Dear Fibromyalgia

Tag: Fibromyalgia

An in-depth guide on Fibromyalgia, covering its symptoms, causes, treatments, and tips for managing this chronic condition effectively.

  • My Favorite Celebrity is Going for Fibromyalgia & Raising Awareness – Lady Gaga Fibro Warrior

    Lady Gaga “comes out” as a Fibro Fighter

    Have you noticed the media frenzy this past week? Fibromyalgia is trendy!!

    Lady Gaga declared on her Twitter feed that she too battles with Fibromyalgia.

    As she opened up about her chronic pain, her canceled tour dates, and her stay in hospital; social media went into meltdown.

    Love her or hate her, Lady Gaga’s announcement has definitely divided opinions.

    I have never been a huge visitor to Fibromyalgia support forums. However, it has been “eye-opening to say the least to see how opinions have been divided.

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    In one camp you have those, like me who think that this is great for raising awareness.

    People are finally starting to ask questions about this relatively unknown and misunderstood condition. Facebook went into overdrive. Instagram was buzzing and Twitter, well just tweeted. Daytime TV interviewed doctors who gave the low down on Fibromyalgia. One of our regular presenters got a crash course in pronouncing the word as well as learning what the symptoms are. In some respects, it felt better late than never. All of sudden, we are validated. Just sad that it has taken so long and a celebrity suffering to bring Fibromyalgia out in the open. Good on Gaga!!

    Sadly, on the other side of the fence, there are those sufferers who are playing the “my Fibromyalgia is worse than yours” game. They have declared open season on Lady Gaga.

    They are questioning her motives for going public. Doubting that she could even have the condition given her long and energetic live performances. There have been those that have suggested that she would be better using her wealth by contributing to research. They deem this preferable as opposed to sharing her story. And believe it or not, there are some who are “whining” about her being in hospital. If she can “rest in the hospital, why can’t I?” Really???

     I am sure that she can think of better places to rest and recuperate without being admitted to hospital.

    The reality of this condition is that nobody is immune, the pain has no regard for celebrity status. Because Fibromyalgia is so different and unique to each individual it is difficult to judge one set of symptoms against another. Fibromyalgia can prove to be more debilitating for some than others. We know that it tends to go hand in hand with so many other conditions such as Chronic Fatigue or Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

    For those of us with Fibromyalgia and chronic pain, it is important that we extend compassion not just to fellow sufferers but also towards ourselves.

    It is imperative that we don’t turn our pain into some sort of competition by judging one another as to who can do what. We should be celebrating our successes and commiserating when the going gets tough. Not putting each other down because somebody had a good day!

    I have, in some small part, been on the receiving of those who have doubted the severity of my condition. I have been slated for holding down a full-time job and for not taking medication. All good reasons apparently to question my diagnosis by other Fibromyalgia sufferers.

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    Therefore, I have to say that I do feel for Lady Gaga. Although never a fan, I admire her honesty and her admission that shows she isn’t the superhuman everybody thought she was. By coming out and talking of her struggle with pain, she has made herself vulnerable to the doubters and naysayers. I am hoping that she also becomes an ambassador and a voice for those who genuinely suffer in silence.

    She has the same frailties and struggles as the rest of us who suffer with this condition.

    And, yes truth be told, she has more money than most. Without a doubt, she will have access to some of the best doctors and healthcare. However, at the end of the day, her pain and fatigue will be as soul-destroying and debilitating as it is for the rest of us.

    As we all do, she will have good and bad days. Sadly, she will have flares and periods of stability. She is now after all a Fibromyalgia Warrior battling with the rest of us. Therefore, she is as deserving of our support as any other brave soul battling chronic pain.

    Whatever your thoughts are on the performer, she has brought the word Fibromyalgia into the public domain and that can only be a good thing. I for one, wish her all the love and luck in the world.

    I think the priority now for Fibromyalgia warriors everywhere is to jump on the Gaga bandwagon.

    This is a great opportunity now to capitalize on her story and build momentum by telling our stories. If you are feeling brave, why not get in touch with your local press and tell them about your Fibro journey. Post on your Facebook page, start up your own community or share your Fibro days on Instagram. 

    It is certainly a topical subject at the moment and ultimately, this can only be a good thing in educating people about our condition. It is up to us to get our message out there and highlight how many people are actually battling this condition day in day out, out of the headlines, and away from the cameras. 

    Be brave, be bold and tell your story – no meaty outfits required!!

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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

  • How Does CRPS Affect The Eyes?

    CRPS is a condition known for causing chronic pain and discomfort in the body and, as anecdotal evidence has suggested, the eyes. Find out how CRPS affects the eyes in our blog.

