FIBROMYALGIA
I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia several years ago. But I have had symptoms for many years. To the best of my recollection the symptoms first started about 30 years ago after I was sick with a fever every single day for six full months. I consulted doctors but none were ever able to discover what was making me sick. Finally the fever "burned itself out." I was better and able to go about my daily activities, but never felt well again. After different periods of stress in my life, some of which were prolonged, the symptoms were even more pronounced. Wherever I lived I always complained of the symptoms to whomever my primary care physician happened to be at the time. Checkups and tests were done but nothing could be found which caused the symptoms. Finally, a few years ago I was so ill I had to search for a doctor who could discover my "disease." That's when my present primary care physician whom I had consulted for the first time, at that first office visit, told me about Fibromyalgia. She was familiar with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS).I've had a long bout of struggling to regain some abilities that I've lost, so I can get back to a way of life that somewhat resembles "normal." It has been very frustrating to want to do things I've always done and not be able, and to have people look at me and say "well, you look wonderful," as though they can't believe I "have something." Not that I want to look sick, nor do I want to constantly complain! I want to be well, and don't want to feel guilty for being sick while looking well. The fibro-illness does not show, it only feels. Pain and fatigue and the many other symptoms are not visible. I'm working on trying to improve my health and become stronger again so I'm more able to continue with our nursing home visitation ministry, our other Christian activities, and take care of our home and the grounds where we live. I love to work outdoors in the flowerbeds, etc. Right now my husband does almost all of the outside work and helps me with the inside work as well. We recently moved to a smaller place to reduce the amount of time and effort it takes to keep up our home. But no matter where we live in this world, we know where our real home is - - with the Lord in that "mansion over the hilltop" which He is preparing for us. And that's where we'll live when our walk on this earth is finished.
The only way I have found to cope with FMS is to get frequent, mild exercise, take the medications as directed by my physician, take my vitamin and mineral supplements, be very careful not to overdo which is difficult because of the fine line between not doing enough and doing too much. And PRAYER! Be in constant communication with the Lord, who will strengthen and guide and comfort. He understands everything about me, even if the world does not. Soft music playing in the background (I love beautiful hymn arrangements, spiritual songs, and classical music such as Chopin and Debussy) while I'm about my daily activities is helpful and relaxing. It's important to avoid stress and anxiety, loud noises, and, if possible, sudden temperature or weather changes. We "fibro-folks" can live above this fibro and have some joy and good times. We need to laugh. We need to get proper nutrition. We need to get proper rest and sleep. We need to get proper exercise. And we need to be able to communicate openly and honestly with our doctors and follow their advice carefully. I don't know of much else that can be done.
When I was first diagnosed with FMS, I had no idea what it was, and I was determined to search out as much information as I could to become knowledgeable. The first thing I did was to get on the internet and do a "search" on Fibromyalgia. The results were amazing. There's so much good information out there, folks. There are many excellent web sites. One that I really like is the Fibromyallgia Network. I have subscribed to the Fibromyalgia Network Newsletter, which has given me wonderful information over the past several years. I thought I should list a few of the many web sites here for those who visit me, and who may be interested. All of these sites are very informative. There are other sites dealing with Fibromyalgia that can be found through an online search.
Please understand that I am in no way equipped to advise on the diagnosis or treatment of Fibromyalgia. That is for you and your doctor to work out. I just hope these few links might be helpful to you in finding information.
Fibromyalgia Network
NIH
American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association
National Fibromyalgia Partnership, Inc.
National Fibromyalgia Association
The Fibromyalgia Community
National Fibromyalgia Research Association
InfoMin
Advanced Pain Management
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