Author: FIBRO WARRIOR, My New Normal

I’m going to be real for a moment, ending on a positive note no less 💞
Wow, it’s incredibly strange to say that I’m fifty years old. It just doesn’t sound right? Yet here I am! I don’t feel like fifty. I mean aside from dealing with my health issues, which have plagued me for decades, of course. But I’ve grown used to that. This, however, is a huge milestone. Not just the number itself, but the fact that I’m still here! Here to celebrate life… my life, with those I cherish, near and far.
You see, I’ve never thought I’d make it to forty years old, let alone fifty. I have struggled with depression for the majority of my life since being a teenager, at least. Long before I really understood what depression is because no one talked about it. The subject matter was simply too taboo. It’s still difficult to have this conversation even today, but at least it’s out there being discussed, whether people want to understand it or not.
So I’m celebrating life! I’m thankful for what I have, and especially for everyone I have around me. To understand me is to love me. I’m complicated, yet so effortless. All I need is kindness and respect, because that’s what I give. And not just in return, it’s simply how I am. Understanding comes hand in hand with empathy, this I know intimately. I’ve discovered a lot about myself in my later years. Things that have helped me to heal, to comprehend others’ actions/reactions, and to actually feel more understood; to myself as well as to others.
When you take the time to look at the entire picture (or painting for my point of reference); every line, every scribble, every splat of paint, in multiple colors; those are life’s marks etched onto your mind, body, and soul. Left there by every person, place, or thing you’ve encountered throughout your entire lifetime. These occurrences are all pieces of your particular puzzle. What makes you… well “You” of course.

If we just jam all of those pieces together, without understanding their purpose/position, or how they’ve impacted us (in other words forcing pieces to fit where they do not belong), our puzzle will never truly be complete. It would literally be a big mess, right!? Well, I finally put all of my pieces in their proper places these last couple of years. This has all brought me some peace of mind. A full understanding of who I am and what makes me the person I’ve become today. My journey wasn’t always a blissful walk in the proverbial park, but it is one that I would transverse again because with all of the bad, there’s was always some good along the way. And I will never give up any of the good I’ve been lucky enough to have received. No matter the torture I’ve endured; to achieve this life that I am finally able to appreciate for what it is. I’ve fought to find myself. It didn’t just happen, I put in the work!
So, I leave you with this... Fight for yourself! No one else is going to do the work for you, nor nearly as proficient as you would. You’ll have to want it badly enough, of course, but the end result will confirm that you’ve pushed yourself for the right reasons. There will always be a new hurdle, but they’ll become easier to conquer over time.
I am fifty, I am still here, and I am always kicking!
You are not alone… and neither am I!
Love you all 💜💋 MJ Aragon

MJ’s 50th Birthday Celebration
*Bill My Love, you know you’re the best part of every day for me! Thank you for my lovely gifts they’re perfect! As well as the gorgeous flowers, cake, and wonderful gathering of friends and sushi! Much more than I would have ever asked for love. Thank you for your extra help, Diane; bringing the cake/flowers; and of course for being there! Mona & Les, Blake & Larry, Michelle, Anita, Chris & Amy, and Tony, thank you for simply being there to celebrate my 50th with us, and for the unexpected cards/gifts I received. So thoughtful 💞
Thank you for all of your love and sweet wishes, everyone! 💜 MJ


