Living With Fibromyalgia

Blossoms of Hope

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To go to the National Fibromyalgia Association website CLICK HERE:

FIBROMYALGIA SYMPTOMS :

Chronic muscle pain, muscle spasms or tightness, and leg cramps
Moderate or severe fatigue and decreased energy
Insomnia or waking up feeling just as tired as when you went to sleep
Stiffness upon waking or after staying in one position for too long
Difficulty remembering, concentrating, and performing simple mental tasks
Abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and constipation alternating with diarrhea (irritable bowel syndrome)
Tension or migraine headaches
Jaw and facial tenderness
Sensitivity to one or more of the following: odors, noise, bright lights, medications, certain foods, and cold
Feeling anxious or depressed
Numbness or tingling in the face, arms, hands, legs, or feet
Increase in urinary urgency or frequency (irritable bladder)
Reduced tolerance for exercise and muscle pain after exercise
A feeling of swelling (without actual swelling) in the hands and feet
Painful menstrual periods
Dizziness

Symptoms may intensify depending on the time of day -- morning, late afternoon, and evening tend to be the worst times, while 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. tends to be the best time. They may also get worse with fatigue, tension, inactivity, changes in the weather, cold or drafty conditions, overexertion, hormonal fluctuations (such as just before your period or during menopause), stress, depression, or other emotional factors.

If the condition is not diagnosed and treated early, symptoms can go on indefinitely, or they may disappear for months and then recur.

My Story:

Theresa Blume

I grew up on a 120 acre hobby farm with 5 brothers and sisters in central Wisconsin. In the summer we rode horses, swam in our pond, and played with the animals. We also worked hard milking cows by hand, chopping and hauling wood for the wood stove, pumping water, cleaning barn by hand, working in the garden, and making hay. We had unique experiences that most kids never got to experience, like having wildlife in our home, hunting, picking wild blueberries, and climbing trees. Since there were 5 of us, we competed in foot races, and invented all sorts of games, never missing TV or computers.

I had major hearing loss since birth, but that didn't really bother me since most of my family were loud talkers. I learned how to read people by watching their eyes and faces and actions, putting together words that I did hear. But even at an early age, heat and humidity seemed to give me more trouble, even causing weakness and fainting at times. I always had the feeling that I wasn't as tough as my siblings because I couldn't seem to keep up with them a lot of times. I had knee and shoulder problems early in my teenage years. Intense migraine headaches started in 7th grade, along with a sensitive stomach and anxiety feelings. In my 20's I was diagnosed with serious depression.

Unaware that I had mental health issues I began to make seriously bad decisions as a young adult, landing me in the hospital several times for emotional breakdowns. Coming from a simple childhood did not prepare me for adulthood, and I was an easy target for trouble. I got into bad relationships, was drugged and raped, and unknowingly, became involved in a dangerous cult. Only by the grace of God am I still alive and able to face these memories.

Many people who tried to help me, though no one knew exactly what was wrong with me, including me. Family members rescued me many times, and finally with their love and support, I began to make progress. Once I was emotionally healthy, I began to realize that there were now physical problems to address.

I went to specialists for various complaints, receiving physical therapy, had x-rays and ultra sounds and different diets for stomach disorders, and antidepressants and lithium for depression. I made temporary progress at times, but always seemed to end up back where I started-hurting physically and emotionally. The worst part was no doctor could find anything specifically wrong with me. Finally my family doctor sent me to a rheumatologist who diagnosed Fibromyalgia.

Getting the diagnosis was a life-changing breakthrough, but I could have never comprehended how much it would eventually rule my life. For a while I felt well enough to get part-time jobs, but evenutually got to the point where I had to give up working. I am grateful to the Avon company for letting me shine within the boundaries of my incurable illness. And without my husband and some helper friends, I would not be as successful as I am with my home business.

Chronic Fatigue greatly limits my time since I need lots of rest. It's not just being tired, but a feeling of total exhaustion so extreme that you can't do anything else but rest. Even taking a shower or driving to town will wear me out.

For me, the worst part of Fibromyalgia is not the pain, missing out of activities with my family and friends. I've had to accept that I can no longer keep the house clean or hold family dinners like I love, or even cook some days.

Fibromyalgia is not yet recognized for the major impact it has on the individuals and thier families. It is literally an "invisible illness" because you can't see it on the outside. People don't understand how bad you feel when they can't see your pain. I don't get out much anymore, and when I do, usually someone has to drive me in case I get too exhausted to drive home. I only go out at "good times", so I dress nice and wear make-up because I am a woman, not an illness. I can never promise how long I will be ok, and must be ready to leave if my body decides it is too much.

