I am not feeling well today. I have been running a fever for the last couple of days but don't feel like I am sick or anything. It's probably my allergies getting out of control again. I was very tired and shaky this morning so I have tried to stay "put" as much as possible for me.
I am not one to sit for long periods of time because my lower back and upper thighs start to ache so, even with a fever, I just keep going. I made my husband's favorite cookies for Valentine's Day and a spaghetti sauce for dinner. I am not boasting, it's just I'm a hyper person and can't seem to sit still for any length of time unless I am seriously occupied with something engrossing.
I truly believe when you feel unwell so much of the time it becomes part of your life. Every day you wake up and you test the waters to see what kind of a day it will be . Will I be in a lot of pain today or maybe just run a fever for no apparent reason. Will my foot be bothering me today or will it be my allergies again. Honestly, when you get one day free of all the trappings of having a human body that isn't 100% you feel like singing to the world.
I hope this fever goes away by tomorrow as my husband and I have plans to go out to eat.
Until Next Time. :)
Showing posts with label diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Show all posts
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
So Far So Good
The wind is blowing like crazy outside and wreaking havoc on my allergies so I am ready for a nap.
I still felt good today, however, the pain was back when I first woke up. Generally it's either pain or too much water the night before that wakes me up. I was up at 5:30 this morning and was slower getting around.
The cleanse is still going on even though I forgot to drink my tea last night. I have also been testing my PH balance since I've been cleansing and I am happy to say I am on the alkaline side, which is a good thing.
I am going in for my annual physical in March and I am hoping to have my cholesterol down as well as my weight, but the latter could be a problem since I still can't walk for exercise.
I mentioned in a previous post that my left foot started to bother me when I began walking every night. I am still recovering from a fracture in my right foot from last year about this time so I have only been walking my neighborhood since about October. My husband and I added another neighborhood to our walk and I think I must have overdone it. So tired of worrying about that.
It's very difficult to tell whether it's a "true" pain or the enhanced version you get when you have fibromyalgia that's causing my foot to hurt so much. The doctor said it was inflammation and I took Prednizone for 5 days (which did absolutely nothing). I also soaked my foot in ice water since I can't take ibuprofen. The pain seems worse and has moved to the arch of my foot.
Doctors are still baffled by fibromyalgia in my opinion. Many will nod their head like they're listening when you explain that you have this chronic illness, but I don't know that they really have any idea what to do with you.
Now I have to call my doctor back and see if he has any other ideas of what I can take for my foot. My sister-in-law says I should ask for a Cortisone shot, but I have never had something like that before, so not sure.
I am just happy to feel better at this point so I can deal with the foot thing if I have to.
Until Next Time. :)
I still felt good today, however, the pain was back when I first woke up. Generally it's either pain or too much water the night before that wakes me up. I was up at 5:30 this morning and was slower getting around.
The cleanse is still going on even though I forgot to drink my tea last night. I have also been testing my PH balance since I've been cleansing and I am happy to say I am on the alkaline side, which is a good thing.
I am going in for my annual physical in March and I am hoping to have my cholesterol down as well as my weight, but the latter could be a problem since I still can't walk for exercise.
I mentioned in a previous post that my left foot started to bother me when I began walking every night. I am still recovering from a fracture in my right foot from last year about this time so I have only been walking my neighborhood since about October. My husband and I added another neighborhood to our walk and I think I must have overdone it. So tired of worrying about that.
It's very difficult to tell whether it's a "true" pain or the enhanced version you get when you have fibromyalgia that's causing my foot to hurt so much. The doctor said it was inflammation and I took Prednizone for 5 days (which did absolutely nothing). I also soaked my foot in ice water since I can't take ibuprofen. The pain seems worse and has moved to the arch of my foot.
Doctors are still baffled by fibromyalgia in my opinion. Many will nod their head like they're listening when you explain that you have this chronic illness, but I don't know that they really have any idea what to do with you.
Now I have to call my doctor back and see if he has any other ideas of what I can take for my foot. My sister-in-law says I should ask for a Cortisone shot, but I have never had something like that before, so not sure.
I am just happy to feel better at this point so I can deal with the foot thing if I have to.
