Hello, My name is Barbara Kubacki. I was born in NY, but now my husband and I reside in NH. My husband's name is Ron and we've been together for 27 years, and still going strong. He's wonderful. We have two daughters. Our oldest daughter diagnosed 2 years ago with MS.

Until the year of 2000, I was involved in many things. My husband and I coached basketball and softball teams. I played indoor soccer and softball as well. I worked at our local newspaper for 14 years, and got nothing in return but a written termination letter.

That year, in 2000- I started feeling sick. There were days that I couldn't do anything, some days not even get out of bed. Like most of you, I kept going to the doctors and playing 'their' game. You know... the one where they'd ask- "What's wrong with you now?" And since then, I've been diagnosed with: Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) positive, Bell's Palsy, Major Depression, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD), Fibromyalgia, Gastroesphageal Reflux Disease (GERD), High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Leukopenia – Low White Blood Cell counts, Migraines, Raynaud's Disease, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors Apathy, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Other than that I am fine!

As a leader, I don't see my role changing much. Just read the posts and if I have something to add I will. I have made so many friends here and I am looking for more. The friends I have had for years I don't see much because I don't go out much. I need computer friends that understand where I am coming from. I like to joke and to laugh. I hope that I can bring some of that to the forums. I am always available to talk to and if I don't know the answer I will look it up. I try to learn as much as I can about all the illness we all have. I look forward to talking to you all.

Hi, my name is Kathy. I live in Central Arkansas, been here almost 10 years. Before that I lived in Texas. Loved Texas, thought it would never be the same in Arkasas. It took a while but I guess we're here to stay. Now I love Arkansas........also.

I have been married for 31 years now....happily. We have a 27 year old daughter and 2 wonderful grandsons.

I used to be a part of everything. I'm a very out going person, just in a different way since fibro stole away much of the health that I had. I got fibro when my daughter was 2, so I've had it for 25 years. It wasn't so bad in the beginning but gradually continued to get worse until I finally had to quit in March 2008.

I am thrilled to have the chance to be a group leader for the fibro site. As many of you, sometimes the only "activity" I do in a day is this site. I have made many friends at this site and can't wait to make more.

My profile will show some of my other illnesses, so I'll spare you that here.

Anytime you need to ask a question you can pm me as well as any other group leader. We are here for you

My name is Amy, I'm 40 years old, and live in a small town in Iowa. I am blessed with a great husband, two beautiful daughters, and a wonderful son-in-law. And in July we'll have a grandbaby :-)

I was diagnosed with Lupus 17 years ago and was in total denial. My mother passed away at the age of 57 (wow, almost 11 years ago) with complications to her Systemic Lupus. In helping take care of her, I realized that I certainly did not want Lupus. And besides, I was young, healthy, and felt just fine- well, for the most part. So I didn't go to the doctor after being diagnosed. Stupid me!! A couple of years ago, I started having what I thought to be a bad Lupus flare. I went to the rheumatologist (actually seeing two different ones in the office). They aren't quite sure what's going on with the Lupus part. For now there are saying my main issues are: Fibromyalgia, Myofacial Pain, Chronic Pain, Anemia, IBS, Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, High BP, etc.

Here at MDJunction.com, I'm also a member of the following support groups: Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Chronic Pain, Chronic-Intractable Pain, and Depression.

I am honored to be a group leader for the Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, and Chronic-Intractable Pain Support Groups. I'm looking forward to offering comfort and support to others. Hopefully, I can provide some valuable feedback as well. I want everyone to know that they can PM me anytime, whether it's a group issue or concern, or needing personal comfort and support. I am here for everyone! If someone's having trouble in figuring out how to navigate around the site; like using the diary, how to post or respond to a post, or use the message tools, etc. I'll be happy to provide guidance for that process as well.

I hope to bring encouragement, laughter, friendship, comfort, and support to the groups. I look forward to meeting everyone! :-)

My name is Craig and I was diagnosed with RSD back in 1999 after being bitten by a dog. After many treatments for this affliction I was diagnosed by doctors at Mayo as having Fibromyalgia. This did then explain the other symptoms I was having...

Before all this I use to love to ride my horse 4 to 6 times a week, I rode endurance, and western trail. I also use to take my horse out in the woods and jog him 2 to 4 miles in the sand...Some of my other loves were fishing, boating,jogging, weightlifting and yes even work...I use to love to work up a sweat and have the feeling of doing something...

I was raised in Michigan, Battle Creek, yes the cereal city...I then moved to Fl, of which I am not very happy with. Then my hearts delight I got to move out to Texas and lived on a 900acre cattle ranch. It was so much fun, I got to really play cowboy...And let me tell you this...it is hard, hard work... But due to my moms health we had to move back to Fl...

My education is Industrial Eng. but I have done almost everything I think.... I have been a saddle maker, a pipe fitter, sold real estate, been a heavy equip operator, and have operated tons of different machines... Oh yes and I got to be a cowboy.........

I've been suffering from CFS since 2000 though I was not officially diagnosed until 1/2006 at which time I was diagnosed with both CFS and Fibromyalgia.

Prior to that my doctor assumed that my complaints were related to anxiety and stress. He treated me for my sleep issues though he thought that I was crazy. I even saw his in house counselor to try and reslove my issues. The couselor and I came up with the fact that I had no life issues that would cause the complaints that I was having. After seeing him and 27 other doctors I came to the conclusion that I was going to have to do my own research to help myself.

I continue to read and research my illnesses to try to come up with a solution. I have found comfort in helping others while in turn helping myself.

I am married and have a 20 year old daughter both of which are very supportive of my conditions. My husband and I own a auto dealership in which I do all of the bookkeeping for. I spend most of days on the computer away from the dealership due to my illnesses. Fortunately I am able to do my work from home.

If anyone needs advice or just to vent I will be here. Just post, or send me a personal message and I will respond as soon as I can.

I'm Mary Beth from Kansas. I was more or less diagnosed with fibro in August of 2007. It all started a few years ago when I had a sinus infection that lasted for over 4 months. In January of 2006 I ended up in the hospital. At that time I was diagnosed with MVP and hypothyroid and put on medication. It just seemed that I never quite felt better. By Aug of 07 I had done some research and went to the doctor armed with my check list. I asked her, could this be my problem, do you think I have Fibromyalgia and she said "Oh I think you have had it for quite awhile.

I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 34 years. We have 2 grown daughters and 4 grandsons. Also in the family is a Shar-pei, a rescued basset hound and a rescued English bulldog. I work full time in a busy accounting firm, I do some accounting but no tax returns, thank goodness.

When I came to this forum, I felt relief that I had found a group of people that had the same symptoms that I have. I look forward to getting better acquainted with all of you and please feel free to shoot me an email or PM.

I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Myofascial Pain in 1999. This was only because I FINALLY found a doctor that would listen to me!

I live my life day by day. Not because I want to...but because I have to. I never know how I'm going to feel each morning, so I never know what I'm going to be able to do for the day.

I have a 17 year old daughter who is very supportive and helpful with my disease. She's the light of my life. I also have a wonderful, VERY supportive boyfriend who takes great care of me and is the love of my life. With the two of them...my life is soo much better than it could be. Support and love is soo important!

I love to sing, dance (when I can) watch movies and spend time with my family. My family is very important to me and a big part of my life!

I am here for YOU and here for ME! :-)