Dear Fibromyalgia

Tag: chronic fatigue syndrome

A detailed guide to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), including its symptoms, causes, and effective treatment strategies to improve energy and well-being.

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.)

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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!

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.

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.

For me, this was just another reminder that I have Fibromyalgia and I can’t deny or ignore it any longer. We really need to take care of ourselves, make time for just you- even if you have to schedule it!

Diet To Control Your Itchy Fibromyalgia Rash

7. Since I first wrote this article a couple 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) of how an elimination diet can help you improve your fibromyalgia symptoms.

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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.

https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

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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
02/24/2021
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.

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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 me 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- like I said in my post Coming Out, I can’t hide from this anymore. This is just another way to remind myself 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.

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 up front with what I am going through in 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 amount of times I hurt my family’s feelings.

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://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

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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

02/24/2021
10 Things I wish my Co-Workers Knew about Fibromyalgia and me!
Most of the time, I would consider myself a private person. I don’t tend to put my personal business out for the entire world to see. However, since my chronic illness has taken my life hostage, I have found the courage to seek support in those around me. Except I’m not quite brave enough to share this with all my co-workers and really, I shouldn’t. Instead, for therapeutic reasons I wrote a list for me and I am sharing it with you.

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What I wish my coworkers knew about me:
1. The truth is- I have Fibromyalgia, which is a condition that involves the brain and nervous system. It is very complex and effects many parts of my body.
2. I’m in pain almost constantly. The pain is widespread all over my body, like someone has been punching me; even a slight touch or bump can be felt as if it were a punch! This is why sometimes when you pat me or hug me too hard, I wince.
3. The constant pain leads to exhaustion and not being able to sleep. Most days I wake up already exhausted, like I ran a marathon. This means that by the time I get to work, I feel like you might feel after days of no sleep.
4. My brain is overloaded by pain and sometimes-loud noises or too much stimulus can overwhelm me and make me feel confused.
5. Fibromyalgia can cause my cognitive functions to slow, meaning sometimes I just can’t find the word I’m looking for. Or it takes me longer to get to the answer than it used to.
6. The medicine I’m on makes me dizzy and sleepy and many other side effects in addition to my illness.
7. I have good days and bad days. If I’m having a good day, it doesn’t mean I’m cured or “faking it on the bad days”.
8. Relationships can be a challenge. Sometimes all this makes it hard for me to even have a conversation and if I’m rude, I’m sorry it is not intentional.
9. Please, No Drama! Stress brings on my symptoms and makes them worse. I care about you all, but I’m just here to do my work. I don’t want to be a part of any conflict.
10. I’m still me! I’m still that ambitious, competitive, over-achiever you have always known. I just need to take it in smaller doses now. I need to take time to take care of me.
There are so many people out there that have chronic pain conditions that have to go to work. I know how hard it can be and how much energy it takes you to get through it! You are NOT alone! I hope this list serves as a reminder that although we don’t want everyone we work with to know our personal business, we need everyone to know how much their kindness means. You never know what someone else is going through on the inside.

https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

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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
02/24/2021
A Look Into The Mirror

I look into the mirror and I wonder
Who are you now?
I remember who you used to be
Are you still the same?

I look into the mirror and I wonder
Do you still want the same things?
I remember what you used to want
Are you still the same?

I look into the mirror and I wonder
Are you still motivated and ambitious?
I remember that you used to be
Are you still the same?

I look into the mirror and I wonder
Is this the same person that walked a half marathon?
I remember when you did that
Are you still the same?

I look into the mirror and I know
The pain has changed you but…
You are still the same
You are still caring and loving
You are still passionate and giving
You are still ambitious and productive

I look into the mirror and I see you
Not Fibromyalgia!

https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

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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

02/24/2021
Marriage – 6 Ideas in Sickness & Health
Grab your cup of coffee or tea and get ready for some “girl talk”! First, let me tell you about me. I have been married for 19 years to my wonderful husband. Anyone married this long knows it isn’t sunshine and rainbows everyday. We have had our share of “rough patches” over the years. He was 19 and I was 21 when we first got together and we both had some growing up to do. Although, it felt like I matured faster than he did when it came to responsibility (of course!). Luckily, we grew up and figured out how to have a stronger marriage.

