Dear Fibromyalgia

Category: Fibromyalgia Pain

A comprehensive look at Fibromyalgia pain, its symptoms, triggers, and effective strategies to manage and alleviate discomfort.

  • Fibromyalgia and Panic Attacks: Cognitive and Somatic Sensitization

    “If you are experiencing strange symptoms that no one seems to be able to explain, they could be arising from a traumatic reaction to a past event that you may not even remember”, Peter A. Levine

    Two words that are now often coined in conjunction with fibromyalgia are cognitive sensitization and somatic sensitization. I have been exploring the research in this direction for the past couple of years and have recently had another ‘aha’ moment. I am not sure which comes first but with regard to ‘cognitive sensitization’,  because of the excessive degree of empathy for others and fear/anxiety for ourselves, there is vivid brain activity in the amygdala.

    People with fibromyalgia worry excessively and our attention to health-related information is extremely high.  The meaning that pain has for ourselves, the sufferer, or for others whom we perceive to suffer, poses increased threats which affect ‘somatic sensitization, that is, increased reactivity of the nervous system. In turn, this lowers the pain threshold and affects pain tolerance; the consequence is that the fibromyalgia syndrome develops. 

    The two are interrelated but what does that mean in simple language? One hears, in fact, seeks out, health-related information, subsequently, anxiety and fear develop (the amygdala is overreacting to perceived threat) increasing the overstimulation. Then a low tolerance for pain develops. Accompanying this pain is a myriad of other symptoms.

    But is this too simply stated? What can this cognitive sensitization actually produce within ourselves? This is a process within the brain as it receives cues that bring about arousal from a past traumatic event, which becomes an actual sensitization of the neuro system.  In what ways does this anxiety/fear invade our brains?

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    “The result, sadly, is that many of us become riddled with fear and anxiety and are never fully able to feel at home with ourselves or our world”, writes Peter A.Levine (p.21) in Waking the Tiger. With the nervous system being in a state of hyper-arousal, we become overly sensitive to light, sound, and weather conditions among other environmental factors that can cause pain, itching, tightening of the muscles, and fatigue.

    We have difficulty with sleep, stressful situations, our startle reactions and we are hyper-vigilant. Often this dis-ease with our sensitive nervous systems results in heightened anxieties that become panic attacks.

    Social neuroscience has explored the brain activity of many types of people and yet very little has been done with the over-activation of those of us with fibromyalgia. Our tendency to interpret and be in tune with verbal and nonverbal cues of others and be usually in a state of hyper-vigilance is worthy of intense research. it seems as though many of us with fibromyalgia are in caregiving roles such as nurses. We are addicted to giving care to others, too much empathy with the resultant overstimulation. 

    Central sensitization seems to be the view of the researchers on fibromyalgia, that is the central nervous system is usually on high alert and overly sensitive.  The sudden surge of extreme fearfulness, heart pounding, shortness of breath, tingling sensations, and feeling of being in danger can develop anywhere and at any time. This is how a panic attack feels. We are chronic worriers for ourselves and for others leading to catastrophic thinking and being afraid of fear itself is what leads to panic attacks. When did these symptoms first begin to take shape in our psyche?

    As Levine and Scaer have written (see other blogs on this topic) we have been subject to psychological trauma that produces bodily sensations that appear to be a bona fide disease, instead of the dis-ease of the scars from these traumas. Whether or not these lifelong traumas have developed even in utero or in childhood, it seems as though our hypersensitivity has led us down this path. 

    We can change those brain pathways if only those who were quick to medicate us or find a cause that is not psycho-social in nature were supportive in our quest to find ways to heal ourselves. Both Levine and Scaer (among others) are pioneers in this respect and their work brings hope to those of us with this central sensitization.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
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    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

  • Suffering From Fibromyalgia Or Fighting It: The Choice Is Yours

    Having Fibromyalgia is like a roller coaster ride. Most days I just don’t know how I am going to feel. I try to have a positive mindset and I find it helps when I’m around others with a positive mindset as well. However, I realized that not everyone wants to hear or see positivity right now. Frankly, I can understand that – I use to feel that way too. I started to realize I have a choice in either suffering from fibromyalgia or fighting it.

    My Suffering Journey

    I was not always positive about my attitude towards my illness. In fact, you can read my first article on admitting I was sick publicly, Coming Out With An Invisible Illness. In addition to not being positive, I didn’t want anyone to know I was sick. It was like my dirty secret.

    Why didn’t I want people to know?

    • If people knew, they might want to talk about it.
    • Telling people I was sick was admitting it to them and myself.
    • Admitting I was sick might mean I wasn’t able to fulfill my goals.
    • If I admitted I was sick I might have to slow down and put myself first.
    • How can I put myself first, when for so long I have put others first?
    • If I put myself over others, I would feel selfish.
    • I said a main reason was I didn’t want people to feel sorry for me. I said that because really, I felt sorry for myself and was ashamed of that feeling.
    • If people knew, they might think I was weak.
    • Staying in denial meant I didn’t need to make any changes.
    • My self-esteem was too caught up in how others viewed me (still is). If they thought differently of me, like I was less than I used to be…. maybe I was less than.

