Dear Fibromyalgia

Category: Chronic illness

Understand chronic illness, its symptoms, common causes, and effective management strategies to improve health and quality of life.

  • Arthritis; Ain’t Nobody Got Time for That – Fibromyalgia

    Arthritis; Ain’t Nobody Got Time for That – Fibromyalgia

    Arthritis…

    (the big A) Fibromyalgia (the big F) and Bursitis (the big B) Oh My!

    Mix these conditions together with a few other illnesses thrown in and Taaadaaaa! You’ve got yourself a big old batch of widespread chronic pain. Every minute of every hour of every day of every week is painful.

    The only things that change are…

    • What kind of pain (Arthritis, Fibro, Bursitis et al?)
    • Where the pain is (besides your big F trigger points which always hurt)
    • How painful on a scale of 1 to 10

    Click here to Get this or Visit Fibromyalgia Store

    In case you haven’t noticed, I don’t like using words like Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and Bursitis (especially the F word). Thus, the nicknames. It’s a way of pacifying the Me that is still in denial and of kyboshing the anxiety these words cause me.

    They suck; they’re painful and can knock you flat on your back for days or even weeks at a time. For the sake of “keeping it positive” though, I’m going to call them FAB (which they most definitely are not!)

    Who am I kidding?  There is nothing positive about having an ever-growing list of painful, incurable autoimmune diseases. That being said, apparently (or so I hear on a daily basis)

    • staying positive is important (life’s dandy, how could I not?)
    • exercise is crucial (especially if you want to set off a flare or two or three!)
    • push yourself but don’t exceed your limits (uh and I know my limits how?)

    I swear if one more physically fit person tells me the best medicine for Arthritis and Fibromyalgia is going to the gym I will….well, I’ll probably fake a smile while thanking them for their advice. Like I always do.

    Anyway, after my latest visit to the Rheumatologist, I realized it was time to finally accept that I do have Arthritis and Fibromyalgia.

    Acceptance was the first hurdle. Now I’m going to focus on…

    • Staying upright as much as I can
    • Keep moving for as long as you can
    • My quality of life
    • Increasing my durability

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • Warning! Friendship Erosion in Progress – Fibromyalgia

    Warning! Friendship Erosion in Progress – Fibromyalgia

    But first…let me tell you a story about friendship

    I found myself always wanting to crawl back into bed and turn it into my own little dark comfy n’ cozy cocoon. My only company in the room was a huge cup of coffee, my dog, and the TV.  I’d nap whenever I need to, which is pretty much always. I’d only get up to…Ummm eliminate the last coffee I drank, and of course, make myself a new one.

    Friendship was pushed way back into the deepest recess of my mind.

    Lucky for me, there’s pretty much always someone wanting something. Be it the guinea pigs whistling for me, the dog woofing at me, the hubby hinting to me or the kids asking outright, someone needs me for something. Even when they’re not here, there’s always something that has to be done. I know it may sound odd, that things like cooking, making lunches, doing the laundry, or cleaning the guinea pig cage help me, but they do. They give me purpose.

    Click here to Get this or Visit Fibromyalgia Store

    Our slightly loud, often chaotic household and the lives within it are what I get up for. Day after day they are what make me push myself to stay upright. Completing even a small task (though it usually feels enormous) gives me a sense of accomplishment.

    Going to my mother’s for our weekly supper, not only gets me to dress a little nicer there’s conversation and I get cooked for! Thanks, Mom! Groceries…wipe me out, but they also get me out. School & Hubby’s schedule gets me up early but most importantly they get me up.

    It’s been a bad two months; plain and simple! A great deal of energy (which is left very little for other things) has gone into staying upright. Every waking moment has taken an intense effort to stay just that; awake. I was struggling to find the joy of any kind.

    Then, a friend helped turn it all around. I’m not sure if she did it intentionally or just that her timing was impeccable, but either way, she really helped me.

    During my latest downward spiral, she popped by my place. Which lead to multiple phone calls, a quick visit or two at her work, she visited bringing coffee, goodies, and sewing stuff. We went shopping, nothing huge but it’s all been really enJOYable, every minute of it.

