As we continue our Messy Middle Series we are meeting some amazing fibromyalgia fighters. Today we meet Rachel who is a fibromyalgia nutritionist.
Please introduce yourself – your age, location, familial situation and work situation
I’m 25 newly married living in San Diego, California. I currently work from home as an operations manager and virtual assistant for several registered dietitians while I finish my dietetic internship. I’m also building out a 1:1 coaching program for women with Fibromyalgia who want to repair their relationship with food and body.
Please outline your condition/s, how long you’ve been diagnosed and your experience in brief
I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia when I was 15 after experiencing chronic migraines. Overtime, I dealt with IBS which lead to a series of elimination diets and disordered eating. I’m now able to enjoy foods freely with little to no flares!
What is your favourite form of self-care?
Any form of movement, love yoga and meditation.
Try it for yourself in my free yoga for chronic pain and fatigue series sign up here!
What is your best tool for pain management?
REST and giving myself permission to rest. Pain is my body signaling me it’s time to get a break.
What is your best tool for fatigue management?
I have the most energy after exercising even if it’s hard for me to start. Once I’m done my mood improves immensely.
How to start exercising with fibromyalgia here.
How do you manage the competing demands in life with your health?
Still working on this but I am trying to prioritize me and my health. Keeping appointment lists in my phone, having multiple Google calendars, sticky notes to help with brain fog. I used to cater to others whether it be my parents or my husband and took a step back within the last year and cater to me. This has allowed me to focus on my health, growing a business and developing habits now that I enjoy. I think many people with chronic illnesses tend to cater to others and neglect themselves which is often what triggers our illnesses.
Anything else you’d like to share or say?
Everyone is on their own healing journey and it’s important to remember that comparison is the thief of joy!
How can we connect with you further?
Instagram is my biggest platform right now @fibromyalgia.nutritionist
Thank you for sharing your story with us Rachel!