When you say your vows, “In sickness and in health” I guess you don’t really think about what that means. Maybe, you think when one of you has a cold you will be there with soup. I don’t think anyone thinks about the other one being so sick, that they actually can barely live life anymore. Some marriages might not be able to weather this kind of storm and some may be able to actually get stronger. I will tell you what I think makes it stronger.

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Give and Take in Marriage

In one of my psychology classes, I learned that some relationships are based on something similar to checks and balances. This means that there must be an even amount of giving and take. We all know this isn’t always possible, especially if one of you is chronically ill. Yet, there still must be some give and take or the balance will be so off, you might not be able to get it back. When you have a chronic illness, sometimes it is all you can do to take care of yourself. However, if you try to do something for your spouse that you know they would appreciate, it can go a long way. I have to admit, on my really bad days, this just doesn’t happen.

Here are some ideas you can use to create balance in your marriage:
1. If your spouse always does the cooking or dishes-do one of these without them asking at least once a week.
2. Initiate intimate time!
3. Buy them something special just because.
4. Write them a gratitude letter thanking them for always being there for you and choosing to take care of you.
5. Plan a special date night if you’re feeling up for it. This could be as simple as popcorn and their favorite movie on the couch after YOU put the kids to bed.
6. Tell them you love them and appreciate them often. This is an important one because you don’t want them to feel like you don’t notice all that they do for you. Especially when they have to pick up your slack on the really bad days.
I recognize on some days the above tasks might not be possible. You don’t have to feel guilty on those days. You WILL have good days; just make sure to tip the balance on those days especially.
Something special happened to my marriage a few years back, my husband started changing. He started putting my wants and needs ahead of his own. Naturally, I loved this and wanted to give him the same treatment.

Friends!!!!! This is the secret to my happy marriage. Once he started doing this, I wanted to do it too. It became a domino effect with each other and we both strive to bring happiness to the other as much as we can. We make sacrifices for the other one, not because we know the other one will as well, but because it feels natural to do. We are more in love now than we have ever been! He still comes up behind me and smacks me on the butt, just a lot lighter now (LOL).

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Having a chronic illness can and does put a strain on relationships. Everybody has different circumstances like maybe you feel you don’t have anyone that understands what you’re going through, or maybe you just don’t feel supported. You may not have control over your illness but you do control whom to let into your life, whom to let into your inner circle. It is important for your overall health that you also take care of yourself emotionally as well as physically.

Now that you know the secret to my happy marriage let me know in the comments what makes your marriage work.

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
02/24/2021
Fibromyalgia Causes & 10 Ways to Improve Health
Although the exact cause of Fibromyalgia is not known, there are enough people with the condition to have several possible causes with positive correlations. Sadly, correlation does not mean causation! So what caused my Fibromyalgia? Personally, I know exactly why I have the condition. It directly correlates with some of my life choices. That is not to say I would not have developed the condition either way, however if anyone can learn from my mistakes I am happy to share my experience.

Fibromyalgia Causes Research

According to a WebMD article, “What Causes Fibromyalgia?” there are several possible causes which include genetics, diseases such as arthritis, trauma or abuse, depression and anxiety, PTSD, gender and not exercising enough. The article states that fibromyalgia patients have more cells that carry pain to the brain than someone who does not have the condition. So, with all this information, for me, it is easy to see why I have this ghastly condition.

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It is as if I created a perfect storm for my body to fall apart on me. It could have been any number of the causes above, or even all of them. I do have family members with Fibromyalgia. Sadly, I have experienced trauma and abuse in my life as too many of us have. Arthritis is one of my diagnoses and I have suffered from depression, I would say all of my life. Although anxiety was there as a teen it became very prevalent mostly in my adult life. Having a desk job for twenty years and not exercising enough for sure had something to do with my current condition.