    This way of thinking only made my illness scream louder at me that I needed to stop. Fibromyalgia is hardly ever on its own. On the contrary, it has a web of other illnesses that usually come with it. So pushing my mind, body, and soul beyond its limits is something Fibromyalgia does not like. When my body finally gave out on me, I had to face my illness and myself. Doing something like this makes a person go through the stages of grief.  So, one of those stages is finally acceptance, right? That is what happened, I accepted I was sick.

    Negative Self-talk

    In doing so I became very depressed. I did what I had been dreading, I felt sorry for myself. The negative self-talk was going like crazy at this point.

    • “I don’t know how I’m going to do my job anymore”
    • “I’m a horrible mother, I can’t even take my son outside for a walk”
    • “How can I finish school? I can’t! I’m going to have to quit”
    • “Why me?”
    • “I’m not strong enough”
    • “When will this end”

    I know you can relate to some of these. Honestly, this way of thinking and living can take a person down a dark path. You might be asking, “Why are you telling me all of this?” Well, friend, I am telling you to show you how deeply negative my thinking can get. So, how do I pull myself from the negative to the positive you so often see from me?

    Path To Positivity: It Is A Choice!

    Yes, I make a choice each and every time. I choose to find some light in the darkness and so can you. It takes practice and a little effort, but I’m confident you can do it. Here are some steps to help you through.

    1. Write down all the positive qualities about yourself and save this for later.
      1. Mine would be: sense of humor, kindness, wit, intelligence, & empathy.
    2. When a negative thought appears, pull out your list (if you need to).
    3. This is where you remind yourself of the positives from your list.
    1. Yes, I have fibromyalgia and I’m in pain. However, I am also funny and can laugh at myself. I got this!
    2. Yes, I am feeling depressed right now. It seems to be pulling me farther into the darkness and all seems hopeless. However, you have pulled yourself out of darkness like this before! You are strong-willed and determined and you got this!
    3. Put this on repeat (believe me it takes practice).

    How To Make Changes

    Now you may be saying this is great, but this alone can’t change my negativity. This is true. There are more tools you can use to keep yourself positive.

    1. Mindfulness – yes, meditation can help keep you focused. There are many different types of meditation available. I encourage you to pursue one and make it a daily ritual.
    2. Gratitude – I learned in my positivity psychology class, that one of the ways to pursue happiness is to show gratitude. Give it a try by writing a letter to someone you know that did something nice for you. Simply put, let them know how much that gesture meant to you and thank them. Trust me on this- it will feel good.
    3. Goal setting – You might be thinking this is where I lose you. This one will be different for everyone. Some of us are really very sick and can barely function. I know there is a goal you can set for yourself though. I recently set a goal of walking for 5 minutes every day. To those who can easily walk longer, that might not seem like much. However, to those who can’t even walk 5 minutes you know how big that can be. Making your goal small and obtainable will leave you feeling positive when you accomplish it.

    Fighting vs. Suffering

    So, are you fighting your chronic illness? Or, are you suffering from your chronic illness? This is a choice only you can make. It is personal and individual and there really isn’t a right or wrong answer. You can even do both sometimes I know I do.

    Fighting your chronic illness means that every day you choose to keep going, even when you think you can’t anymore. It means that you consciously turn your negative thoughts about yourself and your illness into something positive. Lastly, fighting your chronic illness means that you will not be its victim.

    Suffering from your chronic illness means that you let your illness control you. Don’t get me wrong, our illness always controls us in some aspect whether we like it or not. However, when we suffer, we have no choices, we are the victim.

    As you can see, in both these scenarios we have the same illness. In one we feel more in control than we do in the other. As I said before, there are days I am fighting fibromyalgia and days I am suffering from it. The difference is the way I choose to look at it, with positivity or negativity. We can’t control that we have a chronic illness, but we can control how we handle it from here.

    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

  • How To Re-Create Your Life After A Fibromyalgia Diagnosis

    We talk a lot about how fibromyalgia affects women but did you know that men can have it too? I want to introduce you to Ted Hutchinson, That Gaming Dad! We had a really good conversation about everything from getting diagnosed, living with fibromyalgia as a man, and advocating for our community. He not only tells us how much harder it is to get diagnosed as a man but how to re-create your life after a fibromyalgia diagnosis.

    Ted talks about what goes on behind the scenes for someone living with a chronic illness like fibromyalgia and CFS.  

    Ted explains to us that he initially was treated for “acute injuries” and it took eight years to finally get diagnosed. His symptoms started with back pain and exhaustion.  He had to finally find a doctor who had experience with fibromyalgia to get diagnosed. This is when he realized there wasn’t a simple fix he remembers thinking, “cool….we can take care of this and I get back to my normal life, right? Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case and it has been a very long road.”

    For Ted getting off the pharmaceuticals and finding holistic ways to improve his symptoms has been key. The medicine he had been on had made his life worse than they helped. He has found cannabis and Kratom to be the most helpful for his symptoms. Ted tells me that Kratom is a cousin to the coffee tree and has different strains that have different effects. Some strains help with anxiety and depression, some are like an opiate replacement, and some are a coffee strain. It can be addictive and should be used in moderation. It comes in many forms like powder, capsules, and leaves and can be digested.

     “My pain never goes away, but I can take the edge off it to at least know that I’m not going to overexert myself.”

