication(s) are you prescribed?
Amitriptyline, Cocodamol, beta blockers and diclofenac .

Have you tried alternative therapies, if so what?
Yes green tea and it really helps.

Do you take any nutritional/herbal supplements, if so what?
Multi vitamins and green tea.

Have you made any lifestyle changes, if so what?
Yes I can't drink alcohol.

What causes you to suffer a flare-up?
Anything and everything.

Have you or do you use crutches and/or a wheelchair?
No

What is your prognosis for the future?
Live each day as it comes.

Do you / can you exercise?
Walking is only thing.

Other than medication, what else eases your pain?
Mindfulness helps a bit.

How do you explain your condition to family/friends?
I try explaining but don't think they understand.

How has this condition affected your life in general?
My social life has disappeared.

Please explain in detail what a day is like for you with this condition?
Exhaustion, painful and hard.

What advice can you give others in this situation?
Research and speak to other suffers so your not alone.

INTERVIEW 4:

What is your name and age?
My name is Candi Foster 
I'll be 57 years old in 2 weeks

When were you diagnosed with fibromyalgia?
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia when I was in my 30s.
I was also told that I possibly had LUPUS at around the same time.

What symptoms did/do you have?
When first diagnosed I had several years of severe fatigue, abnormal heart rhythms, depression, anxiety, abnormal labs and general flu like symptoms but nothing came back positive.
I was sent to multiple physicians.
I had a positive ANA and symptoms would come and go.
As an RN I would not discuss the diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
I had been on the other side of medical profession.
I worked with physicians that couldn't find reason for symptoms so the gave them fibromyalgia and all the while discussing with their coworker that the patients symptoms were all in their heads, or they were trying to get attention, or even they were attention or medication seeking hypochondriacs. 
I did not want to be placed in the same category as the patients that were discussed.
So I kept my mouth shut about my symptoms and took care of those that  needed the extra support letting them know I believed them and would make sure their information was documented and reviewed by their physicians.
I even dissed what options the patient might have with the Dr.

How was a diagnosis made?
I went through 8 years of symptoms and treatment, multiple physicians and testing.
I believe the physician gave up and gave me fibromyalgia diagnosis just so they didn't have to put up with my visits.

What treatment have you received?
I was placed on plaquneil and steroids when I complained but as the symptoms worsened I tried ever muscle relaxant, antibiotics, medication for anxiety and depression they could offer.
Then I received injection, physical therapy, diets every specialist in every part of the medical field and even went to Mayo  Clinic for an internal bleed that lasted 11 but the physicians couldn't find.
The bleed was found and I had a surgery to repair a Para esophageal hernia with 8 bleeding ulcers inside it.
I had received blood transfusions every other week and iron infusions every other week for several years.
I had several PPICC LINES placed and then had to have a port-a-cat in my chest for the transfusions and infusions while I was admitted in to ICU every week for the treatments.

What medication(s) are you prescribed?
I am currently on;
Cymbalta 90 MG a day,
Lexapro 20mg a day
Ultram 100mg as needed while I work, xanaflex (Tizanidine) 4 MG 1-2  up to 3x day Tylenol arthritis pain as needed. 
I refused opioid or narcotics as I am a nurse and knew the side effects an couldn't work with the medications in my system. 
I tried every therapy, medication and treatment over 25 years that have been used for this diagnosis.

Have you tried alternative therapies, if so what?
Physical therapy  tense units, chiropractor, water arobics relaxation therapy, physiology with CBT and DBT, injections, and diets to rule out allergies or triggers to food.

Do you take any nutritional/herbal supplements, if so what?
I take protein supplements D3 and multivitamin.

Have you made any lifestyle changes, if so what?
Diet and exercise doing water aerobics.
I try to decrease stress and have weekly therapy

What causes you to suffer a flare-up? Mostly stress, overexertion, PTSD symptoms.
Any illness, surgeries or changes in medications or treatments

Have you or do you use crutches and/or a wheelchair?
No I walk with a limp and use walls or stationary furniture to support myself when I walk.

What is your prognosis for the future?
I just gave my notice at my job.
I plan on applying for disability and can only pray that my spouse and I can survive without losing everything we have worked for in the past 37 years of marriage.

Do you / can you exercise?
Not currently as I have had worsening symptoms over the past few years.
I can hardly do my daily activities.
I have to have help even getting out of bed.
I sleep most weekends and never do or go anywhere except work and home to bed.
I can't even do normal housework.
On good days I may cook and try to med it through my work.
On bad days I sleep 20+ hours.

Other than medication, what else eases your pain?
NOTHING sleep, and heating pads with max amount of medication decrease it but never fully relieve the pain.

How do you explain your condition to family/friends?
It has taken almost 25 years for my family to try to understand.
I encouraged my spouse to go to physicians appointment and asked if he would read about the disease.
My friends, well I don't explain. 
If I don't have to.

How has this condition affected your life in general?
I feel I am a totally different person, I have never lived a life without pain, medication, or physicians.
I feel cheated out of happiness, out of doing normal things.
I have become withdrawn, depressed,  even angry at God for allowing this to happen to me and others.

Please explain in detail what a day is like for you with this condition?
Alarm goes off at 4.30 AM so I can get to work by 7.30.
I try to turn off the alarm, take off my C-PAP and gradually get out of bed.
Some days by myself some days with help from my spouse.
I shower and if I am not totally exhausted I slowly get dressed.
I don't eat my spouse makes us coffee and I drive 30 minutes to work.
I sit at a desk almost all day taking 30 minute sessions of standing sitting or adjusting myself to decrease pain.
I no longer do any physical labour as an RN.
I am a psychiatric nurse and do telephone triage and support.
I sleep for about 45 minutes of my hour lunch and often find myself in brain fog between my telephone calls to my patients.
I head home from work at 4.30.
Find my way into the house and rest.
If I am able I cook and usually head to bed at 6.30-7.00 pm.
I don't sleep but 4 hours on a good night.
I lay under my heating blanket and just try not to move.
Not a very exciting life.
No real married life.
I sometimes will Skype with my Grandbabies from my laptop or call just to hear their sweet little voices.

What advice can you give others in this situation?
Don't over work.
Be your own best advocate.
Get in a good support group and don't let others take advantage of you as there is nothing wrong with you because they can't see the disease.