Fibromyalgia: How do you cope?

Fibromyalgia. Diagnosed at a time when there was much skepticism about this malady. (Around 1988). It's been my constant companion. Now, I would be considered classic in my presentation. Most of the pain points. Bleeding around connective tissues, extreme inflamation. At times making walking impossible. Probably my feet and ankles the worst hit. At 60, all the pain points, if pushed, still feel like a small but deep bruise.

Magnesium is very good for us. So is deep sleep, which is probably most lacking in sufferers. Deep, restorative sleep which repairs our small tears and small injuries everyone experiences in daily life. Little sleep....little natural healing. The body normally is in a continual process of healing. But not ours, which results in inflamation of the connective tissues....and pain. There is more awareness today about this condition, but still many remain skeptical. Having lived with it, as others have, I know it's very real, and can be very painful. As in RA, there are remissions and flares. At this point in my life, I have much more serious health concerns, but I remember clearly being completely bewildered as to how my strong, athletic, healthy body could possibly be in so much pain. My only consolation at that time was it won't kill me. No matter how much it hurt, it wouldn't kill me. I was actually relieved to find out I had an actual condition which gave reason for the pain.

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My journey with fibromyalgia started almost 28 years ago. It is a baffling disorder. Mine came on me after years of sinus infections and other respiratory issues. My immune system was shot when I was diagnosed with it. I also had a bad case of mono when I was in junior high - I question if the Epstein Barr virus plays a part in Fibro. I was my Mama's sicker child growing up. Since having fibro I have developed 3 more autoimmune diseases plus osteoarthritis almost all over (that could be my age because most of us will get arthritis at some point). Fibro is so misunderstood because you look fine. But you are not fine. Symptoms have included: Pain, soreness, stiffness, burning, fatigue, brain fog, headaches/migraines, IBS, poor sleep, dry eyes, etc., Fibro has no respect of body parts, LOL. I take a lot of vitamins (Fish oil, B complex, B2, B12 injections, Magnesium, Probiotic, Elderberry with zinc, Vitamin C & D3 +K2, Melatonin for sleep, epsom salt soaks in the tub and use a lot of volataren gel and heat packs. I have 2 close friends that have it and we talk a lot and encourage each other. I try to keep moving, eat clean & drink lots of water. Caffeine and a lot of sodium are not my friend. I've had to learn to rest when I need too or take a short nap during the day. Extreme temperature changes wreak havoc on me. I was recently switched from Flexeril to Zanaflex which has helped greatly! I had to learn to say "No" as I love to do for others, but, somedays I can't. It's hard to plan anything or trips. My family & friends understand. What has it taught me? It has taught me a greater compassion for others that have chronic conditions & pain. My faith in the Lord is my strength and gets me through daily. I pray a lot, I laugh a lot and I don't take myself too seriously. I'm so sorry to you other Fibro sufferers. I get it and I am praying right now. Blessings & Hugs....

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