Dear Mom and Dad: I’ll Never Forget What You Did for Me After My Diagnosis Print 6 LikeDislike By Megan Densmore I have a lot to thank my parents for when it comes to the diagnosis with and ongoing management of my fibromyalgia and related conditions. The biggest gift my parents gave me was right at the beginning. They made sure I saw the best doctor in our area and when he diagnosed me with fibromyalgia and recommended specific prescriptions to be taken daily (and indefinitely), they agreed with me that something just didn’t seem right. I was too young — 13 at the time — to make the choice to put a medication that was relatively new on the market into my body indefinitely. We didn’t know what the long term effects of a choice like this would be and they supported my decision to avoid treatment at that time. Later, as my symptoms continued to worsen, they patiently supported me in going to acupuncture, trying different nutritional plans, seeing physical therapists and chiropractors and naturopaths. They were patient and they let me go my own way. They always trusted that I was the best judge of what would help me get to feeling my best. I chose how I handled it and often I didn’t handle it well. They loved me anyway.When I discovered Pilates could be helpful my Mom helped me pay for my certification to become a teacher because we realized that it would be more cost effective in the long run than paying for classes. Plus, it would allow me a possible way to make money helping others with similar symptoms. My parents have continued to be helpful with my choice to go gluten free and I remember how much care they put into my first Christmas after making such a big change to my diet. No one wanted me to feel left out. They have continued to support my choice to use and share all natural food based supplements and have been excited with me as my energy has improved and my symptoms have disappeared. Now, they support me as I share my story with my documentary film project about fibromyalgia: Invisible the Film. Above all, my parents taught me by example how to be entrepreneurial. When I was at my sickest it was nearly impossible for me to hold down a traditional job. When I was faced with creating an entrepreneurial lifestyle that allowed me to work less hours per day and days per week, often from home and on my own terms, I could draw upon what I saw them do with their businesses as I was growing up and I could turn to them for advice and support. I still do! I am very lucky to have had their support — something I’m sure many people suffering from a chronic illness hope to have along their journey toward healing. I know the way my parents have been there for me has greatly impacted my ability to thrive and live a healthy lifestyle in the face of a difficult diagnosis.Thanks, Mom and Dad. I am eternally grateful. Want more? You might also like:My Nourishing Three Day Meal Plan For Living With Lupus, Fibromyalgia and Multiple Autoimmune ConditionsDebunking Fibromyalgia as Just In Your Head: The Real TruthAfter Multiple Diets, I Finally Found a Way to Overcome the Chronic Pain of Fibromyalgia: Find Out How6 Lies the Media Told Me About Being HealthyDear Mom: You Saved Me (Even If You Don’t Realize It) Note: PLEASE consult with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or medications. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only, and is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Jessica Espinoza’s Diet for Hypothyroid Hashimotos In this story, renowned chef and food blogger Jessica Espinoza shares her journey from growing up eating real food under the influence of her mother to eating sugar and junk food in her 20s. She tells us how she got back on the wagon of health...
2019 Sugar Detox Keto Meal Plan and Shopping List According to various health and government entities, sugar can be a highly addictive food substance. Binging and overconsumption of added sugars can cause obesity and harm your long-term health. At Further Food, we are dedicated to helping you on yo...
Weight Loss Stories and Walking Workouts to Stay Healthy with Leslie Sansone Unlike fitness trends that go in an out of style, walking is an act of motion that people have done for ages. Walking is a low-impact activity that humans learn to do as babies and continue to do throughout their lives. In this two-part article, you...
Holistic Daily Routine With Collagen It seems like collagen supplements are everywhere these days, from health and wellness shops to your local pharmacy. Have you ever wondered why so many people have started adding collagen to their routines? Are you interested in doing the same? If s...
Keto Friendly Fruits and Vegetables Are you trying the keto diet but aren’t sure what keto-friendly foods you can eat? Luckily, there are quite a few keto-friendly fruits and vegetables that can be consumed regularly in the keto diet. Read on to learn our recommendations for the top...
6 Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate Chocolate is a decadent treat we just love to eat. But besides tasting good, chocolate actually has some amazing health benefits that you need to know about! Read below to find out how this age-old guilty pleasure has actually been used to heal the ...