Until Next Time. :)
Friday, February 4, 2011
Toxic Relief Ongoing
The cleansing is working, I think. I feel good and have had more energy over the last few days. In fact, I am amazed that I haven't had to take a nap and still find plenty of interest and energy late into the night.
Two nights ago I was out grouting the loose tiles in my kitchen at 11pm. Last night I didn't get to sleep until midnight and no nap!
I also think taking the Prednizone for the inflammation in my toe isn't hurting the situation as it is an anti-inflammatory and it does wonders for my clogged up sinuses.
I had to go off of the Superfoods as they seem to be causing indigestion which is something I rarely have so I assumed it was that. I will try them again after I finish the cleanse. Maybe it was just too much all at once.
It's been 5 days since I went to the Urgent Care for my foot and I still have the pain so I may have to see what the dr. can give me. I desperately want to be able to walk around my neighborhood and get some form of exercise. With the fibromyalgia I am so limited to what I can do on an ongoing basis and walking has been great for me.
Until Next Time. :)
Two nights ago I was out grouting the loose tiles in my kitchen at 11pm. Last night I didn't get to sleep until midnight and no nap!
I also think taking the Prednizone for the inflammation in my toe isn't hurting the situation as it is an anti-inflammatory and it does wonders for my clogged up sinuses.
I had to go off of the Superfoods as they seem to be causing indigestion which is something I rarely have so I assumed it was that. I will try them again after I finish the cleanse. Maybe it was just too much all at once.
It's been 5 days since I went to the Urgent Care for my foot and I still have the pain so I may have to see what the dr. can give me. I desperately want to be able to walk around my neighborhood and get some form of exercise. With the fibromyalgia I am so limited to what I can do on an ongoing basis and walking has been great for me.
Until Next Time. :)
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Will This Year Be Better?
It's hard to believe we are living in 2011. I can remember watching science fictions shows as a kid and 2011 seemed like it would never really happen. It was just too far into the future and I couldn't imagine people being able to talk on their phones and actually see the other person; or having phones that weren't attached to the wall in some way. Of course, I also expected people to be hovering around in space vehicles similar to what you might have seen in the cartoon "The Jetsons".
I have to say I am expecting great things this year as I certainly had my share of difficult times in 2010. The fibromyalgia was a big part of it but certainly not all.
I recently figured something out that amazes me a bit and I am sure when I mention it to my doctor she will look at me like I have 3 heads, but I am positive my depression periods as well as my lack of focus and lethargy come more from sinus infections rather than the fibromyalgia.
When you have a chronic illness that have symptoms such as lethargy, foggy headiness, and depression you begin to play detective to figure out what is going on when you just don't feel well.
I have to say I haven't felt "well" much at all over the last 12 months or so. I can just about count the days that I woke up focused, alert and ready to tackle something. Most days I wake up and grab my pain pills and wait for them to take affect before doing anything. After that I usually get on my computer and check my online stores and try to promote a little bit. I may get some laundry done or manage to get to the grocery store, but by the time that's all over I am tired and uninterested in doing much else.
At this very moment I am on "Amoxicillin" for a sinus infection and I feel great; alert, upbeat, focused and have no need for the regular afternoon nap. Now why is that? Hmmm... have to play detective again as I am pretty sure my doctor won't have the answers.
What I have discovered is that something takes place in my brain that alters the way I think when I have severe allergies or am coming down with a sinus infection. I don't know if the chemicals change or possible the inflammation puts pressure in the wrong places, I am convinced it plays a heavy role in my overall health.
Just about 4 weeks ago I could feel my head getting stuffy and foggy (not unusual). Then I started losing my focus on my mosaics, which is my business. When I say "lose my focus" I mean that I lack interest, creativity and passion for anything. Eventually I feel depressed because it's a scary place to feel like nothing matters or that you just don't care about anything. Not suicidal, mind you, just removed from normal thinking.
After a few weeks of this I started to get migraine headaches and slight fevers so I knew I had a full blown sinus infection and headed to the doctor. Two days into the meds mind cleared and I feel like a human again. It's like day and night. I still have the aches and pains of the fibro, but my mind feels normal. That's huge for me.