    As a chronic pain condition, complex regional pain syndrome is known for causing a wide range of extremely painful symptoms, such as joint stiffness, swelling, changes in skin texture, and burning, in the affected area. At Brian Barr, we are a leading CRPS lawyer firm that understands how difficult everyday life can be for sufferers of illness. As well as causing pain, CRPS has the ability to spread and cause severe symptoms in other areas of the body, including the eyes. In this blog, we outline how CRPS affects the eyes and what symptoms it can cause. Continue reading to find out more.

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    Although there is no research to prove that there is in fact a link between CRPS and eye problems, there has been strong evidence to suggest so, and many patients in the past have suffered from a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms in their eyes as a result of, what evidence suggests, being a CRPS sufferer. Common symptoms that CRPS patients should look out for are blurred vision, double vision, poor focus, sensitivity to light, and dry eyes, with a less common symptom being droopy eyes. Sufferers have also reported seeing flashes and zig-zags in their vision, with sharp, stabbing, and shooting pains taking place through their eyes.

    Why does CRPS affect the eyes? Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to this question, much like the question as to why CRPS developed in the first place. As a CRPS law firm, we have worked with many patients in the past and understand how irritating it is to not have the answers to your questions. This being said however, experts do know that the condition can develop in the face and head as a result of a traumatic encounter, such as surgery, a tooth removal, or after having a lesion (wound, bruise, ulcer, abscess, or tumor). It’s a well-known fact that pre-existing CRPS and surgery don’t go hand in hand. Suffering from CRPS in the face or head makes the eyes much more vulnerable to the effects of the disease.

    In order to understand how CRPS will affect an individual patient’s eye, two things must be understood; the initial state of the eye and the type of injury that occurred to the eye. Although there is no cure for CRPS, there are methods of pain relief that can ease any pain and discomfort caused to the eye area as a result of the disease. In a past case, a CRPS patient suffered a trivial swipe injury in his left eye, which caused initial symptoms of redness and lacrimation in the same eye. After two months, he began to experience orbital pain, along with swelling and burning sensations, and was prescribed 100mg of medicine take twice per day for a week. After the next examination, he continued to experience pain and developed moist skin on his eyelid, as well as minimal resolving edema. As a result, his medicine dosage increased to 300mg three times per day for four weeks, which then eased his pain and edema. After three weeks had passed, the man was completely pain-free, proving that, through the right treatments, symptoms can be relieved and sufferers can return to some form of normality. Each patient’s unique circumstance should be considered in order to reach a conclusion.

    All in all, there is some evidence to support the belief that CRPS has the ability to affect the eyes in many ways, however, until sufficient evidence is found, medical professionals are likely to remain highly skeptical. If you suffer from the condition and have experienced problems with your eyes in the past, leave a comment below; as an expert CRPS lawyer firm, we regularly share advice and support to sufferers on our blog and social media pages, so get in touch with us on Facebook and Twitter.

    https://teespring.com/stores/fibromyalgia-6
    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

  • Fighting Battles with Fibromyalgia

    Every day is a battle but who is winning the war?

    Since I began Fibro Warrior, I have often been asked how do I manage to focus on the positives whilst battling Fibromyalgia? The answer to that is what are the alternatives? I guess I have two choices but only one is worth pursuing.

    The truth is that there is certainly nothing positive about having a chronic condition. But given that there is currently no cure for Fibromyalgia, then I feel that I must change and adapt. So read on to see how I do just that….

    When I was diagnosed in 2000, I had already been struggling with Fibromyalgia for 11 years. I didn’t know what was wrong with me and I think in reality those years were the darkest. They were scary in the sense that I feared for my sanity. I knew all was not well but the doctors could find nothing wrong.

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    It was in the early years that this condition robbed me of so much.

    It took my energy, my health, my confidence, and my self-esteem. More tragically, it robbed me of the early years with my baby son, and later in 1997 it put paid to my first marriage. Whatever this was, it was beating me and winning!

    Getting my diagnosis was a massive relief and once I got my head around the fact that it was incurable, I was ready to fight. I made the decision there and then, that I was not going to rely on medication and from then on, things started to change.

    I had two choices, roll over and let Fibromyalgia throw all that it had at me. Become its victim and allow it to keep robbing me until I had nothing left or I couldn’t fight anymore!!

    I chose to start fighting!!

    I didn’t have an army or stash of secret weapons…yet! But, I did have a renewed will to get better. I didn’t know how I was going to do it but I thought I knew what I was up against. It was a start, the battle lines were drawn and I could start and fight back.