– Stifled by those dark clouds


It’s as if you’re helplessly sleepwalking through your entire life. Within a perpetual dream state; more accurately, a nightmare. You’re lost, never having ultimate control over the path you’re taking. Knowing something isn’t quite right with you, but you’re unable to pinpoint what it is, where it came from, why it’s happening to you…
You can not explain this. It simply controls you, relentlessly testing your strength to push forward. All the while searching for an answer that never reveals itself. Slowly, it drains the life from you. Ineptly, you fight back! But it only takes you down more quickly. Even the most brilliant doctors seem to be missing pertinent pieces to this neverending puzzle; depicting your state of health.
You push yourself further and further away from those around you. Tirelessly fighting for some understanding and empathy, yet you find there is none. You’re so misunderstood that your efforts only dig a deeper hole. You become careless about yourself… And why should you care? No one else seems to. Fighting this invisible monster takes every ounce of whom you once were and devours it down to your very marrow.
You’ve not only lost yourself in this cloud of uncertainty but those you love most in the world as well. All the while, others who wish you unwell devote themselves to tarnishing your character. Because they only see, and fervently point out, what they want others (especially your children) to see. Never realizing that they are punishing your children (whom they claim to supposedly love), with even more pain than they could ever inflict on you. Because nothing could be more cruel than this unseen demon causing the deterioration of your health, mental state, and in whole… your life. Thus leaving that weight they’ve so carelessly placed upon your children’s lap, as an obstacle; one with which they will have to fight to overcome throughout their lifetime.
Yet, we try and try again to open our loved ones’ eyes. Only to be disappointed and often slapped in the face; by their unwillingness to understand, to realize their misinterpretations, and to forgive. We may or may not succeed in lifting the veil for some, and there will always be that one; or two in my case, that will be lost to me. Forever, it seems. The two that I love more than the value of my own life. Yet they will never know because they were brainwashed by another. An unfit figure, in their lives. If I had only foreseen the damage that was being done.
I will forever be haunted, tortured, and left empty by this loss. I have no fight left in me to overcome it. There’s just this gaping hole, where their love once flourished. So I wait, exhausted, hopeless, mournful. I wait…
*This isn’t meant to bring anyone down, and I apologize if it has. Writing these thoughts and feelings down, relieve some of the weight of what I’m experiencing. If you’re dealing with something difficult, write it down. In a journal, or on a notepad in your phone; like I do. You may even make yourself little notes, as if you’re writing directly to that person. Also, I’ve understood that some take those notes and burn them, thus releasing it into the universe. Do whichever works for you, of course. I promise you, it will help. If even in the most minuscule way, you will feel a weight lifted.
You are not alone… and neither am I!
Love you all 💜💋 MJ



Sometimes, being a good person simply isn’t enough…
More often than not, other people see and do things that make themselves happy first and foremost. So they don’t always see you. Self-preservation, I’d guess. So you’ve become secondary, or even less… Remember that you can only do your best, that everything isn’t simply cut and dry. We all struggle with something difficult… whether it be your health, finances, loss, self-esteem, family, friends, etc., or even a combination of those things. But you have to make the choice to still be a good person and do the right things, no matter the difficulty. Continue to be kind to one another because those little things do matter. Do not allow those positive things to fall by the wayside because negativity is always waiting, right around the corner. Misery loves company.
Try not to let other’s thoughts, actions, or words define who you are. You are worth more than the label someone else puts upon you. You are a multitude of wonderful things all wrapped into one, so remind yourself of those things! You don’t need another person’s approval or praise to feel good about yourself. They are nice to hear, of course. But, if you place too much emphasis on them, you’ll lose whom you really are deep down. You’ll begin to see yourself only through their lenses. So, as soon as you hear something negative; it will instantly steal the wind from your sails, leaving you in the darkness to dwell on their words. It’s so easy to allow the negative thoughts to creep in, so try to stay vigilant. Keep moving forward. Remember who you really are! There are still good days ahead, awaiting for us to embrace them.
If you are one of those lucky enough, to have someone truly thoughtful in your life. Do everything in your power to treat them as well as they have you. That means putting them ahead of everything else. Why, you ask? Because they will always be there for you, if you do! If you don’t; you could very well lose them and end up alone…
Sadly, in our social media world today, being alone has become the norm. Sitting behind our computers/phones, trying to find a connection there instead of interacting with those around us. It’s easy to get wrapped up in our online world and just as easily to get discarded like trash. So place value where it richly belongs. In those that truly care for and love you, in the real world, right beside you.
This was written for someone who would like to remain anonymous. I hope this helps.
You are not alone… and neither am I!
Love you all 💜💋MJ
*To be clear, I’m not saying that our fibro communities are not helpful and supportive. Of course they are! I’m just reminding everyone to remember that there are those around us who need our attention and us theirs, much more.

As I drift off into my only reprieve from my pain and cognitive issues, I often find myself surrounded by a world not unknown to me; but simply an alternate universe, where old friends and new are all harmoniously intertwined amongst me. We are engaged in unusual circumstances; like several of our jobs of yore, coinciding as if it were the norm. For instance, I’ve dreamt of dealing Black Jack (on an actual gaming table) in the middle of the produce department in Vons; a job from my youth mixed in with my 18+ year career as a casino employee.