So, my conclusion is that a severe allergic reaction to substances that ultimately cause a sinus infection has a huge impact on the brain and how you think. I am beginning to realize that the powders produced from the dish tiles I cut for my mosaics are contributing to having this chronic problem and now I wear a mask all the time when working. I hope this will help as I have no desire to stop making my mosaics.
I hope for each of you a healthy, happy and less painful New Year.
God bless
Chris
I have to say I am expecting great things this year as I certainly had my share of difficult times in 2010. The fibromyalgia was a big part of it but certainly not all.
I recently figured something out that amazes me a bit and I am sure when I mention it to my doctor she will look at me like I have 3 heads, but I am positive my depression periods as well as my lack of focus and lethargy come more from sinus infections rather than the fibromyalgia.
When you have a chronic illness that have symptoms such as lethargy, foggy headiness, and depression you begin to play detective to figure out what is going on when you just don't feel well.
I have to say I haven't felt "well" much at all over the last 12 months or so. I can just about count the days that I woke up focused, alert and ready to tackle something. Most days I wake up and grab my pain pills and wait for them to take affect before doing anything. After that I usually get on my computer and check my online stores and try to promote a little bit. I may get some laundry done or manage to get to the grocery store, but by the time that's all over I am tired and uninterested in doing much else.
At this very moment I am on "Amoxicillin" for a sinus infection and I feel great; alert, upbeat, focused and have no need for the regular afternoon nap. Now why is that? Hmmm... have to play detective again as I am pretty sure my doctor won't have the answers.
What I have discovered is that something takes place in my brain that alters the way I think when I have severe allergies or am coming down with a sinus infection. I don't know if the chemicals change or possible the inflammation puts pressure in the wrong places, I am convinced it plays a heavy role in my overall health.
Just about 4 weeks ago I could feel my head getting stuffy and foggy (not unusual). Then I started losing my focus on my mosaics, which is my business. When I say "lose my focus" I mean that I lack interest, creativity and passion for anything. Eventually I feel depressed because it's a scary place to feel like nothing matters or that you just don't care about anything. Not suicidal, mind you, just removed from normal thinking.
After a few weeks of this I started to get migraine headaches and slight fevers so I knew I had a full blown sinus infection and headed to the doctor. Two days into the meds mind cleared and I feel like a human again. It's like day and night. I still have the aches and pains of the fibro, but my mind feels normal. That's huge for me.
So, my conclusion is that a severe allergic reaction to substances that ultimately cause a sinus infection has a huge impact on the brain and how you think. I am beginning to realize that the powders produced from the dish tiles I cut for my mosaics are contributing to having this chronic problem and now I wear a mask all the time when working. I hope this will help as I have no desire to stop making my mosaics.
I hope for each of you a healthy, happy and less painful New Year.
God bless
Chris
Friday, September 24, 2010
Allergies or Fibromyalgia?
I still get the rolling eyes (or so it seems ) when I go to a new doctor and tell them I suffer from fibromyalgia. I recently visited an allergist for the first time in 15 years because my allergies are beginning to seriously tread on my lifestyle and I want to know once and for all if I am allergic to wheat or dairy, among other foods.
I explained to the doctor that it's difficult for me to tell whether it's allergies, the fibromyalgia or just the fact that I am tired when it feels like a cloud has come over me smack in the middle of the day and I am so sleepy that I can barely function. One minute I seem fine and literally the next I am looking for a place to lie down.
When I first researched some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia I learned that sufferers often have foggy-headiness, sleepy or tired feelings, and sleep disorders, which are some of the same symptoms of serious allergies.
When my allergies are at an all time high it literally wakes me up in the middle of the night because my throat, nose and eyes are so dry that I can't sleep. I get out of bed and immediately put Visine in my eyes, saline in my nose and grab a drink of water. This is happening even with a humidifier in my room. I am sure this interrupted sleep isn't helping me feel very alert the next day, but I don't have to have this kind of thing happen to still experience a the wave of sleepiness come over me from time to time.
