|
Hi Everyone- AngelBooze had a wonderful write-up about herself in her local paper. I hope you will take time to read it. She's a great advocate for us Fibros!  Local Woman Calls Attention to Fibromyalgia Awareness Day By DeManda Arkfeld BRUNO- After being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia more than 17 years ago, a local woman is ready to help others who are suffering. Rita Booze of Rural Bruno stated that Fibromyalgia is a quiet disease. "Everybody keeps hush, hush about it," Booze said. "Nobody believes us; even a lot of doctors still don’t believe we are in pain." Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain disorder. Many sufferers have widespread muscle and bone aches, pain and stiffness, soft tissue tenderness, general fatigue and sleep disturbances. The most common sites of pain include the neck, back, shoulders, pelvic area, and hands. Any body part can bee affected. "My shoulders are always swollen," Booze said. "I take muscle-relaxers and anti-inflammatory pills just to take the edge off. Patients can experience a variety of intense symptoms that change over time. "The pain varies," Booze said. "Sometimes is it tingly pain, sometimes an ache, other times prickles or sharp pain. According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, it is estimated that approximately six percent of the United States population has FM. Although a higher percentage of women of all ages and races are affected, it does affect some men and children as well. Booze belongs to an internet support group for patients with Fibromyalgia and for families for families and friends who are affected by a patient with Fibromyalgia. "There are mostly women ranging from teens to their sixties in our group," Booze said. "There are even a few men sufferers from across the country who belong to our group. Booze would like to raise awareness of this disorder for those people in the area that may be suffering. "If you are suffering from pain, go to the doctor," Booze said. "Know there are other people who feel the way you do. Anyone can contact me if they need to talk to someone." Despite having FM, Booze continues to push on. Doctors had told Booze at one point in time that she would be in a wheelchair if she had anymore children. "I had another child," Booze said. I was driven and push the limits when I can. Booze used a walker for a short time and still uses a cane sometimes when her hips get sore. "I am getting worse now," Booze said. "If it wasn't for my daughter and boyfriend Jim, a lot of things around the house wouldn't get done. Booze said that having an understanding family has been a blessing. "People with this God-awful disease need support," Booze said. "A lot of people don't talk about their pain because nobody understands or believes them." Many sufferers of Fibromyalgia also suffer from depression disorders. "The constant pain and lack of energy make it hard to want to be alive some days," Booze said. "If you are unable to complete daily tasks because of the pain and have no one who believes you, there is a real danger." Booze stated that she herself has thought about suicide in the past. "Besides all the pain medications, I am also on multiple anti-depressants," Booze said. May 12 is Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. Anyone who would like to find out more about FM, can visit www.fmaware.org. Note: There was also a picture of her in the paper. It showed her making Fibromyalgia Awareness Ribbons to help others be aware of the May 12th day. Thanks so much to everyone that helped by advocating the special day that was on May 12th! Lets all continue to make everyone aware of this horrible disorder! Amy "When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place." ~Unknown |