“Butterfly Fairy” #1 From an adult coloring book of butterflies. I colored this with fine point Sharpies about two months ago.
The most amazing part of this journey is how utterly peaceful I feel. Nothing will interfere with my enjoyment here. Paradise in my mind! Happily going along throughout, bumping into faces I’ve yet to have seen before, as though we’ve been long-time friends. Seeing those I’ve lost, engaging in things that are always out of character, yet seem normal in this dreamland of mine. It’s such a pleasure to be in those moments, and I find it hard to avoid wanting to sleep the day away.
Another fantastic aspect of this for me is that I’m able to go right back into my dream; even if I’ve been awoken by a noise or nature has simply called. I just lay back down, and within moments, I’m transported right back where I was; as if it were book marked or paused, awaiting for my expected return. I’m also able to recall my dreams quite vividly at times. And I’m often amazed at the adventures I’ve experienced whilst on this fantastical escape, traveling all over the world! On some very minute occasions; I’m flying there on my own; flapping my arms about as I ascend into the clear blue sky. This is something I know we’ve all dreamt of once or twice. It used to be quite frequent while I was young, but as I became an adult, those dreams have been replaced by more age appropriate adventures.

“Butterfly Fairy” #2 Also from the same book, and done about a month or so ago with fine point Sharpies. The sparkles are from a filter.
Ahh, the feeling of complete euphoria. It calls to me, and I’m immediately transported into another world. If I could only sleep through the pain, without the constant interruptions of tossing, turning, and adjusting my pillow… yet, I am thankful for those moments within my worry free dreams. Always available to me when I succumb to those three precious hours of real sleep.
Each dream may develop into a new scene with different players; friends, family, strangers, intertwined with unusual events, some recognizable some completely new to me. I’m simply in awe of what our minds are capable of. How it can pick and choose persons, places, things at random, as well as the recent moments you’ve experienced. They move seamlessly, effortlessly along; as though it was perfectly orchestrated by a meticulous director. I feel so utterly privileged to have these moments, and I hope my fellow warriors may experience this themselves. If it wasn’t for my dreams, my biggest adventures on the daily would only include my bed and a good movie/book.

I painted this with acrylics about 6yrs ago. Since I had recently bought metallic colors of bronze, silver, and gold; I decided to experiment, and this was the result. Hence, the reason it appears to glow!
I am currently on a flight to Maryland to visit my favorite aunts and uncle with my mom. We are seated apart, even though I booked us both at the same time, sigh… Feeling anxious; not for myself so much, but because she’s not a huge fan of flying (Acrophobia – fear of heights). So here I sit between two lovely people (Luckily!), writing down my thoughts to share with all of you. I’m so proud of the new relationship I’m forging with my mom, and we’re excited to be on our own little adventure in real life, whatever it may be. I do know we’re definitely going to the beach. It’s our happy place!
*I wrote this over two weeks ago and had planned on publishing it the next day… but I was thoroughly enjoying my family time, that it just slipped my mind.
My mom and I did get seats together for the longer leg of the flight from Denver to Baltimore, Maryland; and we effortlessly chatted away the time. Unfortunately, the flight home was the opposite outcome; as for the longer leg, we were apart, but the final leg from Denver to Palm Springs, California, we were together. We did enjoy watching the 2015 film ‘Solace’, starring Anthony Hopkins, Collin Farrel, and Jeffrey Dean on my Kindle (a sweet gift from my aunt and uncle). If you’re a fan of any of those actors, you’ll enjoy this film, I believe.
I met some very nice and interesting ladies on the flight home; the first was just a year my junior, traveling for work (super sweet and we instantly hit it off), and the other sitting with us both; was upwards from my mom’s age (she was so full of life!). We exchanged info both times, and I hope to keep in contact with them. I’m able to easily talk to strangers without any reservations. It’s a gift, I guess; unless they hadn’t wanted to talk to me, that is, haha.
I’m limping through my day today… I’m really missing my family already, and being so far from them is awful. The first two days home, I was so happy to see My Love, and I am still feeling up from my trip. But last night and today, I’m just down. Not out, though, so don’t worry about me. I’m going to listen to an audio book (in the middle of ‘Moby Dick’) and pull out my adult coloring book again. This helps me so much! I’ll share the results when I finish the picture. Tah-tah for now!
I wish you all a lovely, pain-free day, my Fibro Warriors! And remember…
You are not alone… and neither am I!
Love you all 💜💋 MJ