    Over the years, I read everything I could get my hands on about the condition. I saw a nutritionist, spent a fortune on alternative therapies and acupuncture. Joined a gym and quit, joined another, and quit again. I took supplements, drank Aloe Vera. I used crystals and aromatherapy oils looking for one that one miracle cure. You have been there, right? You know what I am talking about.

    Well, I am sure you discovered the same as me. There is no miracle cure. One Nil to Fibromyalgia

    As I neared my 50th birthday, there came the realization that with this anniversary there would be another “milestone.” I would have officially battled Fibromyalgia for over half of my life. In all likelihood, I would have to carry on the fight for another 25 years. I knew that there had to be a way of making sure that the Fibro didn’t swallow me up completely. I finally knew that the answer wasn’t going to come in some wonder drug or therapy. It was going to come from within me!!

    Yep, Fibromyalgia, I won this one!! I got the answer you tried to keep from me for 25 years – one all

    It was almost a revelation that my “healing” as much as it could be, was going to start and end with me. No doctors, no therapists, no medication – just me. I truly believed that I had all the weapons I needed right here in my body. It was just a matter of deciding what I had and how I was going to use it.

    Firstly, I knew I needed exercise. I had tried all the usual gym stuff, swimming and walking. Invariably, these made me feel worse and induced a flare. I knew that I had to find something fairly gentle on my body but it had to be effective. So began my journey to the Yoga mat. It was and still is amazing.

    Yoga meets you where you are and no two sessions are the same. Positions are adapted to accommodate my Fibro body depending on what I can manage on any given day. I also read up on rebounding (bouncing on a trampoline) and learned that this was beneficial for Fibromyalgia sufferers. So, I bought my rebounder and gradually increased my bounce time from an initial tough 5 minutes to an invigorating and enjoyable half an hour.

    Another win chalked up to me I think Fibro

    I had, over the years dabbled with meditation. This had been born out of my love of all things Tibetan and His Holiness, The Dalai Lama. Therefore it made sense to make a real effort to include meditation in my yoga practice. In addition, I spend the first 10 minutes of every day meditating outside, no matter the weather. (An outdoor gazebo is a triumph).

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    Meditation works!! It takes me to a place where my breath dominates and my thoughts, feelings, and pain are relegated for a short time while I focus on ME. My personal mantra is “It is all about me, it’s all about now”.

    My early morning meditation and yoga sessions set me up for the day. I believe that this sends a message to my Fibromyalgia that I am up, out of bed, and ready to take on my day – strong and determined.

    So, that is my body & mind sorted – what else could I arm myself with?

    I have always been a strong believer that given the right conditions, the body can heal itself. Never one to embrace a medication, I always know that a headache will eventually go away. A cold or flu will run its course and then disappear without a trace. A cut or a bruise will in time, heal as if by magic. So, my next quest was to explore what my body needed to fight Fibromyalgia every damn day.

    I personally believed that the answer would lie in my diet. So, I decided to go right back to the drawing board and carry out a cleanse. I knew that this would give me the opportunity of cutting out large amounts of food, whilst giving my digestion a break. This would then put me in the position of slowly introducing certain foods again and then judging how they impacted my body.

    I opted for a 12-day program that required me to cut out all processed food, meat, caffeine, dairy, and sugar. It was tough for a couple of days but then the magic started. I woke in the mornings with no aches and pains (seriously). My energy increased and the constant fatigue which plagued my days was gone. People started to comment on how well I looked and I was even accused of getting Botox because my skin glowed.

    I felt so good that at the end of the 12 days, I did another 12. I made the decision then to permanently cut out all caffeine and processed foods from my diet. Also, I opted to leave out the meat and just eat fish.

    So, the stage was set for my fight back!

    As time went on, I wanted to learn more about how I could further support my body in its war with Fibromyalgia but I also wanted to pass on what I had learned already. In order to support other sufferers, I decided to sign up to become and Health & Wellness Coach. I then went on to study raw food nutrition. It was learning about what my body needed to function at its optimal. I was giving it a fighting chance against Fibromyalgia.

    Now, I need to be clear here and say that I would not consider myself healed. There are times when the pain is too much to bear, the fatigue overwhelming but compared to how I felt in 1989 there is no comparison. I have learned that with the right foods and being gentle with me when I need it, these flares pass and I live to fight another day!

    Fibromyalgia may win many of the battles but I am determined it will never, ever win the war!!

    https://teespring.com/stores/fibromyalgia-6
    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

  • Why Is Chronic Pain Worse At Night?

