Hey fellow Chargies,

My name is Rebecca and I am the owner of the blog Mummy the Fibro Warrior. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in 2019; ironically after completing The Manchester marathon in the UK!

Since 2012, running had been my main hobby and sport. It was how I met my now husband, it was how I de-stressed after a long day and how I felt like I was beating this chronic illness that was consuming my body. 

In 2021, I became pregnant with my first baby boy and hence Mummy the Fibro Warrior was born.

Amazingly, I still continued to run until I was 12 weeks pregnant. Then, unfortunately, the maternity physio recommended that I stopped running because my hips kept popping out of place and I needed extra charging now I was carrying my boy! My intention was to return to running after pregnancy, however as all parents know, parenting is all consuming and my pain and fatigue levels would not allow me to continue pounding the pavements.

This left me in a slight dilemma.

How was I going to become a fibro warrior again?

How was I going to get my charge back?

How was I going to become chronically fabulous again?

Enter stage right - powerlifting! In April 2021, a position at my local women’s only strength training gym opened up for me to partake in a fully funded post natal power lifting group. I was nervous and didn’t know what to expect but the great thing was I could take my little boy along so that helped ease my anxiety slightly.

The weeks and months went by and this unchargeable became chargeable again! I was deadlifting, squatting, bench pressing and overhead pressing weights I never before thought I would be able to lift. My fibromyalgia remained unaffected by it and if anything it seemed to help my body become stronger to manage those flares and aches and pains. It gave me a boost, it gave me power, it gave me my mojo back.

In June 2023, I completed my first deadlift powerlifting competition and I managed to lift 90kg. It felt incredible and was a personal best for this fibro warrior!

Mummy the Fibro Warrior Top Tip:

Find a sport or a hobby or an interest that gives you your charge back. It could be anything, from running, powerlifting, walking, biking, swimming, knitting - the possibilities are endless.

If there is one takeaway I would like you to all remember today is that nothing, not even these dreadful chronic illnesses we have, should take your power and charge away from you. Take that power back! I need you to know you are doing the best you can, your child/children love you just as you are and you are Mummy the Fibro Warrior.

Until next time,

X

Becca "Mummy The Fibro Warrior"

P.s. Please do come and check out my blog at www.mummythefibrowarrior.wordpress.com for support in being a parent with a chronic illness.