Tag: fibromyalgia
I’m a Fibro Patient, of course I…
Saw this trending on the socials as more of a generational thing but I figured it would be fun to see what we can come up with about Fibro, put our own ‘fibro flare’ on it if you will (I’m only funny to myself but sometimes its worth it LOL)
Loki of the medical world…
Much like Loki of Asgard (who was burdened with glorious purpose) that prankster fibromyalgia (who, for all we know is just doing this shit for funsies) just loves messing with us, doesn’t it? Its idea of a good time is replacing all the words in our brain with radio static for a rousing game of “What Did I Come Into This Room For?” Talk about a comedic fibro fog party trick!
And let’s not forget fibromyalgia’s classic prank of swapping out our skin for sandpaper while we sleep. Waking up feeling like we got a full-body exfoliation treatment from Edward Scissorhands? Chef’s kiss to that hilarious bit of tomfoolery!
Then there’s the ol’ random full-body ache for no damn reason gag. You’re just going about your day when BAM – it’s like you got hit by a truck carrying a cargo of pain and fatigue. Fibromyalgia’s version of the old “kick me” sign prank, but way less funny.
Sometimes it gets super creative by hiding all our energy reserves like George stashing nuts. Suddenly basic tasks like showering feel as exhausting as running a marathon. Thanks for that delightful prank, fibro – really keeps us on our toes!
But fibromyalgia’s pièce de résistance has to be the sensory overload prank. One minute you’re fine, the next it’s like all your senses got turned up to 11. Lights are blinding, sounds are deafening, and tags on your clothes may as well be made of cacti. Now THAT’S a practical joke that really sticks the landing!
Fibromyalgia really gets a kick out of the old “hide and seek” game with our energy levels. One minute we’ve got enough gas in the tank to run errands, the next it’s disappeared without a trace! Good luck trying to locate those missing spoons to accomplish basic tasks
And let’s not forget fibro’s classic bait-and-switch prank of luring us in with a decent night’s sleep, only to cruelly snatch it away with a morning of feeling more exhausted than if we pulled an all-nighter. Tricking us into thinking we’ve finally beaten insomnia is such a knee-slapper for this prankster condition
Prankster Fibromyalgia is out here giving Loki a run for his money. But we know all this. And knowing is power (knowing is half the battle? I don’t know, insert your own 80s slogan lol) Now if we could just fix these things, well, maybe we DID fix all the things and we forgot where we put the answers. That sounds like something we’d do. You guys go look for that, I gotta go see where George ran off to with that, I might need it. Take care of yourselves, and each other!
SuperFibroman… fibroperson? Fibro super powers…
Let’s be real – living with fibromyalgia is basically like being bitten by a radioactive sloth. You get all these weird-ass “powers” that nobody asked for and just make everyday life more of a challenge. But since we fibro warriors are stuck with them, we might as well lean into the absurdity.
For starters, we’ve all developed a spidey-sense for detecting chairs from a mile away. Usually with our shins when we walk into them but also when we look for them upon entering a room. I always clock exits, then chairs. Our bodies are so desperate for relief that we could spot a La-Z-Boy in a Vegas casino from the parking lot. Now thats not an always thing, some days I’d rather stand because I need to walk or stretch, but I HAVE TO know where my options are.
Then there’s our superpower of confusing the absolute shit out of doctors. We walk into their offices presenting a cluster of bizarre symptoms that have them scratching their heads harder than a dog with fleas. “You’re a real medical mystery!” they proclaim, as if we should feel honored to be their personal enigma wrapped in brain fog and muscle knots. Thanks, I guess?
Of course, our most impressive feat is the ability to look totally normal while feeling like microwaved garbage on the inside. We’re masters of disguise, slapping on makeup and clean clothes to conceal the bone-deep exhaustion and full-body aches. Somehow we make it through work, social events, you name it – all while our bodies are practically screaming for a horizontal surface.
And let’s not forget our supercharged empathy and ability to sense others’ invisible suffering. One look at someone and we can decode the subtle signs of fatigue, pain, and the dreaded brain fog. We see you, fellow spoonies – our x-ray vision cuts through the smiles and pleasantries.
So sure, having fibromyalgia may not give us the coolest superpowers in the traditional sense. But if you think about it, we’re all low-key superheroes just powering through each day with these bizarre abilities nobody else wants. Who needs super strength when you have the power to baffle medical professionals? Til next time gang, take care of yourself and each other!