    “I was addicted to opiates and that was something that happened through doctor prescriptions…Cymbalta! I would rather go through opiate withdrawals than ever come off Cymbalta…that time of my life was some of the worst hell I ever felt.”

    Living With Fibromyalgia as a Man

    Ted tells us what it is like when there is a stigma around the man being the breadwinner of the house. “There is a myth that men can’t get this type of illness and it just isn’t true. He goes on to tell us how he sees the issue, “You just have to re-create your life. For me as a man, it was important to just put myself out there and share my story and just explain to people why this can affect anybody, really.”

    Ted’s Advice On Living With Fibromyalgia

    I think you will walk away from watching this video and feel inspired that you can still find a way to live a fulfilling life. I have given some quotes from the video here, but honestly, they are best heard directly from Ted in the video.

    “Everyone has a path…you’ve got your own journey to go on. For me it was my gaming, my advocacy, it was sharing my story…I can still do it in this capacity, just when I’m well enough, right to be able to share my story.”

    I had to share this quote in its entirety as I felt it was so inspiring. This is Ted’s response to being asked what advice he would give someone with fibromyalgia:

    “Have faith in yourself. Have faith that you have the capacity to be able to overcome whatever it is that you have to go on. Does that mean you are going to overcome and go right back to being the construction worker or working 50-60 hours a week? Maybe, maybe not who knows. But Have faith in yourself that you can re-create a life for yourself and create things that are positive influences not only to yourself but the people around you. So, while you may get this heavy burden that has been put upon you. You have a duty to be able to take that burden and hopefully be able to lighten that own load for yourself.  You yourself don’t’ deserve to have to carry that all by yourself. There are people out there that love you and people who do support you. You just have to be able to step outside your own self and look at the big picture and have faith that you can overcome anything. Not even in a religious aspect just faith in yourself. Believe in you!”

    Advocacy

    Ted has built a community with his video gaming on Facebook. His community talks about important issues while playing. He also uses this platform to connect with his kids and bring those in the chronic illness community closer together.

    “Even if you are sick, even if you have things going on you can still make a name for yourself and you can still put your name out there and you can still make a life. It just may be a different life than you were used to.”

    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

  • Finding The Humor In Fibromyalgia

    Finding The Humor In Fibromyalgia

    Meet Jessica Hooten, she is a fibromyalgia warrior who chooses to find the silver lining about her diagnosis. In this video, she tells us all about how she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, treatments she has tried, and how she handles getting through each day. Secret: She does it by finding the humor in fibromyalgia.

    Search For A Fibromyalgia Doctor

    Jessica, like many of us, has had sleep issues. She has been to a rheumatologist and a sleep doctor to try to ease her symptoms. Finding treatment and answers can be difficult and Jessica shares her journey with us.

    “You don’t want to have something….but can they just find something, so we know what to do.”

    Finding a good primary care doctor has been what helps Jessica. She is lucky to have a doctor that is trying to understand her condition.

    Fibromyalgia And Going To Work

    Jessica works and tells us how hard it can be sometimes. Some days she struggles to get to work. Many of us can understand this feeling. How does she get through it? She just goes, because once she gets there she knows she will be ok. She is also fortunate to have understanding co-workers.

    Day To Day Living With Fibromyalgia

    Fibromyalgia has become so normal for Jessica that she often forgets that things that are going on with her are because of fibromyalgia. She states it takes her longer to heal from surgery than someone that doesn’t have it. She gives a lot of advice on what helps her day-to-day pain (so make sure to watch the video).

    They tell me it is not progressive, that it doesn’t get worse, but I feel like it has.”

    Staying Positive When Living WIth Fibromyalgia

    How does Jessica stay positive? One way is that she and her husband joke about it with each other. She keeps in perspective that although she may be hurting, there are people worse off than her. She gives some advice:

    • “You have to just accept it.
    • “It’s going to be ok. You are going to have another good day…when it comes you will appreciate it.”
    • “Knowing what makes you feel better and doing those things.”
    • “You have to fight it!”

    She has support around her and they keep it light-hearted and help her find the humor in the day-to-day struggles. She is thankful but also does get depressed. The challenge of keeping fibromyalgia in perspective is a day-to-day fight. A fight that she is willing to do with a smile on her face.

    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

  • Pituitary Adenoma What is Your Fibromyalgia Hiding?

    Pituitary Adenoma What is Your Fibromyalgia Hiding?

    You never want to hear your doctor say, “your brain MRI came back abnormal.” The fear and panic that go through your body at this moment are overwhelming. My MRI revealed a pituitary adenoma. I know there are so many of you out there that have gone through this same situation and know just how I felt. For those that have never experienced this, I have written this article to spread awareness.

    What is a pituitary adenoma anyway?

    According to Cleveland Clinic “A pituitary adenoma is a growth or tumor on the pituitary. Most pituitary adenomas are slow-growing and benign.” Any adenoma bigger than 1 cm is called a macroadenoma. It is interesting that some adenomas can actually produce hormones, however, mine is not doing that. Mine was detected because the adenoma is pressing on my pituitary gland preventing it from producing the necessary hormones I need.

