Welcome to another installment of the Messy Middle Interviews. We are meeting people with chronic illness from all over the world with all sorts of wonderful in the middle of life with health issues stories.
Today we are meeting Becca, a mummy with fibromyalgia who shares her experience on her blog Mummy the Fibro Warrior. Grab a cuppa and come and hear her story.
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Please introduce yourself – your age, location, familial situation and work situation
Hello, my name is Becca a.k.a. Mummy the Fibro Warrior. I am 29 years old and live in Lincoln, UK. I have a husband and 1 baby boy called Charlie who is 21 months old. I decided to be a stay at home mum.
Please outline your condition/s, how long you’ve been diagnosed and your experience in brief
I have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosed in 2019 although has symptoms since 2011. I also have IBS and anxiety and depression.
What is a silver lining of living with chronic illness?
Getting to rest when I need to.
What is a particularly difficult part, for you, of living with chronic illness/this journey?
Living with chronic illness can be a challenge and I would say the most difficult part for me is the fatigue side especially when parenting. I adore being a mum and staying at home with my son but when I am really fatigued I find it very hard to be the normally bubbly and bright person I am. Unfortunately, I can’t just go up for a sleep especially now my boy has dropped his naps!
What is your favourite form of self-care?
Putting my pajamas on!
What is your best tool for pain management?
My hot water bottle.
What is your best tool for fatigue management?
Lie ins whilst my husband gets up with my son!
How do you manage the competing demands in life with your health?
To be honest, for me it is just positivity and knowing I have to get on. My husband does all of the housework, so I am very lucky in that regard. My boy is the sunshine in my life and makes it all worthwhile. I get out of the house every day be that to a baby group, a coffee shop or meeting up with friends!
If you have had biological children, how did you experience pregnancy? What are your best tips?
I was pregnant in March 2021 and gave birth to my baby boy is November 2021. Pregnancy did not affect my fibromyalgia or make it any worse. In fact, it actually made it better! I struggled with pre and post partum anxiety though so my bets tip would be to seek professional help via counselling if you feel like you are struggling.
If you have children, how did you get through the first year – best tips!
The first year was tough but amazing at the same time! Sleep when the baby sleeps is my biggest tip! Delegate tasks to your partner. As I am breastfeeding, I would also recommend co sleeping as this made it so much easier to feed and sleep with fibromyalgia. Just make sure it is done safely. The Lullaby Trust is a great website that shows you how to co sleep safely.
If you have children – what are your best tips for coping with small children?
Patience and positivity are key! Give them opportunities to explore the world and make great mummy friends!
Anything else you’d like to share or say?
I am a qualified primary school teacher so have a wealth of information and activity ideas. I am also a powerlifter which helps me manage my condition and helps my mental health.
How can we connect with you further?
Hi all, my name is Becca and I am the creator of Mummy the Fibro Warrior – a parenting blog for chronic illness warriors. I am a mummy to a nearly 2 year old little boy and have fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and anxiety. I have created this space to support fellow parents on their journey when battling fibromyalgia, too. I want to help you become the best version of you, inspire you to achieve what you want to achieve and become Mummy the Fibro Warrior!