Like many people out there, we have lived paycheck to paycheck just barely surviving for most of our marriage. I had to work sixty-hour weeks just to barely pay the bills. I know deep in my heart that working so hard for so long, being under such deep stress for so long, and not taking time to take care of myself is the main reason why I am so sick now. You might be saying to yourself right now, “Well if you know what you did wrong, you must know how to treat yourself now then!” If only changing habits was that easy.

My 10 goals to change my bad habits and take care of myself:
1. Commit to daily exercise at least 15 minutes a day.
2. Try to be more cognizant of what I put into my body.
3. Practice meditation daily!
4. Reevaluating my current work situation.
5. Taking a semester or two off from working on my BA.
6. Changing my mind-set when I do go back to school to manage my stress better.
7. Take more time for me, such as getting a pedicure, massage etc.
8. Cut myself slack when I don’t complete my “To Do List” for the day or even the week.
9. Remind myself I can’t be EVERYTHING to EVERYONE and it’s ok to say NO.
10. Forgive myself, when I can’t do the list above.
There is a lot of research on what causes cancer, diabetes, and obesity to name a few. There is not really much research on what causes fibromyalgia. When we find out something we are eating may cause cancer, some of us will stop eating it. Research results tend to help us make needed changes in our lives. That is why continued research on fibromyalgia is so important! The more we know about causes, symptoms and treatments, the more likely we can prevent it and possibly reverse the effects.

I urge you to get involved with International Support Fibromyalgia Network to support more education and research for Fibromyalgia.

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Fibromyalgia currently has no cure. However, it doesn’t have to be a prison sentence. I challenge you to make a 10-goal list for yourself! What do you have control over? What can you change for yourself today? Your list will be different than mine and it should be. I really hope you take me up on this challenge and please share your list in the comments! Let’s support each other on this one, and find out how to make our selves feel better, even if for a day or an hour. As always, I am sending much love and gentle hugs to my fellow “spoonies” and “fibro warriors”.

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
02/24/2021
My Love/Hate Relationship With Taking a Shower

I didn’t always hate taking a shower. Before I had Fibromyalgia I probably even loved it. It has always been the thing that wakes me up in the morning and makes me feel good. However, now there is more of a love/hate feeling towards the shower. If you have Fibromyalgia or any other chronic pain condition, you probably already know what I’m going to say. If you don’t have a chronic condition then you are in for a treat; a peak into the daily torture I go through.

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So, since I have to go to work still and I love my co-workers, I have to shower. It is still the thing I need to wake me up that early in the morning. My day starts with me sitting on the edge of the bed, taking an inventory of the pain. I know this sounds weird, but I have to acknowledge it in my brain before I stand up or it catches me off guard. Once I take some deep breaths and some self talk (“ugh, I don’t want to”, “shut up and do it”) I get up and let the dogs out. Then I go into the bathroom and get into the shower. Since I’m so stiff and in so much pain, the hot water is soothing. I do what I need to do in there and then I do some stretches.

You might be saying, “Suzanne, you stretch in the shower, why?” Yes I do everyday because I have to. This is the best place for me to get a little stretching in and wake up my muscles. Since my goal everyday is to do yoga before I leave for work and that NEVER happens, this is my time. Now that was the easy part of getting ready and believe me, it wasn’t really easy for me.

Once I am out of the shower and dry off and get my PJ’s back on (yes, I put those back on) I have to rest. Oh I forgot one important and taxing part- I have to brush my wet hair out so it doesn’t dry in tangles. This is the part that takes the most energy. Now with all that done, I have to go sit on the couch and rest. Heaven forbid the days that I couldn’t get out of bed on time because of exhaustion or pain because I still have to go through this process regardless.