So which is it that is causing these overwhelming feelings of sleepiness? The fibromyalgia, the allergies or the fact that my night of sleep isn't as restful as I thought it was.
I have mentioned this numerous times in my posts that sufferers of fibromyalgia can have a difficult time getting a good rest because the pain lingers on through the night. It may not be enough to actually wake you, but it's there nonetheless and can become quite a problem if it persists.
I will be tested for allergies on the 29th of this month so I am anxious to see what might be causing my "obvious" symptoms but I'm not sure that will help me much with the other problems I am having.
One thing at a time, I guess, is the best way to approach this.
Until next time :)
I explained to the doctor that it's difficult for me to tell whether it's allergies, the fibromyalgia or just the fact that I am tired when it feels like a cloud has come over me smack in the middle of the day and I am so sleepy that I can barely function. One minute I seem fine and literally the next I am looking for a place to lie down.
When I first researched some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia I learned that sufferers often have foggy-headiness, sleepy or tired feelings, and sleep disorders, which are some of the same symptoms of serious allergies.
When my allergies are at an all time high it literally wakes me up in the middle of the night because my throat, nose and eyes are so dry that I can't sleep. I get out of bed and immediately put Visine in my eyes, saline in my nose and grab a drink of water. This is happening even with a humidifier in my room. I am sure this interrupted sleep isn't helping me feel very alert the next day, but I don't have to have this kind of thing happen to still experience a the wave of sleepiness come over me from time to time.
So which is it that is causing these overwhelming feelings of sleepiness? The fibromyalgia, the allergies or the fact that my night of sleep isn't as restful as I thought it was.
I have mentioned this numerous times in my posts that sufferers of fibromyalgia can have a difficult time getting a good rest because the pain lingers on through the night. It may not be enough to actually wake you, but it's there nonetheless and can become quite a problem if it persists.
I will be tested for allergies on the 29th of this month so I am anxious to see what might be causing my "obvious" symptoms but I'm not sure that will help me much with the other problems I am having.
One thing at a time, I guess, is the best way to approach this.
Until next time :)
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Craft Show Bomb
In my last post I talked about getting ready for my very first craft show and was wondering how I would do it with my fibromyalgia.
Well, let me tell you, it wasn't easy. First of all the show was a complete bust, not only for me, but all the crafters as there were few shoppers throughout the 2 days. We were lucky if 1,000 people passed through.
Second, I was so bored and so fidgety sitting for such long periods of time that I thought I might lose my mind. I walked around and looked at all the crafts and talked with various people. I took short walks around outside, but the temp was in the 90's and very humid so that didn't last long. I even went so far as to go to the car and take a short nap to relieve the boredom as my husband manned the booth.
By the time the day was finally over I could barely walk I was so stiff from inactivity. For me the worst is sitting or standing for long periods of time. Ask me to walk anywhere and I'm good to go. It's funny how this illness affects each of us. My sister-in-law can sit for hours on end but can barely walk anywhere.
So, for me, the craft shows are not the thing to do. If it weren't for my wonderful husband volunteering to work it on Sunday I honestly don't know what I would have done as I am sure it would have set me back physically to sit there another full day.
Maybe it was a good thing the show was such a bomb because now I don't feel the least bit concerned that I might be able to make some good money doing them.
I suppose the advertising (or lack of it) in addition to the poor economy had a lot to do with the turnout and maybe another show would be a completely different ball game, but I will never know because this will be my last.
As I mentioned in a post on my other blog, the good news is that my inventory is up for Christmas so I can't really complain.
Until next time :)
Well, let me tell you, it wasn't easy. First of all the show was a complete bust, not only for me, but all the crafters as there were few shoppers throughout the 2 days. We were lucky if 1,000 people passed through.
Second, I was so bored and so fidgety sitting for such long periods of time that I thought I might lose my mind. I walked around and looked at all the crafts and talked with various people. I took short walks around outside, but the temp was in the 90's and very humid so that didn't last long. I even went so far as to go to the car and take a short nap to relieve the boredom as my husband manned the booth.
By the time the day was finally over I could barely walk I was so stiff from inactivity. For me the worst is sitting or standing for long periods of time. Ask me to walk anywhere and I'm good to go. It's funny how this illness affects each of us. My sister-in-law can sit for hours on end but can barely walk anywhere.
