Tag: PTSD
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.
Off with her head… or all the rest of the parts that hurt…
We’ve all been there, some social event that you drag yourself out of bed for, any big gathering that you’ve saved up your spoons for because you know how things get. You’ve managed to smile for most of the people and start to ache, thinking only of the inevitable crash that comes after having fun with others. You’ve clocked the exits, you’re making your rounds saying goodbye to everyone. Hand shakes, gentle hugs for the chosen few, when someone sees you trying to make your quiet farewell. A loud someone. A judgemental someone. A someone you’ve artfully managed to dodge for the entire event, and there they are blocking the door. You can hear it already, their complete dismissal of the monster that consumes your entire being most days. How much you wish you could just transfer the monster to this persons back for five minutes, maybe you’d get a little empathy. Of course not. Today is the day they get through to you that you’re not feeling what you think you’re feeling, you’re feeling what THEY think you are feeling, and with a lot less first hand knowledge. Rolling your eyes and thanking them won’t work, but you are not in the mood to debate it, some people will just never believe what they can’t see, touch, or feel themselves.
You are not going to change hearts and minds here. Your best bet is to leave before anyone’s feelings are hurt (including your own, some people are mean). BUTTTTTT, you see where this is going, so you square your shoulders and smile, hoping to minimize the interaction and get out of there before drawing a crowd and having to say goodbye to everybody all over again. Bracing for it, you are not at all surprised to hear, ‘You know, I read that fibromyalgia is 100% mental, have you ever thought about the possibility you’re just too sensitive? It’s all in your head, I bet’
Oh boy. He went there. Now if you’re like me and you are not completely depleted from peopleing at this point, this is when you laugh. Not the good funny ha-ha laugh, but the ‘listen here f*cktw@t’ chuckle of you loading up the heat to roast this fool. Get out your marshmallows and gather round…
Guys fibro is hard, and fibro fog makes thinking of quick witty comebacks a near impossibility, but if you are prepared, locked and loaded with the snark this comment deserves this can be the highlight of the evening not just for you but for all in the vicinity, especially those who don’t enjoy this tool’s company. I GOT YOU! Look no further, these comebacks are sure to have him feeling the heat of that burn until the next party (where I promise at least this dumbass won’t be providing color commentary on your health.)
‘Oh wow of course! All I need to do is flip the switch in my brain labeled pain sensitivity to the off position, why didnt I think of that!’ – Ironically thats what some of our meds actually do, but this person wasn’t trying to be helpful and you don’t owe him a science lesson.
‘Wow, why didn’t I think of that? Let me just tell these nerves to stop being so dramatic’ – That one works best with an eye roll and then a fast subject change, as if you have no time for his shit.
‘Great idea! I’ll just add ‘ignore chronic pain’ to my to-do list. I’ll put it right under solve world hunger and teach you how to find the g-spot’ – That one is savage and might need to be adjusted in accordance with their sexual orientation
‘Oh silly me, I forgot to unsubscribe to the feeling pain newsletter, and I forgot my imaginary pain repellent! Can I borrow yours?’ – You can add ‘never mind, I’ll find my own, I forgot you keep yours up your ass with your head’ it depends on who is around and how much you dislike this person.
The last one is best delivered with full eye roll and exaggerated ‘I’m over this’ hair toss – ‘Ah, the elusive solution: simply pretend it doesn’t exist. Thanks for the groundbreaking advice. Remind me to cancel my doctors appointment and just think happy thoughts, why did I forget I was going to get to see Dr. Obvious, first name Captain’ and swish on out of there.
None of these are ideal, but neither are the ignorant people with uneducated opinions. You won’t change anyone’s heart or mind because its exactly as two dimensional as any other illness that has never touched that persons life, so you might as well get a decent laugh out of it, maybe provide a witness with a funny story to tell. Until next time gang, take care of yourselves, and each other!
Responses to well meaning family and friends
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.
Tender Point Tango…
Ah, fibromyalgia, the notorious party crasher of the nervous system. If you think of your body as a bustling metropolis, with nerves running around like frantic commuters during rush hour and sprinkle in some miscommunication among these nerves, and ta-da, you’ve got yourself a fibromyalgia flare-up – an event no one signed up for.
Living with fibromyalgia is a bit like playing a twisted game of “Guess That Pain.” You wake up each day, take stock of your aches and pains, and try to play detective to figure out which ailment is causing today’s particular brand of discomfort. Will it be a symphony of soreness or a relentless drumbeat of dull aches? The suspense is killing me…oh wait, no, it’s just the pain.
But there’s a secret component: the tender points. They’re like hidden treasure spots on a map of your body, except instead of gold, you find pure unadulterated pain. Seriously digging on these x’s are not going to find anything remotely rewarding. Prodding them is like poking a bear—you know it’s a terrible idea, yet you can’t resist the temptation to see if it’s still there, waiting to pounce.
Tender points in fibromyalgia are like little pressure-sensitive landmines scattered throughout the body’s landscape. Picture them as tiny protest sites where your nerves have decided to stage a full-blown rebellion against anything remotely resembling comfort.
These tender points aren’t just your run-of-the-mill sore spots and they arent there for decoration; they’re hyper-reactive areas where even the gentlest touch can trigger a symphony of pain signals that reverberate throughout your entire nervous system. While anyone can experience tenderness in various parts of their body, those with fibromyalgia have a specific set of tender points identified by the American College of Rheumatology.
Traditionally, there are 18 designated tender points, symmetrically distributed across the body, ranging from the base of the skull to the inner knee. Pressing on these points feels less like a gentle poke and more like poking a hornet’s nest—you’re bound to get stung.
The role these tender points play in fibromyalgia is twofold. First and foremost, they serve as diagnostic landmarks, helping healthcare professionals differentiate between fibromyalgia and other conditions that may mimic its symptoms. If you wince in agony at the mere mention of pressing on these tender points, congratulations, you’ve just earned yourself a potential fibromyalgia diagnosis.
But beyond their diagnostic significance, tender points are also notorious troublemakers in the world of fibromyalgia management. They’re like stubborn guests at a party who refuse to leave, no matter how many hints you drop. You may try to ignore them, but they’ll make their presence known with a vengeance, sabotaging your attempts at relaxation and hijacking your sleep.
Moreover, these tender points often team up with their cohorts—muscle stiffness, fatigue, and sleep disturbances—to form a formidable alliance against your well-being. They thrive on chaos, exacerbating each other’s effects and leaving you feeling like you’ve been hit by a proverbial pain train.
But fear not, brave fibromyalgia warrior, for knowledge is power. By understanding the role of tender points in your condition, you can arm yourself with strategies to manage their mischief. From gentle stretching and low-impact exercise to stress management techniques and medications, there’s a plethora of tools at your disposal to tame the tender point beast and reclaim control of your life. So the next time those tender points come knocking, show them who’s boss with a steely gaze and a well-aimed dose of self-care.
So here’s to the fibro warriors, bravely battling your own body through each day armed with a healthy dose of humor and a stubborn refusal to let pain steal their joy. After all, if life gives you fibromyalgia, you might as well make jokes about it. Until next time guys, take care of yourselves, and each other.
WannaBeNormal 