We forget who we really are beneath our illness… often only seeing the ugliness that our illness imparts on our very being. When I look into the mirror, I don’t think, “Wow, I look great today.” or “I really am as beautiful as I’ve been told.” Haha. No, not even close! Those thoughts have never crossed my mind, nor, of course, my lips. But there was a time in my life that people only viewed me from the outside, rarely taking a moment to find out whom I may truly be on the inside. Only commenting on my looks since they’ve judged the cover and merely peeked at the pages in between. Leaving me to go the full distance to show them the “MJ” in whole. That’s not entirely different from now, I guess… only they can not see my illness (no matter the detail I’ve given); simply the cover (which is our shield) my “Smile.” We can’t help ourselves. When we’re around others, we hide behind it as quickly as possible.
It’s quite the opposite of what we see in the mirror. The pages are always carelessly spilling out from underneath, reflecting our pain, cognitive issues, and sleepless nights… We no longer see our “cover.” And if you’re anything like me? You’ve discussed Fibro and all of its counterparts until you’re without breath! So all others see now is a Big Purple Fibro Ribbon waking around. Seriously! In my effort to spread awareness, my friends, and most notably my improv family (because I see them regularly on Monday’s and during monthly shows), usually refer to me in relation to Fibro. It’s all in good fun, mind you, and I don’t find it unsavory at all. But I’ve become cognizant of the possibility that maybe, just maybe… people are not seeing the strong, intelligent, compliment, appreciating woman that’s carrying that heavy ass ribbon around!
My Love tells me how proud he is of me, how my blogs are impressive (yes, I’m aware he could be embellishing a bit *blush*), and that I’m beautiful; even though on most days I’m sans make-up. All of the love and support is immeasurably appreciated. He is the one that champions me to show my sexy side, only I’ve forgotten what that is? I cover up more often than not, for sun safety, of course, but also to be taken more seriously, and not seen for only my curves. Fibro is serious business. But in accomplishing all of that, “Am I sending the wrong message?” That our bodies are meant to be hidden and not appreciated, and what we are to perceive as beautiful, is the airbrushed, picture perfect models on magazine covers, and the fit actors on popular tv/movies. That our intelligence is written down in scripts for us to simply parrot back as if it’s our own, or that our strength is merely perceived as an illusion, while we lift those paper mâché boulders over our heads. Our society is improving however, as we are beginning to see more and more… the curvy, clever, and wonderfully empowered people that deserve to be complimented and appreciated as well.
So here I am… in a bikini pic My Love took (below). I’m in the shade, of course (diag. w/skin cancer 5yrs ago), exposing myself a bit more than usual. I am not perfect, but I am me! Loved just the way I am. So please embrace yourselves, and don’t allow Fibro to define you! Show off your attributes! I’d share an MRI picture of my brain instead, but that might get lost in translation, hee hee.
All of us! Man, woman, and child… have brains, braun, and beauty. We are empathetic, worthy, humorous, involved, useful, productive, creative, generous, supportive, listeners, kind, loving, independence, strength, and togetherness. We are a lovely mosaic of warriors that have been broken, yet were able to create a more resilient bond that only we can comprehend.
A special “Thank you” goes out to my Fibro Warrior friends for responding to my DF post and sharing your attributes with me! Linda S., Tina H., Rachel W., Phroncheska T., Maribeth R., Charlotte B., Tricia W., Christine K., Julie W., Mitzi M.B., Nancy S., Marla L., Debbie J.D., and Shannon K. Apologies if I missed anyone 😊
Thank you all for your love and support!
You are not alone… and neither am I!