    Chronic pain is an extremely painful condition that has a tendency to worsen at night, but what’s the reason behind this? Find out in this blog.

    As a law firm with vast expertise in handling chronic pain compensation claims, we regularly witness first-hand how debilitating the condition can be and are therefore able to empathize with our clients who approach us to work on their cases. When chronic pain flares up, there is no standard remedy to reduce or eliminate the agony it causes, which is why it’s so important for sufferers to be fully in tune with their condition; by acknowledging which elements contribute to their torment, patients have the ability to seek out their own courses of treatment to undo and prevent flares from occurring. The majority of chronic pain syndrome sufferers report particularly high levels of pain at night, which is unanimous in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions, such as fibromyalgia, CRPS, and ankylosing spondylitis. Physicians are contributing this pattern to a number of physical and environmental factors, each of which is outlined in this blog.

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    Lack of distraction: During the day, people are more likely to be preoccupied with everyday tasks and events, such as taking care of priorities and partaking in hobbies, which leaves less time to dwell on painful symptoms. However, at night in the darkness, it’s easy to concentrate solely on pain which, in turn, escalates symptoms and brings them to the forefront of people’s thoughts. For those who are prone to experiencing chronic pain at night, experts suggest physically exhausting yourself during the day by taking part in regular exercise activities that are linked to reduced symptoms, such as walking, yoga, and swimming, as well as distracting yourself mentally with stimulating activities.

    1) Sleep deprivation: As the pain has a tendency to flare up at night, many chronic pain sufferers have trouble sleeping. The correlation between chronic pain and sleeplessness is a vicious one since lower sleep efficiency and poorer sleep quality are known to worsen pain by causing irritability, anxiety, and agitation. To prevent snowballing symptoms and the vicious chronic pain cycle, doctors recommend establishing a stable sleep routine and experimenting with pillow combinations to find the ideal position that relieves tender spots.

    2) External factors: Chronic pain sufferers are particularly vulnerable to external factors, such as changes in the weather and the inhalation of perfumes, cleaning products, or dust. By identifying potential triggers, however, sufferers are able to take action to prevent the onset of pain; for example, if the weather forecast predicts low temperatures, a chronic pain sufferer should prepare their sleeping space by turning the heating on or having an extra blanket to hand.

    3) Body pressure: During the night, joint linings are prone to becoming congested with excess fluid to bathe cells while the joints are immobile for an extended period of time. Arthritis, a condition known for causing joint swelling, often coexists with chronic pain syndrome, which means sufferers are likely to be aggravated and be woken up by pain. People with chronic pain also suffer from vitamin D deficiency and high-stress levels, which can lead to the common cold and many other viral infections. When the body is battling an illness, the body can stiffen and ache, triggering chronic pain symptoms. By maintaining a healthy life, however, chronic pain sufferers are able to proactively fight outbreaks of pain to prevent this. This may involve taking vitamin supplements, altering the diet, or avoiding smoking.

    Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer as to why chronic pain escalates at night; there are many contributing factors and, much like the diagnosis of chronic pain syndrome, it is a complex process to determine each patient’s unique situation. Using research acquired from over 19 studies, the NHS reports that 140,000 adults and 43% of people in the UK suffer from chronic pain and, although their diagnosis is the same, their associated symptoms, triggers, and affected body parts may be completely different. Finding the triggers of pain is hugely important for chronic pain sufferers; once these have been found, actions can then be taken to relieve symptoms, which can then lead to improved symptoms at night.

    https://teespring.com/stores/fibromyalgia-6
    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

  • Explaining Fibromyalgia to Family & Friends

    ….it’s not that easy!

    When it comes to Explaining Fibromyalgia to Family & Friends, it’s a tough one. It isn’t something that comes easily to them or even to you for that matter. No matter how long you have battled with the condition, the reality is that you will always come up against opposition when you are trying to explain how this “invisible illness” affects you every day.

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    I have battled Fibromyalgia since 1989 and I still think that there really isn’t one member of my family that just “gets it.” And to be fair, who can blame them. Most of the time, I look absolutely fine – a little tired maybe. I am not rolling around the bed writhing in pain. I don’t have a raging temperature or covered in some unpleasant rash – I am to all intents and purposes ME.

    It is for this very reason, that those battling Fibromyalgia often feel incredibly isolated and alone.

    Likely, nobody in your immediate circle of family and friends understands what you are having to deal with day in and day out. Sure, you can head off to your local support group or find an online forum. But the reality is, if you are like me you want your family to comprehend your suffering. You want a little compassion and support from your loved ones.