    A while back we both developed health issues and circumstances changed. We stayed in touch and managed a few outings to our favorite store, yummy lunches, and uh let’s call it “camping”. What we didn’t do was spend nearly as much time together as we used to. We knew we could count on the other, the friendship was there but our time together had dwindled.

    I think “frequency” is the word.  As we began to spend more time together I began to feel better.  The other day, I didn’t get dressed and I just wanted to crawl back into bed. She somehow pulled off gently nudging me to get up and get ready. Before I realized it she had me going out the front door. I enjoyed my day and we have plans for our next outing!

    Things are a little brighter right now. I don’t have to waste my limited energy fighting the urge to crawl back into bed. A little each day I’m regaining my optimism. I’m starting to feel JOY again and my smile is growing more and more genuine.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • Dear Spoonie Friend,

    Dear Spoonie Friend,

    Sorry I haven’t written lately…

    but I’m trapped in this never-ending nightmare. I can’t work, I can’t sleep, I can barely type at all. This latest Fibro-flare is really packing a punch. The pain at night is unbearable. I can’t shake the brain fog so…

    When I explain why I haven’t written sooner… you will understand my Spoonie friend.

    Click here to Get this or Visit Fibromyalgia Store

    Now if I wrote that in a letter to the average person, we all know what they’d be thinking….

    • “she looks fine”
    • “she’s just negative”
    • “she’s always claiming to be sick”
    • “she’s just making excuses”

    You see it in their eyes when they look at you and so I am often dishonest about the way I am feeling. When asked how I am I usually respond with “fine and you?” I rarely let them know that I’m in a disabling amount of pain All The Time.

    If I get even the slightest chill it sets off a chain reaction of a deep radiating achy pain, especially at my trigger points.

    Speaking of Trigger points,  my hands hurt so intensely that if I bang them even slightly, tears well up in my eyes.

    I could sing the Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Interstitial Cystitis, Graves Disease, Previously Hyper but now thanks to radiation Hypoactive Thyroid, Gout, Psoriasis, Chronic Pain, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Autoimmune Disorders Blues and they would never get it.

    You my Spoonie Friend, you know what it’s like. You understand the pain and illnesses we share are not invisible to us.  They are physically very very REAL and I understand you.

    We get it. We get each other.

    This is a letter of thanks…Thank you Spoonies for being in my life.  I am grateful for each and every one of you.

    I wish you days filled with so many spoons you can’t count. May your spoons runneth over.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • Warning! Shark Infested Waters! – Fibromyalgia

    Warning! Shark Infested Waters! – Fibromyalgia

    Don’t Take Insurance Coverage for Granted…

    For the sake of conversation, let’s say you have developed a chronic illness.  Let’s use Fibromyalgia for example.

    Life, as you’ve, know it is about to change FOREVER,  but there’s at least one silver lining…you are working and have long-term disability insurance.

    As time progresses and the Fibromyalgia symptoms get worse you physically can’t work.  You have insurance so you can focus on learning how to LIVE with a chronic illness and how to manage your chronic pain.

    Click here to Get this or Visit Fibromyalgia Store

    It is a very stressful and emotional time, but at least you have insurance so finances, for the time being, are not a worry.

    First to do….acceptance. It isn’t easy coming to terms with and accepting that you have a chronic condition. It’s a huge part of learning to LIVE this new life you’ve been handed.

    So while you’re struggling physically and emotionally you get a call from this woman. OK so I’m actually talking about me and it’s a true story….

    Apparently, she is being sent by the insurance company. I’m lucky enough to have qualified for some extra help like physiotherapy and one on one time with a Kinesiologist.

    Long story short – this woman put me through the wringer.  She was mean. She threatened me more than once about her 25 years of experience going to court.

    She said she doesn’t believe in Fibromylagia. It’s just a label she says for fortysomething women who have burned themselves out doing too much for too long…ummmm? Wasn’t sure what to reply to during that conversation.