Me vs the “perfect” model/actor


The things I really want to say or scream out rather (on occasion anyway) would scare away the mere novice. But, if you’re like me and have dealt with anything that has plagued you for nearly your entire life, a few expletives are expected. So, do you know what it’s like to always worry about everyone else’s feelings, aside from your own? I don’t mean every second, I’ve slipped at times and said what I felt, only to realize that I should have kept my lips sealed. Not everyone can handle the truth.
The rest of the time, you’re playing chicken with your truth because you don’t know how to explain what’s happening with you… to you, and that’s tricky when others are counting on you to be there for them. You try to be the best person you can, and I hope someday that you’ll be honestly understood. Only that day never seems to come, and so you bury yourself beneath all that ails you. Knowing that they’ll never truly comprehend it, unless or until it has happened to them.
Pointless hours, days… years even, wasted; by keeping your real thoughts to yourself. Knowing you are a good person, standing behind this wall you’ve built, because no one understands you. Hell, it took nearly my lifetime to comprehend what was happening to me. Each month, year, decade… passing you by, with more of life’s “gifts” piling on, as you move through your maze; built for only the strong. Trust me.
Never realizing how strong you truly are until your fortitude has been tested over and over by those logs and boulders. No, not sticks and stones; that’s child’s play. I could have said, “Enough!” Many times in my life. I worried that I would someday and that my sons may have been the ones that found me… This was a huge reason that I pushed myself and pulled myself up out of the darkness. For my sons.
The best parts of me are in them. And I can only hope that the worst parts, i.e., my health, do not take over, Ever! I wouldn’t wish this nightmare on even my worst enemy because no one deserves this. I want to protect them from this, from me, from the darkness. They truly have no clue as to the torture I’ve endured. I’m not saying others have not had it much worse; we all have our own forms, just to be clear, and my heart aches for those who do. But this hasn’t been a game, nor a fairytale, of that I’m certain.

The face I make when someone insinuates that I’m “faking” my illness…
To those that see my struggles and think, or say, that I’m weak… F*** You! I am STRONG, I am a WARRIOR, and you are the weak one, for thinking for a second that you’re better than me because you were lucky enough to have good health, physically and mentally. How narcissistic are you to think that better health makes you a better person. Or on the other spectrum, to simply deny that someone is having health problems because you “Can’t see them!” Genetics do not make you a good person. Your actions and thoughts do.
I am who I am because of my struggles, and no matter what anyone else thinks, I am proud of whom I’ve become, and although I wish I could have had a better childhood, a better life, better experiences… I wouldn’t change the person I am now. I’ve learned to have even more empathy, given and recieved more love, and I have learned valuable lessons that only a difficult life lived may give you. Honestly, I had never thought I would see forty years old… let alone 50, right around the corner next year.
I’ve grown leaps and bounds recently, and even now; struggling as I am; I’ve been able to stay from beneath those clouds. The darkness that’s eternally waiting for me, just below the surface. I’ve healed my relationships with family, now waiting for the right opportunity to heal my most valued relationship(s). This will take time, I know, and I’m being patient; although it’s quite difficult.
If you’re like me… remember your worth! Value yourself, and not with the value that others have placed upon you; but with your own true self-taught virtues. You know they are there. You just have to look below the surface. You are stronger, brighter, priceless even. You are a WARRIOR, just like me. Together, we are indestructible!
You’re not alone… and neither am I!
Love you all 💜💋 MJ
https://www.facebook.com/FIBROWarriorMNN/

Fibro Warrior, my new normal

Mine, and quite possibly yours as well, and if so, you will relate, I imagine.
*Attention:
After I had originally written this, I later realized that my title would reflect a feeling of loss. Like we’ve all felt and are continuing to feel after these deadly school shootings. Although I am wrapped up in what’s happening with my health, it is not lost on me that this devastation has continued to weigh on our hearts and our minds. There are no words elegant enough to express my feelings on this matter, so I will only say this to those most intimately impacted by this horrific loss of lives, “My heart goes out to you and yours, for any loss is deeply felt; but the loss of a child, that is just simply unbearable…” And to everyone else, I say, “Choose love and peace, not hate and violence.”