Fibro be makin me crazy… or crazy makin me fibro?…
Fibromyalgia, the condition that makes “chronic pain” seem like an understatement, often comes with a side order of psychological hurdles, courtesy of our good friend, solitude. Picture this: you’re in a constant battle with your own body, and just when you think you’ve reached an understanding, your social life decides to pack its bags and take a vacation to “nowhere in sight.”
Isolation, the VIP section of the fibromyalgia club, isn’t exactly a coveted spot. Between canceling plans last minute because your body decided to throw a tantrum and having to explain for the umpteenth time why you can’t just “shake it off,” it’s no wonder you’re left feeling like the lone wolf in a pack of social butterflies.
Loneliness, the emotional equivalent of trying to find Waldo in a sea of blank stares, becomes your not-so-trusty sidekick on this rollercoaster ride. Who needs friends when you have your trusty heating pad and a Netflix subscription, right? But let’s be real, even the most dedicated binge-watcher can’t fill the void of genuine human connection.
Feeling misunderstood? Welcome to the fibromyalgia Olympics, where everyone’s a gold medalist in the sport of not getting it. Because nothing says “fun” like trying to explain why you’re tired all the time to someone who thinks a good night’s sleep can cure anything from a broken heart to a broken leg.
In conclusion, the psychological effects of solitude on individuals with fibromyalgia are about as enjoyable as a root canal without anesthesia. But fear not, fellow fibro warriors, for in the midst of the chaos and the pain, there’s humor to be found. So, here’s to finding solace in laughter, camaraderie in shared experiences, and the occasional eye roll at well-meaning but clueless bystanders. After all, if you can’t laugh in the face of adversity, what’s the point? Take care of yourself, and each other.
Fibro and friends…
Ah, relationships and fibromyalgia, the ultimate test of love and patience. Because what better way to spice up your romantic life than with a chronic pain condition that’s about as predictable as the weather forecast in the Midwest in May?
Picture this: you’re all snuggled up on the couch, ready for a cozy night in with your significant other. But instead of Netflix and chill, it’s more like a game of “Find the Least Painful Position” as you try to avoid triggering a fibro flare-up every time they accidentally bump into you. Ah, romance.
Also, the timeless struggle of elucidating fibromyalgia to your significant other without coming off like a wannabe actor on Grey’s Anatomy. “Oh darling, I’m not merely exhausted—I’m ‘fibro-fatigued.’ It’s fatigue with a twist, a dash of theatrics, and a sprinkle of existential dread for flavor. Just your average day in the life of a medical drama, right?”” I’ve always wanted to be on Greys. Or, honestly I’m old school and ER was my jam. STAT! lol
Oh, and communication? That’s a whole other ballgame. Because nothing says “I love you” like trying to have a serious conversation about your pain levels while your partner’s eyes glaze over like they’re watching paint dry. Ah, the sweet sound of empathy. I love watching the light in my partners eyes dim when I talk tender points. I can see exactly when he tunes out and I’m always tempted to throw in extra random shit to see if he’s paying attention lol
But hey, if your relationship can survive the endless doctor’s appointments, the mood swings from pain medication, and the occasional meltdown in the frozen foods aisle because they’re out of your favorite ice cream (or just because its Tuesday), then you know you’ve found a keeper. So here’s to love, laughter, and navigating the minefield of fibromyalgia together. Til next time gang, take care of yourself, and each other.
Hydration and the Fibro population…
We all learn in school about how much we need water; after all, we’re practically human-sized water balloons walking around! But while Kevin Costner might have embraced the aquatic life in WaterWorld, us fibro warriors know that our relationship with H2O is a bit more… shall we say, complex.
So, here’s the deal with staying hydrated when you’ve got fibromyalgia. It’s like, you know when you forget to water your plants for a while and they start wilting? Yeah, your body’s kind of like those neglected plants.
First off, your muscles need hydration to keep doing their thing without cramping up or feeling like they’ve been through a blender. Plus, staying hydrated helps keep your joints lubed up and less creaky. Nobody wants to feel like the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz, right?
Then there’s the whole temperature control situation. Fibro already messes with your thermostat, so why not throw dehydration into the mix? Staying hydrated helps keep your internal temperature in check, so you’re not sweating like crazy one minute and freezing the next.
Oh, and let’s not forget about the brain fog. You know when you’re parched, and suddenly you can’t remember where you put your keys? Yeah, that’s not fun. Hydration helps keep your brain sharp, or at least as sharp as it can be when fibro’s already playing tricks on it.