So, for me, the craft shows are not the thing to do. If it weren't for my wonderful husband volunteering to work it on Sunday I honestly don't know what I would have done as I am sure it would have set me back physically to sit there another full day.
Maybe it was a good thing the show was such a bomb because now I don't feel the least bit concerned that I might be able to make some good money doing them.
I suppose the advertising (or lack of it) in addition to the poor economy had a lot to do with the turnout and maybe another show would be a completely different ball game, but I will never know because this will be my last.
As I mentioned in a post on my other blog, the good news is that my inventory is up for Christmas so I can't really complain.
Until next time :)
Saturday, July 31, 2010
OOPs, a Bit Too Much!
I need to start following my own advice and pay attention to how much I am using my muscles in my pool.
I have been swimming in the evenings with my husband and spending about 15 to 20 minutes stroking through the water hoping to build back some strength in my legs after the fracture on my foot kept me from walking. The first few times went very well and I thought I was on a roll. Wrong!
I woke up yesterday with aches and pains all over and my pain pills only lasted about 3 hours instead of the usual 6-7.
I won't say it isn't frustrating to have a body that won't cooperate with what I want to do, but at least I can still swim and soon I hope to be walking around my neighborhood again.
Without telling my real age, lets just say I am past 50 and am wondering what it must be like for some of you younger people to have to deal with this. I can't even imagine trying to raise children and not having the full capabilities of my body.
I admire anyone dealing with chronic illness and pain that just keeps going and makes their life work.
Until next time :)
I have been swimming in the evenings with my husband and spending about 15 to 20 minutes stroking through the water hoping to build back some strength in my legs after the fracture on my foot kept me from walking. The first few times went very well and I thought I was on a roll. Wrong!
I woke up yesterday with aches and pains all over and my pain pills only lasted about 3 hours instead of the usual 6-7.
I won't say it isn't frustrating to have a body that won't cooperate with what I want to do, but at least I can still swim and soon I hope to be walking around my neighborhood again.
Without telling my real age, lets just say I am past 50 and am wondering what it must be like for some of you younger people to have to deal with this. I can't even imagine trying to raise children and not having the full capabilities of my body.
I admire anyone dealing with chronic illness and pain that just keeps going and makes their life work.
Until next time :)
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
I was just talking on the phone to my sister and she was asking me exactly what are the symptoms of fibromyalgia, so I got online and found this article from Puristat Digestive Wellness Center that I thought detailed it the best. The article is an excellent read for anyone that wants further information on this.
From Puristat:
Formerly referred to as fibrositis, fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by muscle pain, fatigue, stiffness, and tenderness of the muscles, tendons, and joints.
Rather than being caused by tissue inflammation, the pain of fibromyalgia seems to be brought on by an extremely low pain threshold. Patients have an increased sensitivity to numerous sensory stimuli that are not normally perceived as painful to others. Emotional stress, noise, and changes in the weather aggravate the condition.
Sufferers have what are known as tender points, specific places that hurt when pressure is applied to them. These points are normally found at the back of the head, front of the neck, sides of the breastbone, shoulders, around the elbows, hips, and knees.
From Puristat:
Formerly referred to as fibrositis, fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by muscle pain, fatigue, stiffness, and tenderness of the muscles, tendons, and joints.
Rather than being caused by tissue inflammation, the pain of fibromyalgia seems to be brought on by an extremely low pain threshold. Patients have an increased sensitivity to numerous sensory stimuli that are not normally perceived as painful to others. Emotional stress, noise, and changes in the weather aggravate the condition.
Sufferers have what are known as tender points, specific places that hurt when pressure is applied to them. These points are normally found at the back of the head, front of the neck, sides of the breastbone, shoulders, around the elbows, hips, and knees.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Does Fibromyalgia Exist? Part 2
As soon as I got home from Arizona I made an appointment with my doctor to get an MRI. I had already done all the x-rays so this was my last hope at finding out what in the world was going on. I have never been in a car accident nor have I ever fallen hard so I couldn't figure out why I was having so many problems with my back, sciatic nerve and neck.