    One of the biggest frustrations of Fibromyalgia is trying to explain what it is. How you got it and how you deal with it. At times it feels like trying to explain the unexplainable. Truth be told, we don’t really understand what we are battling. It just appears from nowhere, takes over your life. You are caught up in the merry-go-round of pain and fatigue.

    So, what are you to do when you find yourself in this situation?

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    How do you explain to your family and friends why you are missing out on the social occasion of the year. Why you can’t do Christmas at yours like you used too?

    Chances are you can’t. And that isn’t because you are not articulate enough or educated enough on the condition – it is because you are too close to the situation. The likely outcome will be that any in-depth conversation will end up in misunderstanding, frustration, and emotions running high on both sides.

    So, what do you do? The answer is you let somebody else do the talking for you. I relied on YouTube to get my message across to my family. It takes away the anxiety and almost makes it less personal when somebody else is recounting their story or sharing the facts. I have a great little video on the site which helps to explain, it is a little robotic but the message is perfect.

    This issue can be a huge source of stress and anxiety to all concerned. So, it is, for this reason, I decided to do something positive to help you and your family.

    I put together a short course which you can share with your loved ones. It contains some strategies for opening the channels of communication along with a couple of videos. There are also two fairly powerful and thought-provoking letters.

    Because I feel so strongly that you should have the support and understanding you so richly deserve, I am gifting this course to you and your family.

    It is my sincere hope that sharing this information with your loved ones, it will give both them and you the knowledge to move forward together united.

    So, head over there now and unwrap your gift with my love and best wishes.

    https://teespring.com/stores/fibromyalgia-6
    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

  • Which Foods Help Fibromyalgia?

    There is no known cure for fibromyalgia, however, certain types of foods are said to help reduce the severity of symptoms caused by the condition. Find out more in this blog.

    Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes widespread pain all over the body, as well as a host of other life-changing symptoms, such as extreme fatigue and irritable bowel syndrome. No specific diet is known to cure fibromyalgia, however, past studies have suggested that there are certain foods and additives that may exacerbate the condition. These foods are thought to alter brain chemistry and increase the amount of pain perceived by the body. Contrastingly, there are also foods and additives that are said to help reduce the pain caused by the condition, as they help to reduce inflammation and contain enough nutrients to battle cell-damaging free radicals in the body.

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    There is a noticeable link between diet and fibromyalgia. Many sufferers of chronic conditions find that the food they eat can have an impact on the symptoms they experience. Certain food products that may normally trigger a mild reaction can often have a more adverse effect on fibromyalgia sufferers. These include:

    • Refined sugar
    • Caffeine
    • Alcohol
    • Fried foods
    • Red meat
    • Highly processed foods

    Research has also shown that cutting out certain additives, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) and aspartame can help to reduce fibromyalgia symptoms.

    This being said, however, there is no definitive dietary program that has been shown to consistently improve the symptoms of fibromyalgia. This is not surprising when you consider that every fibromyalgia sufferer experiences their own unique set of symptoms. However, there does tend to be a pattern between certain foods and symptoms. For example:

    • Wheat-based foods can account for bowel sensitivity
    • Cheese can often cause headaches, as it contains the known trigger, L-tyramine
    • Chinese food commonly contains MSG, a known excitotoxin to the nervous system, which causes insomnia
    • Excitotoxins, which also include aspartame, are also known to increase pain perception

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    As well as foods to avoid, there are a few golden dietary rules to follow to help manage symptoms of fibromyalgia. These include:

    • Eat plenty of oily fish, such as sardines and mackerel, as these contain anti-inflammatory properties
    • Linseeds – also known as flax seeds – are a valuable source of Omega 3 fatty acids, which can help ease irritable bowel syndrome
    • Eat as many ‘colorful’ foods as possible (carrots, beetroot, red grapes, green peppers, etc.) to combat the oxidative stress of this inflammatory condition
    • Avoid tea, coffee, and nicotine as they are all anti-nutrients and stimulants
    • Watch out for common allergens, such as dairy, wheat, citrus, and eggs
    • Cut down or eliminate sugar and salt entirely, as they are also anti-nutrients – salt can cause calcium retention and lead to tight muscles, whereas sugar lowers immunity and causes fatigue and bloating
    • Drink plenty of water; dehydration causes headaches, mental fog, backache, and fatigue
    • Make every effort to eat slowly, get some sunshine and improve your sleep quality – these three simple measures will help you to slow down, improve your mood, reduce stress, aid cell repair, and boost energy levels

    At Ronty Rhodes Solicitors, we have vast experience in handling fibromyalgia compensation claims for a wide range of sufferers who have developed the condition as a result of an accident or injury that was not their fault. However, it is important to remember that we are not medical experts, therefore, would always advise that you meet with your doctor or local GP to discuss your symptoms before making any drastic changes to your diet.

    https://teespring.com/stores/fibromyalgia-6
    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

  • What We’ll Become is Fibro Warrior

    Fate whispers to the warrior, “you cannot withstand the storm.” And the warrior whispers back “I am the storm.” ~ unknown

    I love this “warrior” quote and have referred back to it many times throughout my battles with chronic pain. It is the defiance of answering fate back that most appeals to me. The thought that OK, I have my lot in life but I don’t have to like it or accept it.

