FIBRO
MY WHAT?
Now, I’ve always
been one to have a fairly basic understanding of medical terms and maladies.
But when the doctor told me I had fibromyalgia I responded with, “Fibro
my what?”
You see,
lately I’ve not been able to remember things so well, especially those things
that fall in the category of short-term memory.
I will awaken at an unusual time of day because of insomnia the night
before and a few hours later wonder if I’ve taken my medication. If it were a vitamin pill I wouldn’t worry but I have to
take medication for blood pressure. Miss
a dose and I’m at risk for another serious complication.
My medications are now in one of those little boxes that make me feel
older than I am but at least I can keep up with how far behind I am on doses.
An innocent
question from my husband will send me into a tailspin of self-doubt and feelings
of inadequacy.
“Did
you answer John’s email?”
I
can remember reading John’s email and I can remember thinking about sending a
reply but at that precise moment I find I’m unable to answer with confidence
that either I have or have not. This
is a minor thing to resolve but a major thing for me to adjust to.
Does any of this
sound familiar to you? If so, you
aren’t losing your mind nor are you the next to fall to Alzheimer’s.
You are suffering for the side effects of sleep deprivation, probably
brought on by our new companion, fibromyalgia.
The mind has simply gone into overload.
It cannot function without proper rest.
Please, find a
doctor that “believes in fibromyalgia”.
I have learned that some still don’t.
They refuse to accept that this syndrome is real.
How unfortunate for them and more importantly for those of us who have
entrusted them with our medical care. There
are also some learned physicians that still believe it to be a malady of the
female mind. Their best prescription is for anti-depressants and a pat on
the back. This is not the answer.
Try to find a
regime of rest and walking exercise that works for you. Walk slowly and for short distances. You aren’t trying to get your heart rate up; you’re only
trying to gently stretch uncooperative, sore muscles.
Coach them along every day if possible.
Some days a walk to the mailbox will be all you can manager.
Other days, you will think you can climb Mount Everest.
Don’t try that! You’ll
pay for it with about three days in bed.
There is help.
There isn’t at this time a cure. Some
medications prescribed with care can help.
Muscle relaxers worked for me in the beginning but you need to discuss
your particular needs with your doctor. Together,
you and he can determine what will help you most.
Know that you
aren’t alone in this struggle. I
am there with you as are many others. Email me… I’d be glad to hear from
you.