There are no sure answers or a cure for Fibromyalgia. Some think it is caused by abuse, or trauma and some think it is inherited. One thing it is NOT is something doctors make up because they don't know what else to say. It is REAL and it has SPECIFIC SYMPTOMS. I recommend going to the NFA-National Fibromyalgia Associaton for the latest up-to-date information.

It is my hope and committment to do what I can to bring awareness to the general public and to help those suffering with Fibromyalgia in whatever means available to me.

Thank you for your interest and compassion to all those who suffer in any form.

Theresa

Theresa Blume is a founding member of the Wisconsin Fibromyalgia Association and participated in getting Wisconsin to recognize Fibromyalgia Awareness Day in 2009.

To get information or get involved in the Wisconsin Fibromyalgia Network CLICK HERE:

Theresa Blume

To go to Theresa's personal blog, "Living With Fibromyalgia" click HERE.

TIPS TO MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER

* Your Attitude is Critical!

You can't change your disability, but you can change your attitude. Being positive is my number one tip because being negative only makes things worse. You will lose friends if you constantly complain about every ache and pain. Laugh whenever you can. Find your own way to make your life fun! Being positive will get you through the day better than any medication.

* Start Your Day the Night Before!

E-mail yourself a note! I start out with a warm greeting and a reminder of the day of the week and the date since "Fibro Fog" is worse in the morning. I list everything that needs to be done the next day and end with something encouraging.

Then in the morning, when I usually feel the worst, the first thing I see is a colorful, positive note to me!

* What Do You Need to Feel Better?

Sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves, and we try to keep up with the rest of the world. Instead of "toughing out" the pain, do what you can do to help yourself. Maybe you need a hot pack, a quick nap, or something to eat. Don't feel guilty. You are the only one who knows what you need sometimes!

* Find Doctors Who Take You Serious!

Doctors might be tempted to just give you medication and dismiss you. You need to find one (or a small group of them) who take time to answer your questions and concerns. Fibromyalgia has many symptoms, but you may have other complications, so you need to address them. You may need a general practicioner, a chiroprator, physical therapist, nutritionist, therapist for depression, etc. Take the time to find doctors that you trust and are comfortable with. You should never feel bad for taking care of your health!

* Say "NO"

This is the most important word you will need. Fibromyalgia puts limits on your energy, and you will not be able to do everything you want to. You can find positive ways around things, but you still need to say "no" once in a while without the guilt! Set your priorities, so your energy is spent doing the most important things.

* Trust Yourself

Your body is individual and unique, unlike anyone else's. Each person with Fibromyalgia will have a different experience, different symptoms, and a different level of pain. So YOU have to make decisions as to what is best for you. Get all the information you can, but remember that you are the one who inhabits your body. Trust yourself to do what is best for you!

* Ask For Help!

Learn how to graciously ask for help without feeling guilty. You know you are doing the best you can. Keep in mind that others may find great satisfaction in helping you. Try to get help with those things that take the most energy from you, and always tell your helpers thank you, even if they are paid to do it. Remember to thank your helpers with words, notes, or small gifts if appropriate.

* Do Not Take Insensitivity Personally!

Because Fibromyalgia is still newly recognized as a legitimate illness, many people do not know what it is. Common comments are "It's something the doctor says when they don't know what it is", or "It's all in your head", or "All you need is more exersize, better vitamins, etc". Realize that these people can't see your illness, and they don't know how you feel. Don't worry about what other people think. Take care of yourself!

* Be Willing to Change Your Plans

This is one of the hardest things for me personally. I like being in control. But Fibromyalgia does not go according to anyone's plan. I might intend a full day of activity, but upon waking up in the morning, my body says otherwise. Things get cancelled and I have to submit to resting and going slow throughout the day. That's when reading and writing, or if I can hold the phone, talking to friends comes in handy. (I recommend a headset for times like this!) It's a great spiritual lesson in patience and acceptance and submission of things out of your control.

* Prepare For Stressful Days

Remember that any kind of stress is going to affect you negatively, even if it is good! So prepare for holidays and special events, along with ordinary visitors by doing things ahead of time so you are not rushed and overwhelmed. I also plan for one or two days of rest after the event so no matter how I feel I know that I don't have to do anything special. You can't always plan for these days, but anytime you can make it easier on yourself do so!

NATIONAL FIBROMYALGIA ASSOCIATION LINK