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maggiethedoglover

Joined: 05/04/2011
My Story:
Hello Everyone,

Fibromyalgia was diagnosed for me in 2008, shortly after I fell on the ice and broke my elbow, but I think that it has been with me much longer, maybe most of my life.

I turned 66 and retired on the same day, May 1, 2011, after 31 years with the State of Wisconsin, most of those with the Department of Corrections as a Probation/Parole Agent, a Field Supervisor, a Unit Mgr. in a downtown prison, a Captain and finally, a Sergeant. As you can see, my career went up and down. I demoted to sergeant in 2006 because of fibro. The stress of management in a prison was affecting it and causing lots of flares. I ended up retiring a year before I planned, partly because of fibro and partly because of our new Governor.

I am married with a grown son. My husband (retired) and I own a duplex in Milwaukee. We live downstairs with my 89 year old MIL. My son, his wife and our 3 grandkids live upstairs. So we have 4 generations in our home and I feel very fortunate to have all of them here.

Gardening is one of my passions. Although our city lot is small, I finally convinced my DH that we do not need grass. 3 years ago, my son helped me dig it all out and replace it with flowers. It was and has continued to be a labor of love. I also have a 7 year old yellow lab named Sampson. He weighs 125 pounds and is a bit too much for me to handle when he spots someone he loves (and he loves almost everyone) coming down the block. I have a bad habit of pulling weeds with one hand and holding his leash with the other. Whoops!!! Because I landed on the rocks on both knees several times, I tore the cartiledge in those knees and can no longer kneel at all.

I found this site in May, after retiring. Before that, I was way too busy. You all make me feel very welcome and sheltered by the kind words, soft hugs and understanding you have offered me. I don't believe that any of my family or friends really gets it, but all of you, my wonderful new FMily (Thank you MiMi) truly understand and care.

t is now 2013. My sweet dog, Sampson died on 12/20/12. I still miss him terribly. Mom is still with us. She will be 92 in April.

Last year I managed to find a temporary job but it ended in June. We are scraping by on Social Security and retirement as we have no savings. I want another dog but I am afraid to get a lab. We have had 3 of them. Actually, Sampson was the only one who would pull me over. He was a giant of a Labrador, even though he was purebred. I scour the Human Society listings daily but really don't want a new dog in winter. Late spring is better (once most of the mud has gone). Any suggestions for a medium sized dog with a sweet disposition, who is easy to train (well, that might be asking too much) will be greatly appreciated.

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Reply: FM A chronic pain condition and gastrointestinal d...
Elizabeth, I know that you will keep us informed about the results of that...More

Life is a shipwreck but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats - Voltaire
Posted by maggiethedoglover
Reply: Plantar fasciitis?
Hello, I had plantar fasciitis several years ago and it was all in the arch of my...More

Life is a shipwreck but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats - Voltaire
Posted by maggiethedoglover
Reply: TGIF*****10/5/2012 *****ROLL CALL ***NEW MEMBERS A...
Good Evening MiMi and all of my fibro family, The hawk is in the air in...More

Life is a shipwreck but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats - Voltaire
Posted by maggiethedoglover
Reply: At What age does Fibromyalgia stop?
Hi there, I'm 67 years old and, while I hate to think of myself as elderly,...More

Life is a shipwreck but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats - Voltaire
Posted by maggiethedoglover
Reply: Friday September 28th---Roll Call
Dear slovene54, The comment you are referring to in no way is indicative of the...More

Life is a shipwreck but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats - Voltaire
Posted by maggiethedoglover
Reply: Friday September 28th---Roll Call
Dear Cher, Please let your doctor know that your depression meds either need to...More

Life is a shipwreck but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats - Voltaire
Posted by maggiethedoglover
Reply: Surgery Today
Nancy B., You NEVER look like a fool. You are so helpful to the rest of us. ...More

Life is a shipwreck but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats - Voltaire
Posted by maggiethedoglover
Reply: New
Hello New, Welcome to the community. I hope that one of our nurses will respond...More

Life is a shipwreck but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats - Voltaire
Posted by maggiethedoglover
Reply: people w/ fibro's ages!
Hi Elizabeth, You are not the oldest one. I'm sure there are many of us older...More

Life is a shipwreck but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats - Voltaire
Posted by maggiethedoglover
Reply: Who should I see to help me manage my fibromyalgia...
Hello 1975, My regular doctor, who is in Internal Medicine, has been wonderful...More

Life is a shipwreck but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats - Voltaire
Posted by maggiethedoglover