    I get sent for two days of testing called a Functional Capacity Evaluation. The gentleman seemed nice. Seemed like he really wanted to help and was remaining nonbiased. I’ll save clarifying my use of the word “seemed” for another day.

    How ridiculous does this sound? I kid you not……

    A phone call from the insurance company, “We got the test results”. She starts reading them to me:

    • Standing 30 to 45 minutes at a time with opportunity for rest breaks as needed
    • Minor amounts of level walking up to 6 minutes at a time
    • Bending/stooping minimize avoid stooping with the exception of very occasional mild repetitive and/or prolonged stooping
    • Crouching/kneeling restrictions from performing this action
    • Climbing ability to perform on a rare basis
    • Strength Pushing, pulling, lifting and/or carrying limited demands only (avoid more than occasional strength activities)
    • Lifting bilateral 10 lbs on an occasional basis
    • Lifting unilateral 3 lbs left arm, 5 lbs right arm
    • Carrying bilateral 10 lbs on an occasional basis

    With each thing that she reads, my heart sinks more and more. I am not happy about not being able to work. I miss my job, I miss my customers, I miss my team.

    My husband is hearing this from the other room.  He’s thinking the same thing as me. This news sucks!

    Here’s where it becomes laughable (well it would be if it wasn’t such a serious matter).  “Good news,” she says.  I swear as God is my witness that’s what she said. I’m thinking what? My husband actually says out loud “WHAT?”

    How is this good news? Wait for it….and the punchline is….

    “You can go back to your occupation as a retail manager”.  We’ll pay you for December & January while you look for a job.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • Distractions, Distractions, Distractions – Fibromyalgia

    Distractions, Distractions, Distractions – Fibromyalgia

    I’m having one of those days, where I can’t quite keep up with my thoughts nor can I stay on track.  As I’m tackling one task, another pops into my mind which seems like more of a priority. So, then I flip to that one. While on the way to tackle the latest task (not having completed the other) I stumble across a couple more distractions.

    I stop in mid-track and change direction. Happens to the best of us, right?

    Click here to Get this or Visit Fibromyalgia Store

    Distractions of the Great

    Each of four is thinking about something other than their art: Jane Austen, about her upcoming haircut; Verdi, about chocolate cake; Matisse, of a cat; Mme. Curie, of a beach scene.

    Sure we all get distracted and wander off track, to a degree but this inability to focus is way beyond normal. It is so frustrating not being able to get a grip on my thoughts; to keep them focused on just one thing.

    It’s like I’ve lost yet more of me to Fibromyalgia.

    Some of my greatest professional (and personal) attributes have weakened…

    • quick decision making
    • being able to multi-task
    • prioritizing
    • staying focused

    Many days I’m able to reel it in, this ever wandering mind of mine.  Some days, like today though the distractions win out. I get frustrated and upset at not being able to stay on track. So many tasks get started and nothing gets completed. The more frustrated I get, the more easily diverted I am.

    Until it becomes almost unbearable and then the exhaustion sweeps over me. You’d think that with the fatigue my mind would slow down, but it doesn’t.

    Now I’m stuck with a racing mind, so many ideas, so much to do and I have no strength left. Sleep is not really an option because my mind won’t let me.

    So here I sit as I continue trying to PUSH through this entry about distractions that I’ve been trying to finish for what feels like forever.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • With Great Effort Comes Exhaustion – Fibromyalgia

    With Great Effort Comes Exhaustion – Fibromyalgia

    I’d like to say I’m not letting exhaustion get me down, but that would be a lie.

    I am you tired of battling to get something I’m entitled to. It’s exhausting and that’s what they are counting on.  Wearing me down to the point where I just give up.

    They have me over a barrel. Hiring a lawyer costs money I don’t have. This leaves me with no choice but to fight on my own.

    Click here to Get this or Visit Fibromyalgia Store

    I have Fibromyalgia. They know it and I know it. I have approved for long-term disability for Fibromyalgia two years the same occupation. One year into the claim and two individuals have decided I can go back to work.

    Ummm I still have Fibromyalgia, and as far as I know, there still isn’t a cure. Nothing has changed since my claim was approved, except the Fibromyalgia is getting worse.