    So often now, we see titles such as Chronic Pain warrior, Fibromyalgia warrior, Chronic Illness warrior, Spoonie warrior. They are everywhere, often preceded by the # on social media. But what does it really mean to be tagged, warrior? Do you have what it takes to even be a warrior?

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    The definition of a warrior is “one who is engaged in or experienced in battle.” Other meanings include “one who is engaged in conflict or struggle.”

    “A person who has shown great vigour, courage or aggressiveness.”

    For me personally, I often shy away from using the word suffer when referring to my chronic pain journey. I prefer the word battle. My head tells me that this word sends out the message to the universe that I am fighting. Suffering I might be but battling is how I want to be perceived. There are many times when I don’t feel much like a warrior but no matter what life throws at me, I somehow tell myself the fight must go on. The alternatives are too hard to contemplate, so resolutely I “soldier” on determined not to let pain and fatigue get the better of me.

    Now, I absolutely know that I am not unique, nor am I some kind of hero. I am just another warrior who has no alternative than to fight on. I know that for you reading this, you too are a warrior and committed to the battle. How do I know? Because if you were not a warrior, you definitely would not be on a website that looks to support healthy, positive life with chronic pain. You certainly wouldn’t be looking to empower yourself and search for answers if you were not determined and unwavering in your quest for better health.

    We fight for our health everyday in ways that most people don’t understand.

    For those of us battling chronic pain, it’s the little things that most people take for granted that make us strong. The effort to get moving. To get out of bed in the morning, even when it would be easier to stay there. Our determination to keep going when our whole body is crying out enough. The smiles we paint onto our faces mask the tears of pain and frustration.

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    Our abilities to resist the temptation to punch the doctor. You know the one, who tells us that we need to pull ourselves together and snap out of it. It’s the way that we hide our disappointment and sadness when friends and loved ones give us a wide berth for saying “no” one too many times. The relentless march to look normal when we are feeling anything but. It’s the keeping, keeping on when we are so exhausted we just want it all to stop.

    The days when the last thing we want to do is be the victim, but our pain and fatigue overwhelms us anyway.

    For all of these reasons and for many more, we ARE warriors. It is not some tag or label, it is truly our reality. Every day we go to war, engage in battle just to get through the day. We fight with everything we have, just for some normality. We stand strong in our unwavering support and acknowledgment of our fellow warriors. Knowing that nobody understands and lifts them up like another warrior. We are constantly on a quest for the smallest victories – holding down a job, attending a family wedding, a walk in the park, or just getting dressed.

    To every warrior out there battling their chronic pain and fatigue, I salute you. I stand alongside you in your battle for health, wellness, and some sense of normality. Check out how I can support you by clicking this link.

    For my birthday earlier this year, my husband bought me the CD from the Greatest Showman. He wanted me to hear the words from the song “This is me.” Today, I dedicate those words to you.

    I opted to share this emotionally charged clip as opposed to the one from the actual show.  She is scared but she did it anyway!! Enjoy her triumph and if you love the video as much as I do, drop a comment in the box below and let me know.

    “We are Warriors, yeah, that’s what we’ll become.”

    https://teespring.com/stores/fibromyalgia-6
    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

  • Understanding the difference between Fibromyalgia and CRPS

    Fibromyalgia and CRPS are both chronic and debilitating pain syndromes. Although they do share similarities, the two conditions are completely different. In this blog, we detail how.

    Fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome, also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, are often confused; each condition causes extreme, constant pain which, unfortunately, remains incurable. In some ways, the two conditions are very similar, however, in reality, they are completely different from one another, which is something we know all too well as an expert law firm handling both fibromyalgia and CRPS compensation claims. In this blog, we look at each of the two disorders, focusing on their symptoms and how they are diagnosed, as well as the reasons why they are so distinctive from one another. To find out more, continue reading.

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    There are some obvious similarities between fibromyalgia and CRPS; both cause pain severe enough to be life-changing and can lead to extreme difficulty with movement. Symptoms of each condition are said to be aggravated by changes in temperature, which is something that has been proven to be true in previous studies. This being said, however, there are significant differences between each disease.

