A Name for the Pain - A Story of a Fibromyalgia Survivor
She writes about people always telling her that she looked older than her age. At 12, she looked 20. I felt 100 years old. I was tired all the time, not "take a nap" tired, but an aching tired that was deep in my bones.
I received advice for every well=intentioned person in my life! How do you smile and say "thank you, when the only thing you want is for someone to understand that even the mere thought of exercise, bending and stretching, causes the aches to intensify!
She shares about perusing the internet constantly looking for answers. It always came up as depression. I wanted a name for this pain!
She talks about going to a new doctor after her 29th birthday. I wanted validation; I told my doctor about every crazy thought, scary symptom and frustration.
She shares that she finally had blood tests for lupus all the way through Rheumatoid Arthritis. I was sad that all the tests came back negative. She finally saw a Rheumatologist who diagnosed her with fibromyalgia.
She shares that she was sleeping too much, but not deep sleep. Now, she takes a medication that helps with much better sleep!
I try to exercise and stretch frequently due to stiffness. I am actually more motivated.
Sometimes I have quick, shooting pains in my back, arms and legs. I know now that I have to stop, not fight the pain. She reminds herself that it will pass. I learn more and more about it. I know that I am in control most of the time!
But I know that I must take responsibility for my own health. She shares that she is thankful it is not terminal or imaginary!
Most of all I know that I am not alone, and that it is easier to cope.
I can overcome.
Comments