    I am so overwhelmed by exhaustion just getting out of bed every day takes incredible effort.  I’m in a perpetual state of anxiety and am afraid.

    When I find myself on the verge of giving up I think about the story of David versus Goliath. Sure it’s just me against a great big insurance company (with lots n’ lots of resources) but I do have truth on my side.

    One of the biggest hurdles I’ve had to overcome (and still battle with each day) is an acceptance that I have Fibromyalgia and with it comes limitations.

    I was building a new life while learning to LIVE with my fibro buddy. I was focusing on what I could do instead of thinking about what I can’t.  I was letting go of the old me; embracing the new.

    For months the insurance company has made me day after day after day talk about what I CAN NOT do.  It’s torture that befell complete and total mental and physical exhaustion.

    I have been lied to and I have been bullied.  I’m so very very tired but…

    vow to self I won’t give up, I will push through exhaustion until I come out on the other side!

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • A Tough Pill to Swallow – Fibromyalgia

    A Tough Pill to Swallow – Fibromyalgia

    Here’s the thing…when I look around and see people who are much worse off than I am, I feel guilty for struggling at all. In fact, I get angry with myself for even considering their struggles in the first place. Really, my pain pales in comparison to so many others. Who am I to feel sorry for myself? Then I feel shame; I have no right feeling this way.

    When did I become so weak? There was a time I believed I could take on the world. Nobody scared me. Nothing scared me. The bigger the challenge, the more I thrived.

    Click here to Get this or Visit Fibromyalgia Store

    When did that change? A year ago, I was facing this latest challenge head-on. I was learning to LIVE with Fibromyalgia. I was reaching acceptance. I was learning to cope and I was getting stronger.

    What happened? People came into my life under the guise of helpfulness. They never intended to help me. I don’t know why, but for whatever reason, they have taken away what little peace of mind I had.

    This is a long and difficult process, trying to accept this new weak version of me. I am trying not to feel like a failure, though I have failed.

    Acknowledging my condition is difficult. Acceptance is painful. Yet these people make me say “I am weak” and “I can’t” over and over again.

    Tell me, please what is the answer? I am dealing with someone who lies. Someone who has clearly stated that she does not believe in Fibromyalgia, let alone that I have it. It’s just a label, she says. A label they give to overachieving women, heading toward fifty, who have burned themselves out by doing too much for too long.

    I knew I was in trouble the minute I realized she believes she knows more than everyone, including doctors. I was tempted to ask if she also knew the cure but figured I should keep my mouth shut.

    She is a bully and I know that I need to stand up for myself, but I am so tired. I do have one distinct advantage though, and that is truth. I have not lied. I will not lie.

    Perhaps it’s time to face a weakness I have had for as long as I can remember; the inability to ask for help when I need it. The time has come in my life when I need to ask for help. I can do this, just not alone, and that for me is a difficult pill to swallow.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • Stress the Silent Killer – Fibromyalgia

    Stress the Silent Killer – Fibromyalgia

    Happy New Year!  I hope everyone had a super spectacular stress free holiday season.

    So sorry that I disappeared but it’s been a rather extended round of not quite major and not quite minor flares…hmmm maybe I’ll call it a “round” of flares.

    No, I’ve got it! The spinning wheel of stress n’ pain; spin it while you sleep, and wake up in the morning to a stressful, painful SURPRISE.

    Click here to Get this or Visit Fibromyalgia Store

    Not all bad though, was busy with Christmas which I mostly did get to enjoy and I’ve been busy working on a secret project. It’s been fun but the stress has knocked me for a loop (ok so really, it’s been many loops). Hopefully tomorrow the stress ends, and I can start to work on the fun part. I’ll get back to you on that.

    Have I told you lately how much I blooming hate the agony that is typing? Anyway, I think maybe I’m whining a wee bit too much. Pretty sure that isn’t what you’re wanting to read ? So, enough of that!