    In researching adenomas, I found out they are more common than I thought. According to the Pacific Pituitary Disorders Center, 10-20% of the population has a pituitary adenoma and probably doesn’t even know it. I guess so many of these are so small they don’t cause symptoms. In addition, they are the third most common of all intracranial tumors. Luckily, 90% of these are benign and slow-growing, which is most likely what I have.

    Typical symptoms of a pituitary adenoma

    The Pacific Pituitary Disorders Center says that a pituitary adenoma can cause many complications.

    What led to my diagnosis?

    My journey to an adenoma diagnosis started with a visit to an endocrinologist. This doctor did the most blood work anyone has ever done on me. He tested my hormone levels and that is where he discovered that my estrogen and progesterone were very low. At first, this was a comfort to me because it explained so many of my symptoms and why I wasn’t getting any better. I was highly emotional, severely fatigued, had extreme brain fog and several other symptoms.

    It can be tricky because many of these symptoms are also symptoms of fibromyalgia. This is why it is so important for doctors to not put all of our symptoms in one diagnosis box. Too often, they are chalking it all up to fibromyalgia. Although, these symptoms will still be present with the fibromyalgia they wouldn’t be to the extent I was experiencing them and for the amount of time. This makes me so mad, I can’t even explain how mad. We really need to overhaul the United States healthcare system and doctors need continuous education! I suffered for much longer than I needed to be suffering. Worse yet, my concern was disregarded by my doctors and I was made to feel like I was exaggerating my illness.

    Tests and More Tests

    With the abnormal hormone levels, the doctor suggested we do an MRI. He told me that the best-case scenario is that I have a tumor pressing on my pituitary gland and if so it can easily be removed. Of course, this sent me into a mild panic. However, he reassures me that it is a simple procedure where they go up through the nostril, removes the tumor and that takes care of that.

    Going into the MRI and waiting for the results, I really didn’t know what I wanted the outcome to be. I know that I was kind of scared, but also really relieved that there was something tangibly wrong with me.  Anyone that has an invisible illness can understand this feeling. Seeing doctor after doctor look at you and treat you like you are faking it, can take its toll on a person. I’ve actually had a primary care doctor turn me away because my case is too complicated!

    Treating What Can Be Treated

    To address my hormone levels the doctor gave me estradiol and progesterone that I have to take in a complicated way. Well, it sounded complicated to me. I start the estradiol on day 1 of my cycle (the first day of my period), then I start the progesterone on day 15. I take both until the 25th day of my cycle, then start all over again on day 1 of my period.

    At first, I was super intimidated by my new pill schedule since I have such a hard time remembering to take my pills. By the way, I’m on my second month now and I’m actually doing pretty well at remembering (pat me on the back). So the purpose of these pills is to replace the hormones that my pituitary gland is not producing. However, like all pills, they have side effects.

    I have been experiencing migraine headaches on a regular basis and extreme menstrual cramping. I don’t know if there was a worse word than extreme- I would use it. That being said, my symptoms are improving. My extreme mood swings are getting better and I think I’m a little more pleasant to be around. The other symptoms are hard to tell because they blend in with my fibromyalgia symptoms. For instance, I am still fatigued and forget the words for everyday items I should know the word for.

    The Waiting Game

    It was a long week waiting for my MRI results with all kinds of scenarios running through my mind. What it’s like only a person with anxiety can come up with. So, it figures that I would get a severe cold with a fever and not be able to go to my doctor’s appointment for the results. I had to wait longer. I called the doctor the next Monday and we talked over the phone. The bad part of having this conversation on the phone is that your time is more limited and you don’t think to ask the questions you should ask.

    My doctor told me that the MRI shows a 3-millimeter adenoma pressing on my pituitary gland. This is too small to operate on. Typically, an Endonasal Endoscopic Surgery is done. This is where they go in through the nostril to remove the tumor. This procedure is less invasive and has a high success rate. It figures that mine can’t be operated on. Not to mention, I forgot to ask how big it has to get to operate or how long it typically takes to grow as I should have. In the meantime, he raised the dosage on my medicine and told me we will watch it every 6 months.

    How Does it feel emotionally?

    I am stuck knowing there is something growing in my brain that should NOT be there. That sucks and is scary. I am also stuck with the side-effects of my new medicine that really, I have no choice but to take. Then there is my anxiety. I have to work hard at keeping it at bay. A person who has anxiety plays the “what if” game a lot in their head, so it takes conscious effort to not play that game.

    Advocacy

    The moral of this story is if your doctor isn’t looking for another answer and checking all the boxes, then find a doctor that will. If you know there is something else wrong with you, then don’t give up. I have no idea how long this thing has been growing in my brain, but I do know for the last year I have known deep down that something wasn’t right. If any of this makes you want to get involved, then I have the perfect organization for you. Support Fibro is an organization that is dedicated not only to awareness but education. This is so important because like I said above doctors are not educated enough on fibromyalgia! I have even had a rheumatologist tell me she shouldn’t even be treating this condition. Please click the link for Support Fibro and if you are able, make a donation or find a way you can support the cause because a Fibromyalgia Warrior you love needs answers.

    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

  • Endometriosis & Fibromyalgia An Interview

    Endometriosis & Fibromyalgia An Interview

    In my article What You Need To Know About Endometriosis, I give you a background on endometriosis. This article is an interview with a Fibromyalgia Warrior, Jennifer. She answers questions so readers can see what it is like to live with Endometriosis and Fibromyalgia. She will also give you insight into her tips on how she manages her co-morbid conditions.

