A funny sounding word, to be sure, but it is something that affects a lot of people, particularly women (although men and kids can get it). But it causes its sufferers misery and it can be disabling.
Just WHAT is it? Well, it causes pain and fatigue (tiredness), and a person will often hurt EVERYWHERE. It can be severe, the pain, and the person will often feel like they have been hit with a baseball bat! It doesn't just affect the bones: it also can affect the muscles, tendons, joints, AND tissues. So, when a person who has it hurts, they REALLY HURT!!
I know. I am one of these people who have fibromyalgia. I was just recently diagnosed with it, and it's made my life a living hell. I am already tired enough as it is (I have a very active little boy of 2 years of age, and a hungry husband to feed; raising a family is the HARDEST thing I've had to do!), and now that I am pregnant, I am so tired I don't know who I am or what I am doing a lot of the time. Add to this, being ALREADY disabled: I was burned, and then I had flesh eating disease; so my body isn't the same as it was before I had gotten burned; I have a lot of health problems and scarring. (I have had a lot of surgery, and it is still hard for me to walk. I mainly have been using my wheelchair a lot of the time, but I CAN walk, but with sticks..for short trips..or a walker, which I tend to prefer; it gives me more stability.)
Now, on top of all this mess, I have this fibromyalgia stuff. And it has really thrown me for a loop! I feel so bad or tired all of the time, and every little thing I do causes me to get so tired so quickly; and then I end up having to lie down, just so's I can get my wind back and continue with whatever I am doing!
Because of this, my fibromyalgia, and the fact that I am pregnant (and am mostly on bed rest; the doctors don't want me doing too much, because my health is risky), I am not able to work at the newspaper place anymore. I am on total disability. I get a check each and every month.
My husband has been very patient with me, but I have NOT been very nice to him! I have been a BITCH a lot of the time; and I end up slapping him or yelling at him; or I get mad at Jubaki because he is making too much noise; and I need to get my rest! I honestly don't know HOW he puts up with me, but somehow, he does!!
I guess he really must love me if he can put up with my moods!!
Because I am pregnant, I can't take any medications to help with the pain, so when I say I am in pain, I mean I am in PAIN!! I want some relief, but I can't take anything for it; and so I lie there, crying like a baby; and then my husband has to hold me and try to calm me down! It's really been hard for him; but he is glad to care for me.
But I still wonder WHY he married ME!! I am nothing but a big PAIN in the rear!!
Thanks for sharing this. It will help many folks but there are similar problems like artrites, heart problems, diabetes, nuropatry which causes tiredness and fitigue besides fibromalgia. I have nuropaty. I am on Cabolta and it is a new medicine also for depression and anxiety. Only blood test can be accurate The aging process can also cause tiredness and fitague.
Great write Karen, and I understand your pain. I have Fibromyalgia also and it took me 4 (maybe 5, can't remember) to get disability. I even thought I was crazy or possessed at one time. It ruined my business and took us from riches to rags for a long time. Katie
Reviewed by Shar Phoenix
12/23/2002
Sing out, M'buti and thank you, Karla - for a strong voice, from a powerful podium. FM, CFS, RA, OA, SLE and all their other kissin' cuzzins reek and folks like us are airing out the place.
The title grabbed me. Fibromyalgia; I never heard of it before my wife, Jody, was diagnosed with it about ten years ago. Nothing seemed to help, other than pain pills. Now, finally, it seems to be letting up some, but she still cannot ride very far or sit for long. Our most sincere sympathy and best wishes for you, (and your Husband!)
Wonderful write karen, I have many symptoms similar to this, God Bless and Keep Wrttine.
Your Sister Bought By The Blood
Michelle
Reviewed by Karissa Lowell
11/13/2002
I have a similar health problem Karen, I have Chronic Fatique Syndrome and it does slow me down.
Have you tried Siberia Gingseng for energy and Ginko for mental concentration and all.
I did try Royal Jelly, but it very sweet and very expensive though.
Good luck with your pregnancy. I feel for dear. I am having the hardest time with my depression and sleep right now.
Hugs to you,
Karissa
great write, karen, but poor 'buters...this is so sad, more problems. but with the love of her man, she'll make it through...and the way you tell her story makes me want to read more...(((HUGS))) and love, karla. :(