    The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. It is thought to be related to abnormal levels of certain chemicals in the brain and changes in the way the central nervous system (Brain, spinal cord, and nerves) processes pain messages that are carried through and around the body. It can be triggered spontaneously or, in many cases, by an accident or trauma.

    Contrastingly, the majority of CRPS cases are triggered by an injury or surgical procedure. The pain caused by fibromyalgia is incredibly painful and the same can be said for CRPS; as a condition, it causes intense pain and a wide variety of accompanying painful symptoms.

    Fibromyalgia has a tendency to come and go into remission for weeks, sometimes months, at a time. It is much rarer for that to happen with CRPS. Unlike patients with fibromyalgia, those with CRPS tend to exhibit changes in skin color and temperature at the site of the original tissue injury. In some cases, skin in the affected limb may be hot, red, and dry, whereas at other times it may be cold, blue, and sweaty. Most patients also describe a lack of strength, difficulty moving the affected body part, muscle spasms and tremors, as well as abnormal limb posture.

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    Diagnosing both fibromyalgia and CRPS can be difficult as symptoms of each condition mimic many other conditions. Diagnosis of fibromyalgia includes a three-month history of widespread pain in at least 11 of 18 tender point sites, which are not the same as trigger sites. Tender points hurt only when pressed. With fibromyalgia, fatigue is almost always present and can be extreme at times. Sufferers tend to wake with body aches and stiffness and, while pain tends to improve during the day, it often increases again during the evening. Cold, damp weather, anxiety, and stress can aggravate symptoms. Most fibromyalgia patients have an associated sleep disorder, as their deep-level sleep is interrupted by constant bouts of awake-like Ronty activity.

    The long-term pain of CRPS is usually confined to one limb, although it can spread to other areas of the body. The skin of the affected body part can become extremely sensitive to touch, so much so that just a slight touch, bump or even a change in temperature can provoke intense pain and affected areas can become swollen, stiff, or undergo fluctuating changes in color or temperature. If you think you may have fibromyalgia or CRPS, it is important that you discuss your symptoms and any possible treatment with your GP. If you have contracted either of these conditions through an accident or injury that wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible for compensation. At Ronty Rhodes Solicitors, we have vast experience in handling claims for a wide variety of patients and will handle your case with the utmost care and sensitivity.

    https://teespring.com/stores/fibromyalgia-6
    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

  • This Is Me… This is Fibromyalgia

    Today, I stepped back into a place I haven’t visited in a long time……One year to the day to be exact since I last ventured anywhere close. It wasn’t intentional or deliberate to visit on this day, it just kind of happened. It felt like taking a trip down memory lane. I was curious and I suppose I wanted to see if everything was still the same. Truth be told, it was and it wasn’t.

    The surroundings were familiar enough, nothing much had changed but in a sense, everything had changed. I had changed. That seemed to make all the difference.

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    So where did I go you might ask? Where was this place that had conjured up so many mixed emotions and left me in floods of tears?

    The answer, was right here, the blog!!

    My last post here was on 3rd October 2018. 12 whole months since I had reached out to my fellow warriors with love and support. 365 days, that I haven’t had the confidence to write from the heart and reach out. 52 weeks of being in the wilderness and feeling disconnected from everything and everyone.

    The truth is that I was struggling so bad myself that I felt that I had nothing to give you. How could I make things fantastic for those who came to get support and guidance? I couldn’t even help myself. So, I retreated. I let life happen to me whilst all the time trying desperately to distance myself from the mental and physical pain I was battling against.

    One of my coping strategies, the love of writing fell by the wayside, and once that happened my outlet for expression went too. I bottled everything up inside, giving the appearance all was well in my world, whilst the reality was far from good.

    My self-confidence was at rock bottom and I felt that I had nothing to offer anymore.

    All of my words of wisdom had dried up and I was just another chronic pain warrior, battling through each day with nothing new to share. No advice to give and no words of comfort.

    As I logged on today, I read my last blog post and replayed over and over the video clip that I had attached to the post. It was then and still is today an incredibly powerful version of “This Is Me” from the film The Greatest Showman. As I listened, the words

    “Another round of bullets hits my skin Well, fire away ’cause today, I won’t let the shame sink in.”

    resonated so deep within me that I could have easily sunk to the ground with emotion. I had let shame get the better of me. I was ashamed to really share the struggle…..if I wasn’t Fibro Fantastic then I thought I had nothing anybody would want to hear.