Once I have rested a bit, now comes the hard part, I have to brush my teeth AND blow-dry my hair. I know this sounds stupid, but it is so hard to do. Think of it this way, if you work out a lot, lift weights or do a bunch of push-ups, you get sore right? Then if you try to lift your arms, it is difficult, even painful? Well, this is my daily life and I didn’t lift any weights- we won’t even speak about what it feels like when I have done some push-ups (yes, I can do some push-ups).

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Now that I am good and exhausted, it is time to go to work. When I was home on medical leave, there were many days in a row that I didn’t even shower (embarrassing I know). It took all I had some days to make it from the bed to the couch. This is why we (chronic illness sufferers) are called “warriors” because most days we fight past all that I just mentioned and get through our day. It is ok if we are not able to, but when we do it can feel like a victory over an illness that is trying to take over our life!

I would love to hear your comments below. If you are Warrior- how do you get through your morning routine? Is it similar to mine or different, I would love to know. Are you a Warrior supporter? I would love to hear how this article helps you better understand the person you are supporting. As always, gentle hugs to you, push when you can- rest when you need it.

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

02/24/2021
A Daughter’s Perspective On Fibromyalgia

This is a special guest post from my twenty-two year old daughter. She and I have a very complicated relationship. Katie is very much like me and I have to say arguing with yourself sometimes can be annoying. However, with all our similarities and differences, we are very close and she knows she can always count on me.

I have tried to hide my illness for so long and I think that when I couldn’t hide it anymore my kids didn’t know what was happening to me. They have always been used to their mom handling everything, juggling everything with ease. The following post is my daughter’s perspective of my illness and how it has affected her personally.

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My mom was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia while I was away at college in 2014. When I moved back in with my parents after having been away for some time, the dynamics in the house were really different and I struggled to reacquaint myself into the household. My old room was overtaken by my younger brother and I began sharing a room with my littlest brother. My dad was unemployed for a bit and mom was constantly either at work or doing homework at her desk. My parents were all “lovey-dovey” which was cringe-y and sweet at the same time. I had never seen them so happy. With the happiness came a newfound consideration for each other and dad started helping mom through her fibromyalgia/doing things around the house more.

When I came back, I seemed to cause havoc just by existing in the house. Morning routines were inadvertently interrupted on more than one occasion because of avoidable misunderstandings. I would come in late after being out and the dogs would bark, waking up my family. My little brother would worry about me when I didn’t come home before he fell asleep or if I spent the night somewhere else. If I wasn’t at work or school, I was at a friend’s house. For the longest time, even though I lived with my family or lived just a few miles away, they rarely actually saw me. Sadly I was insensitive of my family’s own issues because I was so invested in my own. All of this was only adding to my mom’s stress and I was not fully conscious of it. Since my mom and I are so similar, we also could barely have a conversation without arguing. It took awhile for me to take a step back and realize how my actions were affecting my family so I could start making the necessary changes within.

I’ve been in and out of my parent’s house a couple times over the past several years, trying to find my footing and regain my independence. Being preoccupied in my own 22 year old bubble, I didn’t realize just how bad things were for my very own Fibro Cure. For a few years she pushed through it, working full time and even going to school part-time via online/night classes. She got her Associates Degree from Ohlone College and was on her way to get a Bachelors from Penn State online. She was actively pursuing her goals and I couldn’t have been more inspired by her efforts. She was innately teaching me and my brothers that hard work is worth it and dedication yields results. Although now I would say I’m more inspired by her resilience and perseverance through living with such a painful illness. In how hard she fights, she’s teaching me and my brothers to never give up and that life is worth living, even if it sucks sometimes.

For years, I didn’t understand Fibromyalgia because I didn’t see the effects of it or how serious it really was. My mom handled it that well. I only woke up from my confusion regarding the illness when mom recently took a leave of absence from work and school because she was too sick to do much of anything. Truthfully, I still don’t understand the illness fully. My mom explained it the other day as being sore after a workout, but all the time, everywhere, without having done anything strenuous. Some days are worse than others. That description helped me understand her pain a bit better because I work out a lot. Ultimately, since I didn’t see the illness before, it was easy for me to pretend it didn’t exist and that my mom was fine–maybe just a bit irritable or moody at times. I didn’t want to acknowledge it because it made it that much more real that I could get it, too, someday.