Childhoods stolen in the flash of a moment… all of the wonderment, sunshine, and optimism whisked away, along with their innocence. We’re we not worthy of an outstanding life? “Why?” We often wonder, “Why me?” Indeed. What we are unable to discern at such a tender age is that none of it was our doing. Yet, throughout life, we constantly blame ourselves. For not just one moment, but for it all. Every single thing that happens. If you’re lucky enough, you will finally understand…
Ah, understanding. It’s a fickle thing, really. Just when you think you do, something slaps you in the face, quite out of nowhere. Then the clouds begin to part a bit, and you come to realize that there is still something missing; that final piece of the puzzle. Only it is out of your grasp, hidden away amongst the clutter. If only you could find it, “I know it’s around here somewhere?“, you think to yourself.
When (or if) that piece does finally materialize… there is a serenity that washes over you. A clarity above all else. After all of the suffering and self-loathing, you are finally able to love yourself. “Yes! I’m free!”
But no, not really. That moment (or moments) in childhood will never allow you to be truly free, as your health has been dictated by that singular instance. And although you may have recovered in many aspects, this illness borne from ugliness will forever infect you. How do we continue to cope when at every turn we are met with more anguish over the next impending health issue? One on top of the other. How do we endure?
I’m fighting, I’m being strong, I’m staying positive, but for how much longer? Not one, nor two, nor three, but now five health issues in less than three months. One of which I’m worried will be bad news; may even be bone cancer (update: not cancer!), another is a possible stroke, another may be excessive brain damage (overlooked brain shear from old car accident), and a pending hysterectomy; done by my gyno or an Oncologist (update: also not cancer, so my gyno may proceed). For the finale last week, I found out that I have highly elevated liver values (almost 10× the normal), and after an ultrasound as well as a multitude of bloodtests, not a reason has surfaced as to why? So, off to yet another specialist I go. Overwhelmed doesn’t even begin to cover it! I’m ANGRY!!! Angry, I’ve tried so hard to live healthy and stay on this earth for my loved ones, only to be constantly bombarded by one thing after the next.
And worst of all… my children do not know any of this, nor care to, I feel. Who wouldn’t want to just give up? It’s a lot to stand up against. I haven’t, and I don’t plan to give in. But damn if the silence isn’t enticing. I don’t want for much, just a lil’ time with quiet consideration that stretches on for more than a month (if I’m lucky). Give me the mundane. Enough of this damn rollercoaster I’ve been on.
Keeping up with FWmnn has been difficult, and interactions with my fibro friends have been minimal. I’m struggling, and that means I have extremely low energy. I miss you all, and please know that I’m not ignoring any of you, I just need time to process. The waiting is the most difficult part, it seems. Once I know more, I will be able to share and explain. So for now, I’m around, yet in the shadows. I hope you all are doing better than I and that your pain is minimal. Sending big yet gentle hugs 💞
You are not alone… and neither am I!
Love you all 💜💋 MJ

*(Tue 2/13) Updates on my surgery/biopsy at the end of this blog 💜
Hello, my warriors 🦋 I’m just checking in…
These last few months have been stressful, to say the least. I’m getting closer to some answers/closure, though. Thursday (Feb 8th), I had Doctor appointments as well as a pre-op at the hospital; upcoming Hysteroscopy, my 2nd Biopsy (For more info, I’ve provided a link: https://m.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Hysteroscopy?IsMobileSet=true), which also included bloodwork, and then more bloodwork at Lab Corp for a different Doctor. Such fun (Insert sarcasm)!
Today (Fri), I had to get an ultrasound of my abdomen, and it was painful, thanks to my Allodynia (for more info: https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/understanding-migraine/allodynia-when-touch-hurts-but-shouldnt/). I’ d hoped to also get my MRI out of the way, but nope, not until Feb 19th. My biopsy surgery is this Mon, Feb 12th, at noon, and I’ll be there for about 3hrs max, they said. I guess I’m more stressed than I realized because I broke down crying at my therapist’s office (Thurs) just out of the blue; it really caught me off guard. I checked my BP when I got home after everything, and it spiked to 165/98; so I had to take my 2nd BP med. Even if my surgery goes well on Mon, I’ll still be anxious about my MRI. It’s to view my c-spine, due to a brain shear/injury from a car accident (double rearended 6-19-13) (for more info: https://www.brainline.org/video/understanding-nuances-shearing-injuries-brain), more on this later, once I get more information from the results. Just knowing I have a brain shear/injury (discovered Jan 8th) is weighing heavily on me. I’m trying to keep it together so as to not worry anyone, but internalizing it isn’t doing me any favors; so I finally told My Love Bill (Fri, a month later). He was really quiet afterward, so I just started talking about other things to get his mind back on the comedy show he had later that night. We had a good night overall, but my pain kept increasing as the night progressed. My migraine was triggered from the loud music after the show, and my neck/shoulders/back became so tense that I began to feel that burning sensation.
I woke up today still feeling like crap, but I had to get ready for my final appointment of the week. It went smoothly, sort of, and I decided to grab a few things from the store on my way home. While there, I ran into a friend of ours, talked for a bit, and during our conversation, I could feel some tightening in my chest; suddenly, I felt nauseated, clammy, lightheaded… my migraine went from a minor annoyance to full-blown in an instant. Dammit! I had been in the store for way too long, and it seems the fluorescent lights did their dirty work again. Needless to say, I went straight home afterward, and I’ve been in horrible shape all night. My neck brace went on to keep it immobile, hoping it would help take some pressure off, thus allowing the migraine to lessen. I’m now at a 7, instead of a 10, progress…