    Name and Age:

    Jennifer Coleman, 40

    When were you diagnosed with Fibromyalgia?

    March 2018

    When were you diagnosed with Endometriosis?

    I was diagnosed with endo in October 2008, but it was not a surprise. My periods began when I was 11, and were extremely heavy and painful. I went on the birth control pill at age 11 due to their fierceness.

    Which diagnosis came first?

    Endo.

    Do you have any other diagnosis or conditions? If so, what are they and were they diagnosed before or after the Fibro and Endo?

    I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis (IC) in August 2018. I’ve had some TMJ/teeth grinding issues and migraines off and on since I was a teen.

    What are some of the symptoms that you experience? 

    Endo: I had a partial hysterectomy in 2017 so I no longer have periods, but since I still have my ovaries, I can feel a very strong cycle and had to resume the birth control pill post-op.

    Fibro: Aches and pains in the 18 fibro tender points, as well as referred pain. My wrists hurt when I drive my car a lot of days. I was having severe neck pain, which is gone for the moment (myofascial release/MFR, heat, a scarf, and CBD cream help greatly) and in place, I’m having knee, back, and hip pain. MRF helps those too, and I’m about to do another round of PT, which I respond well to. The stronger I am, the better I feel. Once upon a time, I could do a killer yoga headstand!

    Also, fibro fog, fatigue, and sleep difficulties.

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    IC: If I don’t drink enough water I feel IC pain (vaginal/pelvic pain).

    If not already stated above, was diagnosis a long road for you?  Please tell us a little about the struggle to figure out “what was wrong.”

    When my postpartum menstrual cycles returned, when my second/final child was nine months old, they were heavy and long. I tried many forms of birth control, with the hope of either calming or stopping them. After over a year of trying, my OBGYN suggested that I had adenomyosis, which is endo on the uterus. The only way to be 100% sure, and also to treat it, is to perform a partial hysterectomy. I went into my surgery feeling that it was the right decision either way. Adenomyosis was indeed found.

    Complications

    Terribly, unfortunately, my bladder was injured during my hysterectomy. I’d never been prone to UTIs but am now. I’ve had many UTIs and bladder issues since my surgery. Even without my period flowing, I’m prone to pelvic pain. A cystoscopy to check on my bladder about 8 months post-op sent my pelvic and referred pain soaring. Soon after the cystoscopy showed a “healthy” bladder, I was diagnosed with fibro.

    My pain doctor says to think of my fibro onset as my nervous system malfunctioning due to all the trauma. Also, people who have had any and/or all of the following are more prone to fibro (plus I’ve always had a high fight or flight response, which I found helpful, until fibro…): TMJ (I used to wear a bite guard and still wake some mornings with headaches from teeth grinding); migraines (mine are mostly hormonal; I get them a few times a year, no aura};

    IC {that diagnosis is a result of the injury to my bladder. I didn’t have IC symptoms before, and thankfully mine is currently regular}; endo (yes, and both sides of my family have or had heavy periods so I was likely to have them; I have two daughters and am armed with so many women’s health knowledge to help them if they need it}; IBS {mild]. So I have experienced, to varying degrees, all the maladies she listed…

    Are you on medications or have you tried medication for any of your conditions?

    Fibro:

    • -400 morning/700 evening Neurontin
    • -Low-Dose Naltrexone
    • -Nortriptyline
    • –Cymbalta
    • -Ketamine infusions about every seven weeks
    • -CoQ-10 supplement
    • -Daily vitamin with fish oil and vitamin D, etc.
    • –Curcumin supplement (a compound found in Turmeric)

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

    My cycle:

    -Daily birth control pill

    IC

    • -Sometimes Urispas and/or Uribel
    • -D-Mannose supplement
    • -Sometimes OTC Prelief before coffee or a meal that might trigger me. Helps me a ton. I need coffee in the morning to combat my meds so I can drive my daughters to school.
    • -Sometimes Aloe Vera capsules
    • -Sometimes AZO

    I had anemia at the onset of my period and in my teens. Sometime in my 20s, my period lightened. I also dealt with anemia while trying to stop my period pre-hysterectomy. Taking iron helped though, a week of PMS and then a week of a heavy period, which was exhausting. In my 20s and 30s, I began only having a heavy cycle every other month. I generally found that the right birth control pill helped my symptoms.

    Did you have fertility problems?

    My husband and I were very lucky and got pregnant within a few months on the first try and immediately the second.

    Do you have any tips or advice to give to others in either getting diagnosed, treated or living with Fibromyalgia and Endometriosis?

    Seek the right doctors; it’s OK to doctor shop! Do your research, but don’t just rely on “Doctor Google.” Find in-person and online support. Re fibro: there is always a new medicine, study, or supplement to consider, and another round of PT or a wellness group to do or join (I’m going to join a year-long wellness group in Feb/March through my pain doctor’s hospital that has PT, OT, an MSW, group meetings, and pain management). We are #fibrowarriors and there is hope.

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    Re endo:

    Find an OBGYN you’re very comfortable with and who understands how difficult your periods are. Experiment until you’re on the right birth control if that’s the option you choose to help you. Being on it has never felt like a choice for me. Also, fertility issues are unfortunately so common, and there is no shame.

