RT Community Fibro Fighters Stream

I am 25 years old, and I have recently been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

For those of you who know me, I spent the better part of four or five months trying to get diagnosed for a variety of symptoms that didn't really make sense or have a clear cause: dizziness, confusion/inability to focus, pain, some days the inability to walk without a cane, among many, many others. We tested for all sorts of things: pregnancy, Multiple Sclerosis, brain cancer, and more. Nothing fit.

I have anxiety and depression, and those symptoms I mentioned before were viewed, by some, as by-products of stress. But no amount of relaxing helped, and neither of my mental illnesses had caused these sorts of symptoms. As the months went by, the symptoms only got worse. And then I was sent to the diagnostic clinic, where a neurologist, after a through MRI and blood tests, concluded his initial suspicion: I have fibromyalgia.

As a proud Ravenclaw, I'm big on knowing things. Fibromyalgia left me baffled. I'd maybe heard it on some commercial for a medication somewhere, but I had no idea what it was or what that meant for me. I had to activate research mode.

And that is, partially, why we're here today. Fibromyalgia is life-changing (and often invisible) chronic pain with no cure.  More people should be aware of this disorder so that they don't feel totally lost if a doctor brings it up. More people should be aware of it so that they can support the people they love who have it. Fibro is something you can survive, but medication, understanding how to manage your symptoms, and support from those around you are key.

The other reason we're here today is because the way that I deal with the hard things in my life is by channeling my energy into doing something positive. So, at the end of the day, this campaign is not about me. Not really. This campaign is about helping all of us with fibro get the support and visibility we need, and to help those of us who love someone with the disorder understand what it means and how they can support the Fibro Warrior(s) in their life.

Luckily, the Rooster Teeth Community is full of generous, kind-hearted people who are willing to rise to the occasion every time the occasion comes a-knockin'.  We're more than a community. We're family. And right now, our family wants to help kick some fibro butt.



So we invite you to watch our 24-hour Twitch stream  from 9 a.m. to 9 a.m. CT, May 7-8. Donate if you're able, or just come hang out, and help us spread the word. Help the Rooster Teeth Community, and all Fibro Warriors and allies, fund education, visibility, and support! All funds will go directly to the National Fibromyalgia Association.


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Audrey

A small note: May 12 is Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. Feel free to read up on FMS and help bring visibility to this chronic condition!