Some of my female family members have fibromyalgia so the odds aren’t exactly in my favor. Because of this, I need to take all of the preventative measures I can. It’s upsetting seeing the manifestation of an illness in someone I love; especially of one that I too can develop. Frankly it scares me because it seems so debilitating. It would be completely out of my control if I did have it just as it was completely out of my mom’s control when she was diagnosed.

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I know I don’t make things any easier on my mom when I’m out all the time or getting snippy with her when she gets snippy with me. I have to actively remind myself that her reactions to things and her words aren’t intended for me personally; that she has a chronic illness that she has to live with everyday, for the rest of her life. I’ve been working on being more patient and considerate with my mom, now that I understand her situation a little better. I can only hope that by continuing to make my own emotional, mental, and physical health a priority, I will be able to better support my family.

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

02/24/2021
6 Ways To Be Thankful While Having Chronic Illness

Every year my family goes around the table and says what they are thankful for. Even though this year has been my worst. I am determined to stay positive. Finding the things I am grateful for (even if it kills me) will happen. I often find myself feeling sorry for myself and wondering why I have a chronic illness that there is no cure for and that the medical community barely understands. Yet, I need to remind myself that everything happens for a reason. It is important to find the silver lining so I am able to live a fulfilled life.

Here are 6 ways you can try to find gratitude this holiday season:

1. Try to focus on the “good” days. I am thankful for the days that pain is less than a 6 (on a stupid 1-10 scale). To me this number represents the fact that the pain is still there but I can push myself. I can still do the activities I need to do and there might not be consequences. The reason I say might is because I’m still in the dark on what I can do and feel ok the next day and what causes me being immobile. I say this cause I don’t seem to find a pattern yet.

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2. The days when “normal” activities are tolerable. I am thankful for the mornings I wake up, take a shower (see my love/hate relationship with taking a shower), go to work and don’t feel like I need to get right back in bed. This is something I feel a lot, so when it doesn’t happen, it is truly special and something to cherish. Really I should start paying attention to how often this happens so I can focus more on that than on the days when it doesn’t happen.

3. Notice the little things in life that bring you joy. I am thankful for coffee! Without coffee, I do NOT know how I could go on. I know, I am so addicted but it is better than alcohol or drugs….right? I drink my coffee black so there aren’t a lot of extra calories in there. Sometimes, coffee and I don’t get along though. I sometimes get stomach aches from drinking coffee or having too much of it. So to avoid this I try to just have one cup at the most two a day, but if it weren’t for my stomach I could be drinking it all day long. Seriously!

4. The people who “pick you up” on a daily basis. I am thankful for my family. My mom always supports me NO matter what (see October’s gratitude letter). She is for sure my number fan and I can always count on her. My husband is my rock (see my gratitude letter to my husband). He is the one that picks up my slack and makes sure I don’t forget things (lol – it used to be the other way around). My kids are my joy in life. I love them to death and I love watching them grow up. Although, it also makes sad because I miss my kids being babies (sometimes).

5. The people who also live through chronic illness. I am thankful for my chronic illness community. Without them, I am not sure what kind of mess I would be in. They cheer me on, support me and most of all accept me. My chronic illness community doesn’t ask anything in return of me, yet I give it. They understand how I feel without me even saying it because they go through similar experiences as I do. There is no back-stabbing or drama, it is just people lifting up other people and it is so beautiful. Please visit these links to only some of the people who have supported me.