    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

  • It’s not you, It’s me: Fibromyalgia and Relationships

    It’s not you, It’s me: Fibromyalgia and Relationships

    Grab a cup of coffee or tea and get ready because it is about to get REAL! I have my favorite coffee in my favorite cup and I’m ready to talk about Fibromyalgia and the effects it has on our relationships.

    My Story On Relationships:

    I don’t know how many times I have said to family members, “It’s not you, it’s me and I’m sorry for snapping.” This is especially true of my nine-year-old. I have tried explaining to him that I am sick and I’m in a lot of pain, but I’m not sure how much he really understands. Since he is the baby of the family, he has been spoiled (yes, I’m admitting it)! Needless to say, he is used to getting his way and when we try to lay down the law -he resists.  It’s on my bad days that this resisting is not something I can handle or tolerate. These are the days I snap at him.

    Maybe this is the part where you judge me, vocally or silently. Or maybe this is the part where you understand because the same thing happens in your house.  Either way, I get it- I judge me too!  I’m probably harder on myself than any other person could be (hence chronic illness brought on by stress). Before I was really “dealing” with my illness, I think I still snapped but didn’t really accept responsibility for my behavior.  Now it’s different. I can (most of the time) recognize that I just said or did something that I wouldn’t normally, had I not been in so much pain or so exhausted.  So, now I try to apologize.  I don’t use my illness as an excuse though.  This is why I say to my son, “It’s not you, It’s me”. I try to explain to him that his behavior needs to change but that was no excuse for me to (insert whatever I said or did).

    My Thoughts On Relationship Solutions:

    This post is hard to write……although I am pretending you and I are friends just sitting at a coffee shop catching up. The truth is some of the people reading this I do not know at all. It is pretty scary to put yourself out there like that for all to see.  I find it just as scary for the people I do know to read this because I haven’t told them any of this either. HOWEVER– as I said in my post Coming Out, I can’t hide from this anymore. This is just another way to remind me that what I am going through is REAL and not just going to go away.  Fibromyalgia doesn’t give a F*** about my hopes, dreams, goals, or the people I love. It doesn’t care that I need to go to work, that I need to finish school, or that I had plans with someone special.  When Fibromyalgia takes from you, it takes what it wants, when it wants.

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    Taking Care of Yourself

    This is why it is so important to manage stress and take time for yourself.  I understand this now; even though it is still easier said than done. By letting everyone know what I’m going through, I’m no longer fighting this alone.  I have learned so much from others already diagnosed. First, is that somedays you have to take it hour by hour or less if you need to.  I learned that meditation can help center myself and keep my thoughts in check.  Next, I learned that if I can stop living so much in the future I can manage my stress level better. Also, I have learned so much more than this, but most importantly – I learned that I am not the only one going through this. My invisible illness doesn’t have to be something I keep hidden.

    My Not Really Advice On Relationships

    I can’t really give any advice on the best way to deal with your personal relationships when you have Fibromyalgia. Why?  Because I am still trying to figure it out.  Really, I am pretty lucky!  I have a supportive husband and family who understands my illness. That may not seem like much, but it really is everything.  If they didn’t support me, I would be even more lost. So I acknowledge that daily and I am very appreciative for what I have, despite what the illness takes from me.

    My last thought is that no one is perfect.  You may snap at people and that isn’t ok no matter what you are going through. We have to take responsibility for our actions, even if our actions are driven by an illness that others can’t see. My goal is first to be upfront with what I am going through at the moment, especially with my husband.  If he wants to have a stressful conversation, maybe it is something that can wait. Know your limits, meaning learn what pushes you over the edge so that you can stop the situation from getting that far. In my case, maybe I know I’m hurting, so I need to alter my day to only going to one store instead of the three I need to go to. I am hoping that by understanding my limits better, I can lessen the number of times I hurt my family’s feelings.

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    If we were friends at a coffee shop catching up, it would now be your turn to share.  I would love to hear your thoughts and how you deal with relationships while in pain and exhausted.  Please leave your story in the comments.  Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter below so you can be the first to know when new content is published.

    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

  • 8 Ways To Control Your Itchy Fibromyalgia Rash

    8 Ways To Control Your Itchy Fibromyalgia Rash

    Fibro-Rash!  Is this really a thing you ask? Yes, apparently it is a thing.  If you have trouble with any kind of rash all over your body and you have Fibromyalgia, you could also have Fibro-Rash.  I just visited my dermatologist because my rheumatologist wanted me to rule out psoriatic arthritis. I have had itchy skin for many years and just thought it was my dry skin.  It turns out that it is really folliculitis, an inflammation of the hair follicles brought on by Fibro -and I do not have psoriasis-whew!  My doctor said that there are ways to ease the symptoms but the only way to really control it, is to control the Fibro. Sure, no problem that is an easy fix….(she says sarcastically.)

    I’ve always had sensitive skin, so it doesn’t surprise me that my Fibro symptoms come out through my skin as well. People with auto-immune illness and chronic diseases are more susceptible to folliculitis.  So, it makes sense that I really started to notice something was wrong when my flare began.  My chest broke out into a red, blotchy rash which waxed and waned with my stress level. It was like my body was doing whatever it could to get me to stop and notice. I was waking up scratching my legs at night – it was horrible!