To make a long story shorter, my doctor (who is no longer my doctor) placed the wrong order for the MRI and the technician took the pictures my hip rather than my lower back. It took all I had to get through the 45 minutes doing the first one as I also suffer from panic attacks and if anything was going to give me a panic attack it was someone telling me I had to lay on a hard metal table right on my sciatic nerve with no pain meds for 45 minutes and not move so much as an eyelash.
Needless to say, I found another doctor and she immediately suspected I suffered from fibromyalgia and set up an appt. with a rheumatologist. At this point I was still very skeptical that I had fibro as I didn't really have the kind of symptoms I saw in some of my friends who have it. I didn't think I had any tender points at all.
The first thing the rheumatologist did was squeeze those "fibro tender spots" and I about went through the roof with the pain. She told me that half her patients suffer from fibro in one form or another and that it doesn't generally worsen in time, which was a good thing. She also informed me that there is no known reason for it's occurance and that the studies are still very new.
Before I left her office she had scheduled me for PT for 3x a week for 2 months. It was the best thing I ever did. I learned so much about how the muscles work and why it is important to keep it up.
When I think back now to all those times I have been misdiagnosed and all the paces I was put through it makes me very angry. That is one of the primary reasons I chose to do this blog. I am hoping others will get the information they need and to find the right doctor. I am hoping people will comment with their stories so that others can learn from their experiences.
I have seen a total of 4 chiropractors, 3 doctors and one physical therapist before anyone diagnosed me correctly. I have had countless x-rays and one MRI and ten years or more of my life taken away because of misdiagnosis. It seriously affected where I went from restaurants to traveling because I couldn't sit on a hard surface for more than about 15 minutes.
I am by no means saying that every ache of the muscle means fibromyalgia, but if you have never had any severe injuries and you are experiencing chronic muscle aches and pains you may want to see a rheumatologist.
My mother passed away on October 8th of 2006 and my father a little more than a month later on November 28th. I wish I would have had the correct information about this illness prior to that time as I would have been in much better shape and could have stayed with them until the end.
To make a long story shorter, my doctor (who is no longer my doctor) placed the wrong order for the MRI and the technician took the pictures my hip rather than my lower back. It took all I had to get through the 45 minutes doing the first one as I also suffer from panic attacks and if anything was going to give me a panic attack it was someone telling me I had to lay on a hard metal table right on my sciatic nerve with no pain meds for 45 minutes and not move so much as an eyelash.
Needless to say, I found another doctor and she immediately suspected I suffered from fibromyalgia and set up an appt. with a rheumatologist. At this point I was still very skeptical that I had fibro as I didn't really have the kind of symptoms I saw in some of my friends who have it. I didn't think I had any tender points at all.
The first thing the rheumatologist did was squeeze those "fibro tender spots" and I about went through the roof with the pain. She told me that half her patients suffer from fibro in one form or another and that it doesn't generally worsen in time, which was a good thing. She also informed me that there is no known reason for it's occurance and that the studies are still very new.
Before I left her office she had scheduled me for PT for 3x a week for 2 months. It was the best thing I ever did. I learned so much about how the muscles work and why it is important to keep it up.
When I think back now to all those times I have been misdiagnosed and all the paces I was put through it makes me very angry. That is one of the primary reasons I chose to do this blog. I am hoping others will get the information they need and to find the right doctor. I am hoping people will comment with their stories so that others can learn from their experiences.
I have seen a total of 4 chiropractors, 3 doctors and one physical therapist before anyone diagnosed me correctly. I have had countless x-rays and one MRI and ten years or more of my life taken away because of misdiagnosis. It seriously affected where I went from restaurants to traveling because I couldn't sit on a hard surface for more than about 15 minutes.
I am by no means saying that every ache of the muscle means fibromyalgia, but if you have never had any severe injuries and you are experiencing chronic muscle aches and pains you may want to see a rheumatologist.
My mother passed away on October 8th of 2006 and my father a little more than a month later on November 28th. I wish I would have had the correct information about this illness prior to that time as I would have been in much better shape and could have stayed with them until the end.
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