    Say no to stress
    To sarcasm say yes

    I did want to say a little more about stress though. I know you’ve heard this before, but please please please be kind to yourself. STRESS kills. I’ve just watched this silent killer attack two people who are very important to me. It’s dangerous and it destroys lives.

    I know, I know…I’m one to talk. For three years (well my entire adult life really) I’ve been trying to learn how to deal with stress, how to let things go, and especially how not to stress myself out.

    I’m not there yet, but I am much better at dealing with stress than I used to be. I will no longer allow anyone to have control of what I am feeling. The power over my emotions is mine and mine alone.

    This was sooooo not my intention, babbling on about stress but well as usual, once I get going you just never know what direction my rambling will take.

    Now that life is about to be back on track, pain, and all I plan on doing better. My goal is to post more regularly on the Facebook page and to have something new on the blog at least once a month.

    Ta ta for now and wherever you may be I wish for you to live your life stress–free. Hmmm, ok I’ll make that a wee bit more attainable…

    I wish for you to live your life almost stress free ?

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • A Tale of Two Years; My Fibro Tale – Fibromyalgia

    A Tale of Two Years; My Fibro Tale – Fibromyalgia

    We begin this Fibro Tale two years ago this month…

    Looking back to the beginning of my fibro tale. I don’t believe pharmacy was necessarily the wrong choice for me at the time.

    If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the last two years it’s that no two single Fibro-tales are exactly the same. No two sets of triggers are exactly the same.

    Click here to Get this or Visit Fibromyalgia Store

    Every single one of us has a different Fibro tale to tell.

    I had tumbled a little too far into the abyss and was dangling by a thread above the danger zone. So, I decided on the shortcut, quicker results to bring me back from the brink, both physically and mentally.

    For this reason, I filled the first prescription. Which turned out to be the first of many more to come.  As one might expect given the circumstances, I needed to get “a little bit well” to tackle life head-on again. So, I decided I would deal with the consequences later.

    I don’t regret my choice otherwise, I believe without medicine and the support of my amazing Doctor I might not be here today sharing my Fibro-Tale with you.

    After overcoming some uhhhhh shall we call them setbacks? A few months ago I finally decided it was time to start putting some of what I’ve learned about the many faces of my fibromyalgia to use. Now that the urgent stuff had been taken care of, time to try some new things.

    I have decided to test the waters at decreasing the number of medications I am taking and to introduce some non-pharmaceutical healing “practices” into my life.

    Why? I have finally reached acceptance. Two years into the fibro tale that is now my life, I am at last ready to meet the new me.

    Until next time…take care of my #SpoonieFriends. Please feel better soon. Shelley

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • Another Day Another Dollar – Fibromyalgia

    Another Day Another Dollar – Fibromyalgia

    Or so my father used to say.  For me it’s more like during a flare; another day another dollar less.  Keep reminding myself that I must stay away from wallowing. These days it’s sooooo tempting to lie in bed and give me over to the pain. That’d be so much easier than trying to remain upright.

    Not going to do it; maybe some other day but not today. Today I will push through the pain and swim to the surface. On the surface, I shall remain!

    Click here to Get this or Visit Fibromyalgia Store

    First I’m going to pacify myself with a teeny tiny bit of complaining. I have laryngitis right now. That’s not the problem. The inability to speak above a whisper and the aching vocal cords are more of an annoyance than terribly painful. The problem is that more than likely this is just a precursor of more fun things to come… those my friend are problems for another day.

    Today I want to give a bit of an update. Last spring I ranted about an absolutely awful experience I’d had when applying for a government program. I won’t get into it except to say that it was so stressful I ended up spiraling deep into a flare. I have a hard time letting it go. Thinking about it is too upsetting. That was another day; a dark day.

    It took months but I finally built the courage to look into the program one more time. Glad I did because my most recent meetings went very well, and things have started to move forward. Slowly, but moving forward nonetheless.

    I’ve met and will be working with two wonderfully supportive, empathetic, strong women. Things are moving forward and I hope to have really great news soon.

    That’s for another day, though ….

    Today I celebrate because I finally finished typing this and am about to hit publish ?

    Gently hugs spoonie friends.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store