Fibromyalgia is a common condition characterized by long-term, body-wide pain and tender points in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Fibromyalgia has also been linked to fatigue, morning stiffness, sleep problems, headaches, numbness in hands and feet, depression, and anxiety.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Things are Looking Up

I am so happy to say that my fibromyalgia has been better the last several months.  I still have the everyday aches and pains but nothing like when I was first diagnosed.  At that time my lower back and neck were giving me constant grief.

I truly believe it's been a combination of a good chiropractor, a massage once in a while, and keeping to my walking schedule.  I would like to be doing more than just the walking, but am not brave enough yet to venture into lifting weights or yoga.  Although, I do hear yoga does wonders for some.

Our pool will be warm enough in another few weeks to start swimming.  I just have to remember that I have to approach it slowly.  It's difficult to do as I don't have any pain at the time; just a day or two later.

After reading about people who suffer from CFS I don't feel like I have any room to complain but I know that each of us has our own situation and we need one another's support.  That is truly the reason I started this blog.  I hoped to reach others who suffer from chronic illness.

I am amazed at how many wonderful people I have met online from my blog.  They suffer considerably more than I do yet they always have something cheery to say and I so appreciate them.

Until Next Time :)

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

I May as Well Laugh

My husband is out of town this week on business so I decided I would do a few home projects while he was away.  That was my first mistake.lol

I painted the grout throughout all the tiled areas in our house about 4 years ago so I thought I would freshen it up this week.  Bending over and crouching down is not a good thing for fibro sufferers as you are probably using muscles you wouldn't normally use.

I knew when I started this project that I should go slowly (which is difficult for me as I used to charge through everything) so I worked on it about a half an hour or so.  I could feel the muscles running up the back of my thighs being used but I had no idea how much until I woke up the next morning practically crippled.

The muscles hurt so bad that even the Tramadol didn't completely numb the pain.  Fortunately it lessoned during the day as I walked around but the thought of continuing with my grout project wasn't looking too inviting.

So here it is Tuesday and I haven't finished the grout yet!  I did work on a small section yesterday but am paying for it today.  I will get it completed but it will take the entire week to do that.

This is the part of the fibromyalgia that frustrates me the most.  You don't know what you are doing to yourself until you wake up the next day and can barely move.

When I woke this morning (due to pain) I could feel all the muscles around my rib cage and my thighs.  I was so uncomfortable lying in bed that I was forced to get up even though I could have slept longer.  I can't figure out why my ribcage is so sore unless it's from sweeping out the garage.  Good grief!

It's almost comical really.  I try to have humor in it because it looks like it's here to stay so I may as well laugh about it.  It's so absurd to have this much pain that I can't help but laugh because it's like someone is playing a terrible practical joke on you all the time.

Until Next Time. :)

Monday, March 7, 2011

Once A Year

I went in for my lab work today so that it would be ready when I go in for my physical next week.  I almost hold my breath now when this is done because I am getting older and wonder if the tests will show something that wasn't there last year.

It seems like many of my friends have been diagnosed with some form of disease in the last few years, from heart trouble to diabetes to high blood sugar.  My neighbor is checking her sugar levels 3 times a day now because of her concern about a recent diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

Is it me or does it seem like there are more people with something wrong with them?  I know the guideline levels of "normal" were recently changed to a much lower number so what would have been a normal blood sugar is now considered high.  I often wonder if the pharmaceutical companies are benefiting from these level changes as more people are now taking ongoing medications. Hmmmmmm.....

As far as the fibro this week I have to say things have been pretty good.  I had some problems with my left foot which started traveling to the back of my knee and went in several weeks ago for an x-ray.  I was told it was inflammation and put on Prednizone.  A few weeks later it was still giving me grief so I went to my chiropractor and he adjusted my foot and all my problems went away, including the back of the knee pain.  He said it was subluxation and that  it would cause inflammation.

I sure do wish the chiropractors and doctors would get together as this is the second time something like this has happened to me.

Years ago I experienced pain in my knee every time I walked.  I was getting ready to go on vacation so I rushed in to the Dr. to  figure out what was going on and was sent for an x-ray. I was informed I had a tear and that I should keep it wrapped.

I spent my entire vacation taking aspirin (I am allergic to ibupprofen)to keep the pain at bay so that I could enjoy all the history in Virginia as there was a great deal of walking involved.

When we got home I went to the chiropractor and told him about my knee. He adjusted it and it was gone instantly.  To think I could have spared myself all the misery while on vacation frustrates me.  Not to mention I was told I have a tear when I most certainly did not.

From now on I go to the chiropractor first before anyone else.

Until Next Time. :)