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    But, recently I have been working so hard on authenticity.

    Coming to terms with who I am, who I always was, and who I have become. Acknowledging that if people can’t deal with the real me, then there is no point in having them in my life. I wanted to send the imposter away and take the real Tracey by the hand and bring her out of hiding.

    As I played the video clip Keala Settle’s voice wracked with emotion was like a light going on. It felt as though now, this was my anthem. My mantra. My shout out to the world that I make no apologies. – This is me!!

    I am brave, I am bruised
    I am who I’m meant to be, this is me
    Look out ’cause here I come
    And I’m marching on to the beat I drum
    I’m not scared to be seen
    I make no apologies, this is me

    For now, I am back.

    To share my words and feelings from my heart feels like a huge release. I need an outlet for my journey, the one that has both physical and mental pain as passengers. It has been here all along – my blog, my corner of the virtual world. A place where people stand together, as members of an invisible club, where only we understand the rules.

    Going forward, I don’t know the direction Fibro Fantastic Wellness Coaching will take, but I do know this will be as much about me as it is about you. I can’t help you if I can’t help me. So, for now, I feel that the blog will take on more of a journey feel. Letting you into my new world of struggle, despair, the battles, the highs, and the lows.

    I am still Tracey the Wellness Coach, but I am also Tracey the fighter who is vulnerable and scared of the future, just like the rest of you. But I am home and for now, I will take that!

    https://teespring.com/stores/fibromyalgia-6
    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

  • Can Vitamin Supplements Help CRPS Sufferers?

    Unfortunately, CRPS is an incurable disease, however, certain vitamins are said to help reduce pain caused by the condition for certain sufferers.

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    As a result of considerable research, it is now widely accepted in the medical profession that Vitamin C can reduce the risk of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) following a limb fracture or limb surgery. In this blog, we discuss whether or not vitamins really do have the ability to alleviate symptoms for those sufferers who have already been diagnosed with the debilitating condition. Continue reading to find out more.

    Scientists do not know exactly what it is that causes complex regional pain syndrome to develop and, as the condition is currently incurable, there is no definitive successful treatment. Instead, there are particular remedies and potential treatments that have been found to make symptoms caused by the condition more bearable.

    In over 90 percent of cases, CRPS is triggered by a clear history of trauma or injury. As a condition, CRPS is lifelong and affects every aspect of a sufferer’s life.

    Around 58% of CRPS sufferers find relief through prescribed painkillers and it is now commonly accepted that the best way to treat chronic pain caused by CRPS is with a multi-pronged, long-term approach. This can include a combination of GP-approved medication, relaxation techniques, holistic treatments, and vitamins.

    Although there is no conclusive evidence regarding the effective use of vitamins to alleviate the many symptoms of CRPS, there is a wide-ranging argument that introducing additional vitamins into a daily regime can only help.

    Increased sensitivity to pain is widely acknowledged to be triggered by a nervous system disorder. As vitamin B12 is essential for a healthy nervous system, replenishing vitamin B12 levels through supplementation has been found to be extremely beneficial.

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    Vitamin B and Magnesium have also received favorable feedback in terms of helping people live with the CRPS, as well as Calcium and, to some extent, fish oil supplements. However, it is always important to remember that no two individuals will react the same way to vitamin supplements; what may work well for one person may not necessarily have the same effect for another.

    The many medical benefits of Vitamin C have long been known. In 1942, the important role of Vitamin C in fracture healing was documented. As well as promoting bone formation, Vitamin C has since been shown to improve the mechanical strength of the new bone (callus) that forms during the bone unification process. Studies indicate that, while Vitamin C does not absolutely prevent the development of CRPS following limb fractures or limb surgery, it does significantly reduce that risk. A 500mg of Vitamin C daily for at least 50 days following limb fracture or surgery remains a worthwhile measure.

    There can be no replacement for a nutritional diet and a healthy lifestyle, however, if you’re struggling to meet your ‘Five-a-Day’ target of fresh fruit and vegetables and feel you may be lacking in nutrients as a result, adding vitamin supplements to your daily routine can only be a good thing for your overall health.

    At Ronty Rhodes Solicitors, we are experts in handling CRPS compensation claims for a wide range of clients. However, it is important to remember that we are not medical experts and would always advise discussing your condition and any potential treatments with your doctor or local GP. If you have developed complex regional pain syndrome as a result of an accident or injury that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to compensation. As CRPS solicitors, we have vast experience in handling claims for a wide range of patients. With us, you will feel safe in the knowledge that your case is handled with the utmost care and attention.

    https://teespring.com/stores/fibromyalgia-6
    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