    The bottom rash is an example of Folliculitis

    How can fibromyalgia folliculitis be treated? Here is what my doctor said to do:

    1. Cure Joy that I found with a simple google search. Please follow the link for complete directions. I have tried a couple of these, please leave your experience in the comments below.

    2. More Ideas To Help You Control Your Itchy Fibromyalgia Rash

    3. White Vinegar – one tablespoon to two cups of water, then apply to the affected area with pressure for twenty minutes.

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    4. Tea Tree Oil-best for scalp folliculitis

    5. Garlic– beneficial due to antibacterial properties

    6. Aloe Vera-antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. This is the aloe vera that I use. I love it and it has tea tree oil in it already – I apply after a shower daily.

    7. Since I first wrote this article a couple of years ago, I have learned a lot about Fibromyalgia. In the last year or so, I have really been focusing on controlling my symptoms with my diet. I go into a lot more detail (see link) about how an elimination diet can help you improve your fibromyalgia symptoms.

    8. If you want to try an intolerance test to get to what might be causing your rash faster I recommend 5 Strands Affordable Testing, use fibro cure 10 for 10% off. I used this service and hope to write an article on it soon. It really helps narrow down foods that may be bothering you.

    Rashes can be scary, if you have one I recommend going to your doctor. I hope that my story has brought you some comfort and that if you do experience this, you now know that you are not alone. Not only are you not alone but there are steps you can take to relieve the misery. Subscribe to my newsletter and receive a FREE printable.

    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

  • Fibromyalgia and Family Stress

    Most of you know that I have been taking care of my grandparents and mom because of their illnesses and elderly needs. What you may not know is that my grandmother has passed. She was 94.

    This post will not be like my regular posts because I’m still dealing with a lot of stress so I will be streaming my emotions in this piece.

    It has taken me some time to write about this because I’ve been an emotional mess, and unfortunately due to my OCD, I like to keep my mess nice and tidy– especially when it comes to death.

    Death has always been a taboo subject with me. I had a friend in high school die while I was entering my Senior Year. And during that year I also had a Great Grandma and Grandma die, too. I became very humbled at that point in my life because I took the sympathy that people could offer me. Granted it wasn’t much because the grown-ups in my life thought I shouldn’t be hurt or upset since I was young– OR– they thought I should be strong for someone else because I was mature for my age. Needless to say, that part of my life was a mess.

    Moving on a few years later, I lost one of the few people that understood me, my Uncle. It’s been 20 years since his death and people can say that the pain lessens over time, but I know for a fact that it really doesn’t. All that happens is that you find some normal times where you talk to that person you miss so much. But the pain— it’s always there– and full-on when you least expect it.

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    Maybe some people say that the pain lessens because they are used to crying. I can say I’m SO not used to that. I don’t do that because I have kids and they shouldn’t see me that way. They don’t get to see me hurt because I’m Wonder Woman in their eyes. So I can’t cry. My Father was a similar man, but was, and always will be, my Super Man.

    The only times I ever saw my father shed tears were for joyous occasions, and I tend to do the same– unless a sappy Disney movie gets to me. 😉 BOTH my Father and I share that trait to a degree– never saw him cry at a movie– probably wouldn’t want to either since he’s my Superman.

    Tonight, though, I’m sad for a different reason. I’m crying, but no one is around so it’s acceptable. I am mourning for the old times. The times when everything was great and joyous. The times where this room that I’m am typing away in was filled with laughter and food.

    It’s now a study. I made it that way to change things up. I NEED it that way right now because things are still too raw.

    But getting back to what happened today– I just removed what I hope is the last horrible reminder of Alzheimer’s and old age in the house. I went to check on my youngest and wanted to shut her door so the cat and dog wouldn’t go into her room.

    She’s not allergic, but my husband and I are, and we are trying to teach the animals not to be with us at night. ANYWAY, as I was shutting the door, I noticed the latch Grandma put on it to keep the room shut off from Grandpa.

    She stuck it there so Grandpa wouldn’t go in there and hide the bank statements/banking accounts on her because she needed to pay the bills. Grandpa was pretty far gone with Alzheimer’s when she had to do it and I should have noticed it when we took my Uncle John’s name off of the door a few days ago, but I didn’t because I was blind to it then.

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    It’s now off, along with Uncle John’s name on the door, and I feel a little better. Not MUCH because I STILL feel like I’m in HER house and not mine, but hopefully all of that will change as time goes on.

    Stay fabulous!
    Love and friendship,

    Kimberley

    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

  • Fibromyalgia Flare-Ups – Four Different Types And How To Get Through Them

    Fibromyalgia Flare-Ups – Four Different Types And How To Get Through Them

    What are fibromyalgia flare-ups?

    Is it non-stop pain that lasts a lifetime?
    Or is it pain that comes and goes?

    Do they include more than one pain/symptom?

    The answer to all of these questions is YES and NO.

    Fibromyalgia flare-ups are difficult to fully define because there are so many varying factors.

