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 :)

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. :)

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. :)

It's Always Something, Isn't It?

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. :)

What's Next?

I am several days into the colon cleanse and feeling great.  I have no idea if one is related to the other or not as I have good days and bad days normally.  All I can say is:  if this is how normal people feel on a regular basis, no wonder they get so much accomplished.

I get up in the morning and I don't hurt at all.  In fact one morning I completely forgot to take my pain pills.  A few hours into the day I began to feel a bit tired and achy before I realized this.  Other days I would feel so good that I didn't even need my second set of pills, which I normally take around 2pm.

Partly the reason I don't have the pain is because I am not exercising or stretching.  With fibromyalgia it takes time and patience to build up to a regular exercise routine and I know that if I start it again that I will have the pain back. 

I was able to walk around the neighborhood last night without any pain in my foot so I am pleased with that and hopeful I can continue my nightly routine.

I am grateful for the reprieve from the monotonous pain and plan on enjoying it while I can.

As to what happens next? I don't have a plan for that, just one day at a time for now.

Until Next Time. :)

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. :)

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'm Mad Now!

I have been using Tramadol for over 2 years as my main pain reliever for fibromyalgia.  I use 4 a day on average, but occasionally require a fifth one if I do something out of the norm.

I can generally call in my prescription 3 days in advance and have no problem getting it refilled. Not so this time.  I called on the 27th to my doctor as my refill was out and I needed to make sure I wouldn't have any problems.  The nurse  called over to our pharmacy and ordered the prescription.  When my husband went to pick it up he was told that this was a "watched drug" and that it cannot be refilled until the exact day it was due and that I would have to wait the 4 days.

Of course I called back my doctor and was told by the nurse that the pharmacy was quite rude to her and even accused her of sounding like she was driving in a car while she was reordering my meds.  Apparently the pharmacy made it a point to call the doctor's office back to confirm that they were indeed the ones who called it in at all.

So now I wonder; is there a new mandate about certain controlled drugs or was this pharmacist on a power trip? Either way I am the one who suffers.  I had to go 3 days without any medication at all. I can't take Advil, aspirin or Tylenol as I break out in hives.  My doctor did call over for another pain reliever (Darvacet) for the interim time but it has never worked for me so the pain just escalated.

I couldn't sleep as my arms and hands were throbbing with pain. I would try to get comfortable in bed but found myself getting back up and trying to figure out what to do. This must have happened at least 5 times as I was so tired.

Have you ever been so exhausted you can barely function but cannot go to sleep due to pain?  I have experienced this before when my "restless legs" were at an all time high, but this was beyond anything I have ever endured.

Finally at around 4am I decided to take a very hot bath to see if it might calm down the throbbing and jerking of my arms.  It did seem to work so I was able to sleep.

It's a very scary thing to realize how dependent you are on drugs to get you through a normal day.  It is also quite sad to realize that your life as you once knew it is forever gone.  You will never be normal and function as others do.  You will forever be subjected to the doctors whim as to whether they will continue your medication.  Fortunately I have a great doctor who was the first one that realized I have fibromyalgia and works closely with me on medications.

I finally got a new prescription and am doing much better but I can guarantee you that I will never allow myself to get so low on my pills again. 

Until next time. :)

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 :)

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.

Exercise and Fibromyalgia

O.K., so far so good on the positive outlook, however yesterday I was a bit on the restless side so I decided I needed to get into my pool and work some of it off.  Exercise can be beneficial to those of us with fibromyalgia if we are careful to go very slowly.

So, I have this pool "noodle" that I use when I am trying to exercise my legs as I am able to concentrate solely on working the muscles I want and not be concerned with over doing it on my arms.  With the fibromyalgia I have found it pays to be careful when swimming as you have no idea how much you are using your muscles until they hurt days later.

Anyway, it was great to get out a bit and use muscles that haven't been used much lately and try to use up some of this restless energy I have.  I know when I get this way my mind can't seem to focus on anything so nothing really gets accomplished that day.  I have had the same mosaic sitting in front of me for about 3 days now because I can't make up my mind what I want to do for the background.

On a good note, I am walking better each day and am hopeful to be back to my neighborhood walks very soon.

I Have Joined the Living

OMG, I cannot believe how much better I am feeling now that I have my sinus infection under control.  I get up and actually have interest and energy to do something. Hurray!

I still can't walk.  I can get from point A to point B, but actually walking for exercise is not happening.  Honestly, who would think this foot thing would still be a problem all these months later.  Anyway, I am swimming now just to keep the body from getting too stiff, bringing on fibromyalgia problems.

I use one of those "noodles" to hang on to and kick my legs back and forth not only to keep the circulation going, but hopefully to loosen whatever it is that keeps my ankle stiff and making it hard to walk. 

I tried just swimming around the pool without any floaty but the days following were killer on my back and shoulders as it was just too much for me all at once. Gotta go slow which is a hard thing to do in the pool as you can't really feel what you are doing to yourself.

I hope each of you had a good 4th of July.

Until next time :)

You Have to See This!

I don't know how many of you watch "America's Got Talent" but this video of these two sisters who have Cystic Fibrosis is so heartwarming that I just had to share it with you.

It is so wonderful to see people, especially children, that some how just move past all the pain and misery and find the silver lining in life.  Their song choice was moving and perfect for their situation.




Definition of Cystic Fibrosis from the Mayo Clinic:

Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening disorder that causes severe lung damage and nutritional deficiencies.

An inherited condition, cystic fibrosis affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices. Normally, these secretions are thin and slippery, but in cystic fibrosis, a defective gene causes the secretions to become thick and sticky. Instead of acting as a lubricant, the secretions plug up tubes, ducts and passageways, especially in the pancreas and lungs.

Cystic fibrosis happens most often in white people of northern European ancestry, occurring in about 1 out of 3,000 live births. In the past, most people with cystic fibrosis died in their teens. Improved screening and treatments now allow many people with cystic fibrosis to live into their 50s or even longer

Until next time :)