My Love and I, before the pain, took over that night.

Mylovee and I talked more about my worries tonight, and as always, he was very supportive. I just hate adding this burden to his shoulder because he already does so much for us. It’s so difficult to weigh what to share and what to hold on to at times because we never want to overwhelm our loved ones. Often, we hang on to more than any one person should, imagining that we can “Do it all on our own…” When we really can’t, nor should we! It’s ok to as for help. I even have to remind myself of this, clearly (sigh). I’m still working on this, and I’ve come a very long way, so there’s that. Keeping this struggle to myself was my life’s work, so when I began to open up about all of it, these last few years, it was extremely difficult. But as time has gone on, I realized that sharing helped others, hence why I do what l do today. You guys all help to keep me strong by knowing that you count on me and that I may count on you in return. My journey isn’t over yet! I’m sending big, yet gentle, hugs to each and every one of you.
You’re not alone… and neither am I!
Love you all 💜💋 MJ
*(Tue 2/13) Latest surgery/biopsy updates:
Hello everyone! This was not a hysterectomy, just a Hysteroscopy/biopsy, to find out if I have cancer first. The Dr performing my hysterectomy will be pending on this biopsy surgeries findings. So it will be either my gyno or an oncologist. So we’re not done yet. I get my results on Feb 22nd 💜
*(Mon) Update: Everything went well. My hips were killing me from the position I was in during surgery. And of course, my stomach is a bit achey, but I’m crazy drowsy most of all. Can barely keep my eyes open. I’m just getting some rest now, and my love is taking good care of me. Love and hugs 💞
*(Mon) This morning: Heading to the hospital for my biopsy/surgery shortly. I just wanted to drop in and say, “Thank you for all of your love and support! I love you all so much!” 💜💋MJ
FIBRO WARRIOR, My New Normal FB link:
https://www.facebook.com/FIBROWarriorMNN/



Celebrating our 1 Year Anniversary Today!
We appreciate you all so very much for sticking by us, telling your friends, sharing the podcasts and blogs, as well as for just being the amazing warriors that you are! Your love and support have been overwhelming, and we’re simply grateful to share it all with you. The list below includes the Season One Finale and a behind the scenes FWmnn “Outtake: Why I love…”, so I hope you enjoy them. And remember,

You are not alone… and neither am I!

