Receiving the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia/Polyarthralgia/Chronic Pain Disorder/and-or any other chronic condition is a huge life changing event. It comes with a wash of initial emotions and questions.
If you are like me, the time leading up to the diagnosis as well as the time that has elapsed since the initial diagnosis have been filled with more tests….more doctors….more specialists….along with more research on your part.
We wear out our keyboards and few working brain cells….to view forums, blogs, medical research sites, etc….all in an attempt to connect with others….which also helps to reinforce the fact that we are not alone!
There are days that we are “in control” of our emotions….by this I mean…that we understand that we have a permanent condition. For some, its impact is minor/moderate….for others (like me) its impact is extreme….robbing us of all things that we enjoyed and took for granted!
We focus on putting our best “foot” forward….enjoying those few things we can do….like being able to walk to the restroom with a walker….step outside to sit on the porch and enjoy some fresh air….we remember that the milk goes in the frig…or to simply recline and have no muscle spasms.
It is inevitable though…..to have those times when we feel frustrated….overwhelmed…wish that things were like they were before….
Some are able to find relief with medicine…..some with supplements…..some with alternative treatments…..others, like me…..may het be searching for something that will work! Something that will at least dial down the daily pain/symptoms.
Don’t get me wrong….I am so thankful that my body will tolerate Cymbalta! (So far the only med……) I am also thankful for the pain specialist that I have seen that stated that simple gentle stretching is the best form of exercise for me right now…this provided a good daily goal for me….something that is usually attainable!
However…knowing that there is really nothing traditional medicine can help….realizing that many of the alternative options are also out….and waiting for another 4 months until the next specialist (Functional Medicine)….and then the additional wait time for all of the tests to come back…..adds another layer of stress!
I am glad there is another option to explore…..yet…there are days that I just wish something would happen….like…maybe I would awake to find that I was just having a bad dream!
Mom Is Sick -- For Parents & Kids 
Comments on: "The Struggle" (2)
You definitely captured the emotions of being chronically ill beautifully in your post. I’m one of those that can’t really do a lot of western medications or treatments because my body reacts so poorly to them that I’ve stuck to mainly alternative treatments since I got sick back in 2004. I’m STILL waiting for something to actually work-work; I’ve had several different things work to an extent but nothing that ever worked to the point of a little normalcy. You just have to learn to take it one day at a time and celebrate the little victories. I’m STILL working on that myself! I hope you find some relief soon or at the very least you can get in to that specialist sooner than expected ❤
It is good to know that I am not the only one that cannot deal with the western medications and treatments! My body is extremely overreactive….which prevents so much! My intestinal tract is SO overly sensitive….have IBS and a permanent Colostomy….even with all that has been removed via surgery….what remains seems to be even more sensitive…..I cannot even take Tylenol!
I truly hope that you are able to find some type of relief! It is just incredible how much we have endured…and how much has been taken. It is time that we are able to gain some!!!