I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I can't say I didn't know it was coming. I've felt some pain in my lower back, hips, knee's, shins, ankles, shoulders, and the back of my head. At first when this started a month ago, I thought I wasn't wearing the right shoes. It didn't feel like I was getting enough support. However, no matter what I did, it never seemed to go away! Me being the knowledge freak I am immediately started looking up all my pains & everything thing I read pointed to Fibromyalgia.
I can honestly say, I'm ok with the diagnosis. I knew something was wrong, & I prepared myself for the worst. I can't speak for my family, but they all seemed more scared than I was. It all comes down to this, I'm a fighter, this or any condition I have IS NOT going to beat me!!
Let me just fill you in on what the Fibromyalgia has been like...
I have an easier time with it in the morning. My body is easier to maneuver, & I don't wake up in too much pain. (The head is a whole other story. Still fighting that daily battle!) I feel this constant deep ache, tingling, and then as the day progresses it turns into a shooting pain. Starting from my ankles, all the way up to my hips & lower back. Then back down again. (That's not even including the pain radiating in my shoulders & neck) It's bearable then goes to a complete shocking pain. It is comparable to my 20lb pug Fudge jumping on me constantly. Pounding & pounding, never ending. It hurts to walk, but it hurts more to lay down. The pressure of the couch is enough to send my tender areas into over drive! As evening falls, I'm lucky if I can even get up. My God, I feel like I need a walker. I'm all hunched over, baby stepping my way through the house.
I've fallen 4 times so far (no injuries just bruises) & had quite a lot of episodes where I couldn't get up. The first time really rocked me. My husband & I had some family members over & as hard as I tried, I couldn't get up off the couch. That really bothered me. My body was failing me & there was absolutely nothing I could do about it!! I instantly broke down in tears, making a spectacle out of myself. Inside I kept saying my mantra, "This isn't going to beat me" & my body finally complied, also with the physical strength of a family member aiding me to a standing position. Hey, everyone no matter how strong needs a weep. I never had mine with this new diagnosis, so maybe that was my time!
Speaking of Fudge, I also knew something was terribly wrong with me when she wouldn't leave my side. (This was before the diagnosis, but she still does this every day.) Everyday she'd camp out right next to me on the couch. She'd follow me all around. Now if I wince in pain & cry out, those big brown eyes will look into mine, assuring me everything would be ok. She's quite the Mama's girl now! She's calmed down quite immensely, & never ever jumps on me anymore!! Yay!!
Well that's about it. I'm new to this whole Fibro world & haven't really figured out if I have any flare triggers, or what meds will help. My doctor put me on Lyrica & I'm still in the transition of upping the dosage. So if anyone has some tips, ideas or what medicines have worked for anyone with Fibromyalgia, your input is greatly appreciated!! I want to know all I can, so that my demon fighting army is ready for battle!!
Wishing you all well,
K8 =]