Love you all 💜💋 MJ Aragon

Tony Jefferies and Jojo Myricks
FWmnn Outtake: A sneak peaks into
why I love my producers. Enjoy! YouTube: https://youtu.be/bwdl_erPC2c
#FIBROWarriorMyNewNormal #FibromyalgiaAwareness #ChronicIllnessAwareness
FWmnn Outtake:A sneak peek into why I love my producers. Enjoy! #YouTube:https://youtu.be/bwdl_erPC2c
Season One Finale S1E28 – “Rants and Raves” #YouTube: https://youtu.be/ubY4Oz4LoZI
S2E1 “What’s New for Season 2”
#YouTube: https://youtu.be/-NmHv4Hn2jY
S2E2 “Self Reflection”
#YouTube: https://youtu.be/zHhFhIJrLnE
S2E3 “PSA, Positivity, Lupus”(on YT next week) #SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-836634847/fibrowarrior-s2e3-psapositivitylupus
S2E4 “Possibilities, Concerns, Ideas” (YT next week)
#SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-836634847/fibrowarrior-s2e4-possibilities-concernsideas
90’s song: “Love Hurts” Written and performed by: MJ Aragon
Host/Blogger/Vlogger: MJ Aragon. Producers: Jojo Myricks (Audio) and Tony Jefferies/W.I.S.D.O.M, Ent. (Video)
*Each week, I may read/share an FW’s journey, poem, or blog; anonymously, if needed, or on occasion, have a guest/call-in. We love for people to share their journeys, it will make you feel good, and will help our listeners feel even more connected. If you would like to submit your story for me to share, or would like to be a guest/call-in guest. You may private message me or send it our official email: MJfibrowarrior@gmail.com


https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3197545/
I just read PMC, and my friend Nicole shared with me recently. It’s sad that they only had a pool of six women to extract info and experiences from. And there was no mention of connected illnesses what so ever. Hmm…
I wish they (Dr’s/Scientists) would take time to find and understand the source/trauma. Heal us by effectively searching our minds/bodies instead of throwing medications at us for each and every symptom. This is only making things worse, and the meds are only a mere bandaid at best while bringing along their own set of problems/side effects. Avoidance of things like processed foods, unhealthy environments; IE, stressful, abusive, chemical, as well as getting allergy testing, because eating and/or breathing in these things we’re allergic to, adds to our cognitive dysfunction, our weight gain, and our excessive lack of energy. I’ve found that all of our Fibro journeys begin with trauma, whether it be physical, emotional, sexual, chemical, or viral (all of these cause trauma to our bodies). So they need to find and go to the source, working their way forward, instead of this ass backward method of pumping more meds down our throats and telling us that we’ll feel better. We really don’t! Most of the time, they are just masking the symptoms, treating them individually. Oh, and don’t forget the meds they give us to combat the other meds’ side effects! Really! Are you aware that there are some of us who are on a multitude of meds, upwards of 29 that I’ve heard of? 29? That’s just insane! Now I can’t just tell my friends/followers,
“Hey, you’re taking way too many meds! Why not get off of them and try a different route? One that means you can no longer eat whatever you want, so no processed foods = inexpensive, only organic = expensive; translating to even less money in your pocket, which is yet another sacrifice. And, that you will have to suffer a lil more first; only taking one or two meds now, which you will have to wean off of every so often and then back on, whenever they become less effective; to avoid an ever increasing dosage, before you will feel any improvement. That you will have to reopen old wounds (physical/mental), endure more poking/prodding of our brain, spine, etc., while all you really want to do, is continue to take your meds and eat your comfort foods, because thus far it’s your security blanket, and the only source of help (although minimal), that you’ve actually found some relief from.
And Opiates, that’s a whole other issue! Let’s add a very real and possibly deadly addiction to our ever growing list of ailments.”

Yeah, no one wants to hear that from me, a non-medical educated podcaster/blogger. Aside from my own study of medical journals, google, and personal research questions, all I can do is suggest, and hope that what I talk about, will resonate with some of my listeners/followers. Because I can only speak from experience… my own experiences. I still struggle as well, especially with depression, so it’s not like I’m some miracle worker who has found “the Cure.” I’m just one person, doing what I think is best for my body. I am still searching for the source of it all, although I have a very possible idea of it, and the hope that I will one day find an end to my pain… to all of our pain!
Ok, sorry for the rant. I’ve had an eventful day while still dealing with my continually added health issues. More news today. But, I’m staying as positive as someone like us can be and pushing forward. I’m finding it difficult to engage with anyone, on posts, etc., lately. I just don’t have the energy.
I wrote this on Mon 1/8, and I’m in even worse shape today. My BP is rising again, and I don’t need this stress. Staying healthy is hard work! Hugs 🦋
*PS – Theres further explanations in comments if you’re interested, as my dear friend Kim asked for a lil’ more insight.
You are not alone… and neither am I!
Love you all 💜💋MJ
FIBRO WARRIOR, My New Normal, on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/FIBROWarriorMNN/