Welcome to Man Up to Fibromyalgia!
Here's a bit of my story...
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
I'm Dan, and I'm the first to admit that living with fibromyalgia can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. I drove truck for 26 years, covering just over 4 million miles. The last 5 years were torture. Having 5 children at home, and my wife to support, stopping to seek out a diagnosis just wasn't a priority. A man provides for his family, and that comes first. Professionals talk about the stigma that comes along with fibromyalgia, and I will attest to that. I believed that fibromyalgia was a fabricated excuse for depressed women, that it was a mental health disorder and doctors were just too lazy to investigate the real cause of my chronic pain, so labelled me with fibromyalgia. I was enraged for several years. Now before a woman reader slams me for having such a sexist few on fibromyalgia, let me put a little context behind that ignorant, lowbrow opinion.
My mother suffered from fibromyalgia along with a whole array of genuine mental health issues, I believe that my aunt may have suffered from something similar as well, both women dealt with significant issues of mental health, some totally fabricated, and some quite genuine.
Dealing with these issues growing up into adulthood played a role in the development of my skewed opinion of fibromyalgia. Beyond that, many doctors that I sought treatment from also shared much the same viewpoint. The truth is, fibromyalgia was grievously misunderstood, both by me and by many health care professionals. If I'd known otherwise sooner, I could have potentially avoided many years of suffering to the degree that I did. This misconception around fibromyalgia, and the pain that it caused me is what has inspired this webpage. I want men to be able to Google "Men with Fibromyalgia" and find this forum, and when they get here, I want those men to be surrounded by other men who face the same struggle and need the support that took me years to find. (Some supports didn't even exist) like this men's community, I'm trying to build, and I'm inviting you to join. The professional's understanding of fibromyalgia is better now than it was even a few short years ago- as is my understanding as well apparently.
Here at ManUptoFibro.com, we believe that education, community support, and self-care are the keys to managing this condition. That's why we offer a range of articles, forums, and resources to help you stay informed and connected. Click here to visit the forum,
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Articles & Resources
At Man Up to Fibromyalgia, we believe that education is the first step towards managing your health. That's why we offer a range of articles and resources on fibromyalgia, men's health, and wellness. Our goal is to provide you with the most up-to-date information and practical tips to help you live your best life.
Community Support
Living with fibromyalgia can be isolating, but it doesn't have to be. Our community forum is a safe and supportive space where you can connect with other men who are going through similar experiences. Whether you need advice, a listening ear, or just someone to vent to, our community is here for you.
Self-Care
Self-care is an essential part of managing fibromyalgia. That's why we offer a range of resources and tips to help you take care of yourself, both physically and mentally. From yoga and meditation to nutrition and sleep, we've got you covered.