And hey, if you’re on meds for fibro, they might dry you out faster than a desert wind. So, drinking water is like giving your body a big ol’ thank you for putting up with all that medication nonsense.
Long story short, drink your water, folks. Honestly, nothing I can say will make it taste better but your body NEEDS it. I learned that the hard way in the hospital. Theres a reason why they bring you so much water and ice while you are in there. Your body will thank you, and hey, maybe you’ll even feel a little less like a wilted plant in need of some TLC. Take care of yourselves gang, and each other!
Its not all sunshine and happy pills…
I have a lot of other things I want to talk about but Fibromyalgia is so weird and varied from one person to the next and since the diagnosis tends to come after ruling out all the other causes for the symptoms being experienced and we’ve been talking about the symptoms, lets take a look at some common practices and life style changes recommended to us to help reduce the severity of the symptoms we are experiencing.
Not everyone experiences everything all at once or at all ever, fibro patients are a lot like fibro itself, all over the place. So I picked the solutions I have heard in MY past the most, but we are all different and some of this worked until it didnt, some never worked, and maybe some won’t work on ME because of my comorbidities but might make you feel tiptop. I can only write about the ones I’m familiar with and these are the holistic treatment of the symptoms, not the actual illness. You might need meds, or treatment other than what I’m going to outline. This isnt a rule book, its not a guidebook, its not even a book, I’d say at most its a ‘bo-‘ lol but if any of these are practical, talk to your doc about them, talk to family and friends, talk to other chronic pain sufferers, do your due diligence I guess I am saying.
Now, for those seeking an adventure beyond pill popping, behold the wonders of holistic treatments! Brace yourselves for a journey through the mystical realms of self-care:
Behold the ancient art of “EXERCISE“! Marvel as you engage in low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or biking, all while pretending to enjoy it. Stretching and yoga are also on the menu, promising flexibility and less stiffness, if you can bend that far without groaning. This can be gentle movements on the bad days that you already feel like you’ve gone 10 rounds with the undefeated world champ, or more intense heart rate elevating exercises for the days you don’t feel sore and achey and just kind of miss it lol.
Enter the realm of “healthy diet“! Feast upon the bounty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and bid adieu to caffeine and trigger foods… or risk awakening the mighty fibromyalgia beast from its slumber. Now I know that can seem daunting, especially to those with current or former eating disorders, this is one you need to work super close with a doctor or nutritionist on. If nothing else, try to slowly ease the foods that are known triggers from the equation. Give it a month or two at least after any changes and reassess. And don’t beat yourself up over a small screw up, no reason to trash it all or start over, you stumbled, just right yourself and continue on, its not an all or its not worth it scenario, each change is helpful and will have cumulative effects.
Prepare for battle against the nefarious stress! Arm yourself with mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques, and perhaps you’ll emerge victorious against the stress monsters lurking within.
Embark on the quest for quality sleep! Equip yourself with the finest sleep hygiene practices, banish caffeine and screens from your bedside, and venture forth into the land of dreams, where fatigue dares not tread.
Pacing Activities: Learning to balance activity and rest is essential for managing fibromyalgia symptoms. Pacing oneself and avoiding overexertion can help prevent flare-ups and conserve energy for activities that matter most.
Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat packs or taking warm baths can help alleviate muscle pain and stiffness, while cold packs can help reduce inflammation and numb painful areas.
Massage Therapy: Massage therapy can help reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation, which may provide relief from fibromyalgia symptoms.
Supportive Therapies: Engaging in supportive therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or counseling can help individuals cope with the emotional challenges of living with fibromyalgia and develop effective strategies for managing symptoms.
It’s important for us to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses our specific needs and preferences. Integrating holistic approaches with conventional medical treatments can often lead to better symptom management and overall quality of life.
As you can see, even if you are resistant to taking meds, there are options available, we can’t make it go away but we can beat it into submission with a few of these tips in our arsenal. Are there any tricks you’ve found to be helpful? We love it if you’d share with the class lol
Til next time guys, take care of yourselves, and each other!
Fibro never comes to the party alone…
I thought it was time we talked about the elephant in the room, or more accurately the elephant on our chests. I’ve been long time friends with depression and anxiety starting way back before I knew Fibro existed. My Bipolar already had me familiar with both but it intensified in recent years as the pain from fibro and other life events try to confuse and confound me, the endless cycle with one thing triggering the other until I reach the point where I just sit paralyzed with so much to do but no idea where to get started, so I just don’t. Which of course makes it worse. *sigh*
Ah, the delightful dance of depression and anxiety with fibromyalgia symptoms, like a twisted tango of torment! Imagine this: You wake up feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck, which, by the way, you suspect would be less painful. Your body is screaming, “Hello, pain!” and your brain is like, “Ah, another fabulous day in Fibro-land.”