    Although I began experiencing fibromyalgia symptoms as early as age 10, they didn’t start interrupting my life until my late 20’s. Because the symptoms were so vague and embarrassing, I didn’t see a doctor for them until my early 30’s. There wasn’t a lot of information available when I was diagnosed with fibro in 2003. Nor were there any approved medications, that would happen a few years later. In my 20 plus years of living with it, I have discovered four different ways fibro flares up in my body and how to deal with them.

    Let’s take a look!

    Scroll to continue reading or listen to post here:

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    4 Types of Fibromyalgia Flares-Ups

    Keep in mind that there are far more than four types of fibromyalgia flares. When you consider how many fibro symptoms there are and all the different combinations that present at the same time, there could be thousands. The four that I have listed below are ones that I experience most often and that also at times, occur on their own.

    • Muscle flares
      This flare is best described as muscle soreness. They feel bruised, but there is no visible bruising. At times the pain is wide-spread and at others, it is isolated to one set or particular muscle. It can also present itself as muscle weakness with or without pain. When weakness is involved, limbs may feel like they weigh a thousand pounds and have the strength of a wet noodle!
    • Inflammation flare-ups
      Flares involving inflammation can occur anywhere throughout the body. Joints, muscles, tendons, organs, etc. Inflammation flare-ups are typically painful. Mobility may be compromised if experienced in the feet, knees, hips, and back. Inflammation in the hands may require the use of accessible tools in the kitchen. Neck and skull inflammation may trigger bouts of fibro fog and migraines.
    • Neuropathic flares
      This type of fibro flare-up creates what I best describe as strange and sometimes horrifying sensations. Examples of these nerve sensations feel like crawling, burning, tingling, and/or numbness in arms and legs. One of the first neuropathic flare-ups I noticed was what felt like burnt patches on my arms, even though there was no visible sight of injury.
    • Fatigue flare-ups
      Fibro fatigue is no joke! Many, like myself, often confuse fatigue for tiredness. But unlike tiredness, fatigue isn’t fixed with a nap or proper amount of sleep. Fatigue overtakes your body and body. There may be pain involved, but it can also be a pain-free experience.

    Fibromyalgia Flares-Up Triggers

    What triggers a fibro flare-up varies as much as the symptoms. However, through journaling, it is possible to find what your most common fibromyalgia triggers are. Some possible fibro flare triggers include

    but are not limited to the following:

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    • Weather
    • Trauma – Physical and/or Emotional
    • Infections or Illness
    • Anxiety
    • Lack of sleep
    • Too much or not enough activity
    • Pain from another condition or injury
    • Scents
    • Sound
    • Light
    • Stress
    • Food

    And this is just the tip of the trigger iceberg!

    Fibromyalgia Flare Symptoms

    The symptoms you experience will not only vary from others who have fibromyalgia, but they will often vary between flares. You may experience overlapping flares as I did for the first ten years after my diagnosis and wonder if it will ever end. Or you may only experience random flares with relief in between like I have for the past seven years.

    The most common symptoms of fibromyalgia flare-ups include but are not limited to the following:

    • Inflammation
    • Widespread Muscle Pain
    • Joint Pain
    • Flu-like symptoms without running a fever or being sick
    • Fibro Fever – Where your skin feels like it is on fire but you do not have a fever
    • Chilled to the Bone – You feel cold for no reason.
    • Nerve pain – Topical and internal
    • Muscle and Joint Stiffness
    • Insomnia
    • Painsomnia
    • Fatigue
    • Cognitive Issues

    How Long Does a Fibro Flare Last?

    Fibromyalgia flare-ups have no specific timetable. They could pass within a few hours or last for days, weeks, months, and even years. However, with extensive journaling and tracking, it is possible to figure out what your most frequent triggers are. This knowledge can help you address the fibro pressure point that is typically set off before the trigger occurs.

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    For example, I know that any increase of 10-20 degrees within a day or two will trigger inflammation around my spine and neck. Knowing this, I run extra PEMF treatments to those areas to reduce the effect the trigger has on my pressure points. This decreases the amount of pain and symptoms that I would have experienced without treating prior and lessens the duration of the flare as well.

    Having an effective fibromyalgia pain management plan is imperative! I cannot express this enough. If you are unable to relieve pain or experience restorative sleep most nights, the odds of shortening the length of a flare are very slim. This is exactly why I was in a continual state of flare for 13 years!

    Tips for Surviving a Fibromyalgia Flare-Up

    You might think that having a good pain reliever is all you need to survive a flare. While comforting, it is not enough. I had excellent prescription pain–relievers during my first 13 years. They would block pain receptors and my pain level was lowered. The problem was that they didn’t address what was causing the pain. Another issue I had was while enjoying that relief, I turned into a manic Super Woman hell-bent to catch up on everything I couldn’t do because of pain. The result was an even higher pain level than what I had before treating my pain.

    In addition to relieving pain, flare survival typically requires a combination of the following:

    Nobody can predict how often a fibromyalgia flare-up will occur. My best advice is to get to know your body, track symptoms, flares, and what does and doesn’t help. This will at the very least decrease how often certain flares are triggered and shorten their duration. The most important thing you can do is to be patient with your body. It needs time to recover and stressing over the flare will only increase your recovery time. Fibromyalgia flare-ups have a mind and agenda of their own, fighting it only makes it worse. It’s better to adopt a comfort and care mindset.

    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