I was diagnosed about 16 years ago with fibromyalgia. Now for those who have yet to see the ads or hear about this crazy disease, it basically is over-reactive nerves. For years when I was overly stressed, I would joke with my sweet hubby and say “it is on my last nerves”. I now realize that I may seriously mean it.
Here is the medical definition for anyone looking for answers-
medical Definition of fibromyalgia. : a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain, tenderness, and stiffness of muscles and associated connective tissue structures that is typically accompanied by fatigue, headache, and sleep disturbances — called also fibromyalgia syndrome, fibromyositis.
I have experienced pain, fatigue and headaches that I would not wish upon anyone. A new thing I have learned is to live with the minor stiffness, tenderness and general yucky-ness of fibromyalgia. My body can not keep up like it use to so I must judge what is worth the energy and effort.
No is a word I now say to many things that at one time in my life I would enjoy. Over the past 16 years there have been many seasons at home saying “no”. I have learned that my distractions can help me forget about some of the pain. Reality is also that the only help that day for the pain is rest so off to hibernate I go.
This is not the life a mom of four would choose to live. It is not easy to look at my kids and say I have to rest or I can’t make it through something. My children are older now that I am learning how to manage this better. It is easier to say “I can’t” when they are old enough to cook or wash clothes. I do experience the “mommy guilt” or “wife guilt” at times when my “no” had to be the choice.
My family is very understanding. The two kids that live at home still help me pick up the slack. My husband is one of a kind and takes over when it is necessary with house things. I realize that I am blessed with these things. I would say that you have to discuss with your family exactly what you are feeling physically and emotionally. It is not every day that I get a cooperative answer from my crew, but generally I have tried to communicate up front where I am that day.
Managing ahead is key to helping make life with fibromyalgia work better. I know the days that I work, have meetings, or church so I do my best to get rest before (or afterwards). We recently flew to visit our daughter and son-in-law in California. A plane ride across the country is a huge fatigue and pain trigger. The best we could we pre-planned and rested before the flight with choosing a hotel near the airport before an early morning flight. At the end of the day of touring the area or helping my daughter set up her new home, I grabbed a book and rested. The post trip plan included me to rest at home after the trip, and I mostly slept for a day or two. For time that require this kind of rest, I tell my family ahead of time that the rest is coming.
What I eat effects my flairs and this is a new learning curve for me. With airline travel I did not eat well so my body paid for it. Once we arrived, I jumped back into my routine, and I grabbed an epsom salt and essential oil bath. Traveling with my heating pad I quickly have my comfort when we get settled.
There are a few tips that help me. This Mama is always searching for ways that give me a better quality of life. I will share with you because I want no one to suffer with this insane disease. One thing that I know is I am too young and have too much living to do for this to define my life. Now let me say, anything I share is what helps me where I am. Currently, no cure for this disease that has been found. I am not a medical professional. What I share here is only what I experience. Keep checking here for what helps me.