So, you drag yourself out of bed, shuffle to the kitchen, and attempt to make breakfast. But wait, what was I doing again? Ah, yes, eggs. Suddenly, your brain decides it’s on vacation and leaves you with a fog thicker than pea soup. You burn the eggs, set off the smoke alarm, and now you’re both in pain and feeling like a culinary failure.
Meanwhile, anxiety’s tapping its foot impatiently in the corner, like, “Come on, can we panic now?” It sees your pain and raises you a healthy dose of worry about the day ahead. “What if I can’t handle work today? What if people notice I’m not okay? What if…what if…what if?” It’s like having a hyperactive squirrel in your brain, constantly running on its little anxiety wheel.
And depression? Oh, depression’s the life of the party! It’s like that one friend who shows up uninvited, crashes on your couch, and refuses to leave. “Why bother getting out of bed? Everything sucks anyway,” it whispers in your ear, while you try to muster the energy to brush your teeth.
But here’s the kicker: depression and anxiety aren’t just content with their own shenanigans; they love to stir the pot of fibromyalgia symptoms. The more you hurt, the more anxious you get about the pain never ending. The more anxious you get, the more your muscles tense up, the more depressed you feel about never being able to escape this merry-go-round of misery.
So, there you have it, the delightful trifecta of fibromyalgia symptoms, depression, and anxiety, all wrapped up in a package of pain and panic. It’s like a rollercoaster ride through Dante’s Inferno, with extra fog and fewer laughs. Ah, the joys of chronic illness!
We will talk more in depth about what to do with these feelings, trying to stop yourself from being anxious and depressed, easier said than done yes, but its going to be the best way to cut off this cycle. I want to hear strategies people! Even little ones, what helps when your so anxious you feel like your insides are itching and clawing their way out? Share with the class if you have any tips or trick to share. Sleep is important too gang, so I’m going to crash, goodnight all, stay kind to yourselves and each other!
Fibro because its not all about the Zzzs… except when it is…
Fibro folk, tell me I’m not alone, you’re out, having some fun with friends, one of them out of the handful that are around, knows about your Fibro and inquires about your health. You thank them for their genuine concern, pleased to know someone is listening, when another one says ‘Oh is that the sleeping one? I got some (insert name of sleep supplement here) from facebook/tiktok/my sister’s brother in law’s father’s uncle said it works for all those and it knocks me right out’ while you are looking down so that fire doesnt shoot out of your eye holes you remember you’re too tired to argue with this person that you hardly know about what the different kinds of tireds there are. Let her be her dumb ass self and hope that she never has any type of chronic illness, because you wouldnt wish any of it on your worst enemy let alone this obnoxiously oblivious woman.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia are both chronic conditions characterized by symptoms that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, but they differ in their primary symptoms and diagnostic criteria. “Just being tired,” on the other hand, typically refers to a temporary state of fatigue that can be alleviated by rest and does not meet the criteria for either CFS or Fibromyalgia.
CFS, also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is primarily characterized by profound fatigue that is not alleviated by rest and persists for at least six months. This fatigue is often accompanied by other symptoms such as cognitive difficulties (often referred to as “brain fog”), muscle and joint pain, headaches, sore throat, and tender lymph nodes. The exact cause of CFS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of factors including viral infections, immune dysfunction, and psychological stressors.
Fibromyalgia, on the other hand, is primarily characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and tenderness, often accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulties, and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. The pain associated with fibromyalgia typically affects specific tender points in the body, and the condition is thought to involve abnormalities in how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals, as well as factors such as genetics, infections, and trauma.
“Just being tired,” or transient fatigue, is a common experience that everyone encounters at some point in their lives due to factors such as inadequate sleep, physical exertion, stress, or illness. Unlike CFS and Fibromyalgia, transient fatigue typically resolves with rest and does not persist for an extended period of time. While it may share some symptoms with CFS and Fibromyalgia, such as fatigue, it lacks the severity, duration, and accompanying symptoms necessary for a diagnosis of either condition.
Til tomorrow folks, be kind to yourself and one another.
WannaBeNormal 