Fibromyalgia
I'd never even heard of fibromyalgia until a co-worker of mine was diagnosed. I saw her
struggle with the fatigue and physical problems, but I knew little about the syndrome.
After two surgeries a year apart, a botched root canal and a staph infection, I began to
really feel awful. I'd always had a limited amount of energy and (sometimes) a low
resistance to infection, but suddenly I couldn't sleep. At first it was just for a few nights
at a time, then it became a chronic problem. I'd "sleep" but wake up feeling as if I'd been
hit by a truck. In the mornings I was stiff and moved (no offense intended to senior
citizens) like I was 80 years old. My arms and legs felt like they had weights attached to
them. The fatigue was overwhelming- all I could think about was sleep. It came to the
point where I could not longer make rational decisions, and was crying uncontrollably. If
you've ever wondered how sleep deprivation is a form of torture, you need to
experience it!
Then I visited the doctor.
After a few weeks, I was diagnosed with a classic case of fibro. I started on medication
and soon began to visit a young doctor doing research into the syndrome. With the help
of sleep medication, I began to be able to function again. Since that time (almost 4 years
ago now) I've gradually improved.
What's life like for a person with MILD fibro?
Weather-sensitive Yes, I can "predict the weather," as can people with much worse
diseases such as Rheumatoid arthritis and Sickle Cell Anemia. I know when the
weather's going to change. Coming electrical storms can make me really sick. Cold, dry
weather makes me really hurt, but (unlike some others) I do well in hot, humid weather.
Periodic Fatigue I have bad days before weather changes, after doing too much work,
and sometimes for reasons I don't know. I can be well one minute and too tired to
stand up the next.
Pain I ache most of the time, that's why I stay busy unless I'm having a fatigue spell.
Fibromites are supposed to be careful about repetitive activites, but I find that
needlework keeps my mind off the pain. Stephen was the one who pointed out to me
that when I'm hurting, I clench my fists. When the pain gets too bad, I take a pain pill
(Ultracet- I've tried to keep my meds as low as possible) or even two. How bad does
the pain get? It's not excruciating or sharp (some people's is) but it's enough to keep me
awake or wake me up.
And yes, sometimes the pain and fatigue are enough to make you cry. I tend to seclude
myself during the worst times.
Fibrofog My fibrofog has really gotten better in the last few years, and I rarely have
severe "fogginess."
Sleep Problems During cold weather I still have trouble sleeping. I'll wake up around 2
a.m. and not be able to go back to sleep.
Activity Level I take care of over a dozen mini goats, mini horses and other animals,
and also care for my little daughter. Some days I can build a goat fence; other days I'm
pretty well stuck to the couch.
Exercise The animals and Sarah keep me going and I think the activity is the reason
why my fibro is better. I HAVE to get up and feed the animals and care for Sarah unless
I absolutely can't do it. Once I'm up and going, often the animals' or Sarah's antics will
take my mind off things.
Diet A high-protein, low sugar/ low carb diet works best for me. When I'm not feeling
well, sometimes a good steak really helps. I don't know if there's something in the meat
that helps, or if it's just good food.
Limitations I get tired really quickly, depending on the weather outside and other
factors. Driving long distances is really hard and I usually pay for it the next day.
Seclusion Most people with fibro are more secluded than they would be otherwise.
Going to church is a particular challenge because on Sunday, the day of rest, I have to
do all my usual chores as well as get myself and Sarah ready. Then, at the time I usually
sit down and rest for a few moments, we have to leave. Just getting myself dressed is
sometimes exhausting. By 7 pm I'm definately winding down and ready to relax, so night
meetings are out of the question. I do go into town several times a week, though.