6. The people who choose to be there for you. I am thankful for friends (which by the way the list in #5 are also considered my friends). There are not many but its ok because the ones I do have are very good.

a. My oldest and dearest friend Jennifer (you know who you are) has been my best friend since we were like 13 ( I think). This isn’t a relationship I have to work at, it isn’t one where I will be judged. We have gone years without talking sometimes, yet when we finally do talk it is like we never missed a beat.

b. My sister is someone that I consider to be a best friend as well. We are so different, but I always know that no matter what she will be there for me. I wish location wise we were closer, but in the end it doesn’t really matter because if she ever needed me I would walk a million miles for her.

c. My co-worker and I used to sit right next to each other(literally we were in the same cubicle) and she is also like a sister to me. Nicole has always shown me love and support in everything I do. She is like my personal cheerleader, yet I know she will give me her honest opinion. I call her a sister because we could disagree with each other and know that wasn’t going to change how we feel about each other.

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There is so much more I am thankful for, however, I have some Fibro Fog right now and can’t think anymore. Now you know, I am not always positive and thankful. However, whenever I find myself drifting off that path the above 6 reasons are what bring me back. If you are in the same situation as me, or worse, I encourage you to try to do this same practice. If it helps, write down your 6 or more things you are grateful for and keep them someplace you can see them. Being able to read them every day will head off the blues, and when it doesn’t then read them out loud.

As always I would love to hear what you are grateful for, please continue the discussion in the comments below! I answer back ALL comments.

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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

02/24/2021
Fibromyalgia & Mental Health

**Subject matter in this article may be a trigger for depression, suicide & self harm.**

This is a post I have been thinking about for a while but couldn’t decide if I wanted to actually write it. Writing about my physical illness is hard enough, but my mental status feels even more intimate. Can I make myself even more vulnerable than I already have? Can I say anything that would be helpful to anyone else, or will this just be an outlet for myself? These are important questions to ask, because although I get to let my feelings out in this blog I want to do it in a way that helps others. So, let’s look at the connection between fibromyalgia and mental health.

First, we must accept that Fibromyalgia and mental health is one of those “chicken and the egg” type of categories.

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My History of Depression

I have suffered from depression for a very long time, possibly my whole life. I was always a shy child and often felt alone. As a teenager my depression went to a very dark place. The depression was so debilitating that I couldn’t even feel anymore. I turned to cutting myself, just to feel something. Granted the feeling was pain, but at the time it seemed better than numbness.

With the help of my mother and a therapist, I was able to pull myself out from the darkness. However, it would not be the last time I would go there. I have been so depressed that I thought dying would be better than my current despair. Thankfully I never took that step. When I had my first child, I think I suffered postpartum depression but was so used to feeling depressed that I didn’t realize I needed help. In this case, my beautiful daughter was the one that pulled me out from that darkness (not sure she evens knows that).

My Fibromyalgia & Mental Health

This last year has been my first huge fibro flare (since diagnosis in 2014) that I have had the worst time overcoming. Depression and fibro feel so similar sometimes that it’s hard for me to tell which one is affecting me. They both make my body, mind and spirit hurt. The pain feels like I have heavy rocks strapped to my body and I’ve been thrown in a body of water. At first, I fight it, but then I get so tired, so overwhelmed, I just let it take over me.

Fibromyalgia Cure New Series

Both these subjects Fibromyalgia and Mental Health mean so much to me since they affect me so personally. Thanks to social media I understand that I am not the only one fighting these battles. For this reason, the mingling of these subjects will now be a series on this blog. You can come here to find comfort and support and hopefully some answers. I will continue to tell my story and the story of others. I will also be reaching out to professionals for answers. If you would like to share your story or have questions you would like me to ask and find the answers to please send me a private message. You can do so under the contact me tab in the menu, or leave a comment below.

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Please do not feel alone. If this post has triggered you in any way, please reach out to me. I am listing the national suicide line here for support as well. Always seek the help of a professional in an emergency.

National Suicide Prevention Line: Call 1-800-273-8255

Crisis Text Hotline: 741741

**I am not a physician and this post along with any of my posts is not intended as medical or mental health advice. Please seek the help of a professional if you are experiencing any physical or mental illnesses.

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

02/24/2021