Welcome to my page. My name is Deidre Matthews (Sometimes I just go as D or by my middle name which won’t fully be mentioned here). I am 31 years old and I have been living in pain since 2009. I have received answers, but it always seems one thing leads to another.

I am a figure skater (Though I am probably going to have to give it up due to the reoccurring pain). I am working full time. I have two university degrees (English Literature and Creative Writing). I have two university certificates (Creative Writing and Travel Writing). I also went back to college in the same year I finished university and got a certificate in 911 & Emergency Service Communication. I am thinking of going back to school, but I am unsure for what. I just love learning and I want to learn as much as I can. I do want to do an honorary PhD because I just want to research and study but I am not sure if that would even work. Though one can hope right?

I’ve been sidelines for the past few years with many health issues and injuries. I will currently update the list as it has changed but for now I will just wait before posting it.

In my spare time I write….a lot and I have published some works but I still want to push and be more proud of what I can come up with. I am a very closed off person and I don’t mean that in a bad way. I just have a lot of trouble opening up to people, and I think this the reason I love writing and want to get everything off my chest. I’ve tried living with these issues quietly because for the longest time I was led to believe it was in my head and in a way I almost got happy every time something showed up on a test because I knew there was at least something there.

Living with chronic illness is something many people don’t fully understand, and that’s okay. As spoonies, we know we can’t hold it against them. However, it’s only those who suffer alongside us who truly grasp what we’re going through. That’s why this site exists—to provide the necessary support for those battling these illnesses, while also educating those who are not. I want others to understand that we may never “get better,” but that doesn’t define us. Our illness is a part of us, but it is not who we are.

The goals of this site are:

1. To share my personal experience as an athlete living with chronic illness and how it affects my daily life.
2. To help those without these challenges understand what we live with and how they can support us.
3. To explain how injuries can sometimes lead to chronic illnesses.
4. To provide guidance on finding the right diet and recipes tailored to specific health issues.
5. To offer inspiration and support for everyone dealing with similar struggles.

For coaches and trainers working with athletes who have chronic conditions, I’ll offer advice on how to adapt training, with a focus on those with Fibromyalgia—though many of the principles apply to other conditions as well.