"What do I Have?" - Overlapping Symptoms & Coexisting Conditions - Ashley Boynes, Community Development Director, WPA Chapter

One problem that arthritis patients have in getting an affirmative arthritis diagnosis is that many forms of arthritis imitate one another, and even mimic other conditions. This makes it a difficult task for doctors to diagnose certain types of arthritis, and can often lead to frustration in patients, as well.

For one thing, there are over 100 types of arthritis. Additionally, some forms, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, share many common characteristics with other diseases – specifically chronic and invisible autoimmune illnesses.

With so many symptoms overlapping and so many coexisting conditions, it is no wonder that patients and doctors are sometimes left in a state of confusion over the actual cause of the problem, or problems, at hand.

Conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Sjogren’s Syndrome, and Multiple Sclerosis, for example (just to name a FEW!) have many of the same symptoms: aching joints, muscle tenderness, overall pain and discomfort, stiffness, severe fatigue, headaches, a feeling of weakness, and so on. Many patients with these symptoms have an elevated rheumatoid factor and coexisting symptoms such as vision/eye problems, gastrointestinal issues, etc. Additionally, many of these conditions’ symptoms lull and flare, and are not consistent on a day-to-day or even hour-to-hour basis, which makes it a hit-or-miss situation when visiting a doctor to try to “show” them your symptoms upon physical exam. All of the above conditions are autoimmune in nature, causing a weakened immune system that attacks itself, and that can cause other illness, as well. In fact, many medications and natural courses of treatment overlap for all of the above-named conditions, too. Even more perplexing is that these conditions often coexist in the same patient, at the same time!

With all of this being said, you may wonder why it matters to get an official diagnosis, if many of the symptoms, outcomes, and courses of treatment are the same. Getting an official diagnosis is important because, although many aspects of these illnesses do overlap, each has its own exclusive set of symptoms, as well. For instance – someone with RA may have swelling – but no swelling or inflammation is typically present in fibromyalgia by itself. Depression, while a common factor in any chronic illness, is more closely associated with MS than any of the other aforementioned conditions. Likewise, patients with MS and RA may have vision issues, while someone with Lupus may not. People with Sjogren’s deal with severely dry eyes and mouth, which isn’t always common to the other conditions. Rheumatoid Arthritis is closely associated with certain forms of cancer, heart disease, low-grade fevers, and thyroid problems; and MS is associated sometimes with musculoskeletal issues and food allergies. Lupus patients typically get a red butterfly rash on the face, as well as occasional edema in the lower legs. As you can see, it is important to treat each illness on its own, in order to take care of each individual symptom, despite so many of them overlapping.

All of the similar traits of these types of illnesses can often lead to misdiagnosis, or, a “missed” diagnosis. This is why it is important to share EVERY symptom or change in your health – even if you think it is irrelevant – with your health care professional, so that they can make a reasonable assessment and an accurate diagnosis. The one symptom that you neglect to tell your doctor may be the key in proper diagnosis of your condition.

So how DO they know what you have? In diagnosing forms of arthritis and related conditions, a doctor usually couples a physical examination with bloodwork. Additionally, they also factor in the patients’ personal description of ailments. In many cases, the lab work is used to rule out other conditions, and a diagnosis is often made using a “process of elimination” of sorts. Unfortunately, people who have one form of arthritis (for example, RA) often have another co-existing form (i.e. osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia.) Likewise, patients with one autoimmune condition typically have more than one – often, three, overlapping conditions at once.

Other reasons for coexisting conditions and overlapping symptoms in arthritis patients include medications and lifestyle. Arthritis patients with a more sedentary lifestyle are more prone to obesity which can then lead to diabetes or heart problems. Additionally, many medications can cause nasty side effects ranging from partial blindness to neurological and gastrointestinal problems – and even cancer.

It is important to stay proactive in your health. If you are unsure “what you have” – see a doctor.  A helpful tip is to keep a health journal, and, before your appointment, document every symptom that you have – even if you aren’t sure it is a concern. If you are unsatisfied with a diagnosis, seek a second or even third opinion until your issue is resolved. Do not ever write anything off. If you have these types of conditions, you need to be aware of everything that is going on with your body. Educate yourself on your disease. For instance – if you have arthritis, do you know what type you have? Is it rheumatoid, which is autoimmune in nature? Or, is it osteoarthritis, which is more mechanical; more “wear-and-tear”? Is it another rheumatic condition – bursitis, myositis, gout, Sjorgen’s, Still’s Disease, ankylosing spondylitis? Make sure you understand your illness and the array of symptoms associated with it. If anything new pops up, let your doctor know – it is better to be safe than sorry.

For your information, here are a few quick facts and tips to keep in mind:

• There are 117 types of arthritis. You can read about them from the Arthritis Foundation here: http://www.arthritis.org/types-arthritis.php
• There are over 100 known autoimmune diseases – many of which are also considered – you guessed it – forms of arthritis and rheumatic disease.
• A symptom common to all of these conditions is severe, debilitating fatigue. Another is widespread weakness and pain.
• Another attribute common to all of these types of illnesses is the fact that they are chronic. A chronic illness is one that is ongoing, long-standing, and typically, permanent. Often, chronic illnesses may be treatable to an extent but have no cure.
• If you have a chronic illness like arthritis, be certain not to neglect the needs of your spouse/partner, family, and loved ones. It is sometimes all too easy to concentrate on yourself and your symptoms and overlook the needs of others.
• People with these types of diseases are prone to anxiety and depression. Be on the lookout for any signs of mental or emotional distress.
• An accurate and official diagnosis is often needed in order for health insurance to cover your condition and provide benefits.
• The Arthritis Foundation provides brochures and literature on the 117 types of arthritis. Contact us if you need any types of resources or support.
• Keep in mind that all of these illnesses CAN AFFECT CHILDREN, too! If your child’s pediatrician gives you a diagnosis you disagree with, keep tabs of his/her symptoms and seek out a second opinion.

Please note, too, that we will not be airing a new episode of Arthritis Radio this week, due to the G20 Summit being in town here in Pittsburgh. However, in correlation with this blog, we encourage you to go back and browse our archives – you will learn a lot from episodes 1-8 about rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, juvenile arthritis, fibromyalgia, and overall wellness.

Check it out here:  http://arthritisradio.podbean.com or search, “Arthritis Radio” on iTunes!

As always, thanks for reading, and be well!

Best,

~ Ashley Boynes

Community Development Director

WPA Chapter

50 WAYS TO ENCOURAGE A CHRONICALLY ILL FRIEND . . .

“A good friend is a connection to life – a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world.” —Lois Wyse

1. Understand that she lives in a constant state of making decisions for which there is no guarantee that she is making the right choice.

2. Put meals in disposable containers and attach a note saying “This doesn’t need to be returned.”

3. Add stickers to envelopes for a cheerful touch.

4. Arrange for your friend’s kids to have a night with your children.

5. Don’t make a person into a project. 

6. Ask, “Would you be willing to talk to a friend of mine who has recently been diagnosed with a chronic illness and offer her some encouragement?” It makes one feel good to know that her experience can offer someone else hope and that God still has a purpose for her life.

7. Wash his car and put a little note inside for him to find later.

8. Remember important anniversaries, both the good and the bad. No one else will.

9. Ask, “Do you want company the day that you wait for the test results? I could come over for a couple of hours.”

10. “No matter how little you have, you can always give some of it away.” ~Catherine Marshall. Just listen . . . until it hurts to not say anything. And then listen some more.

11. Ask her, “How do you feel God is working through-or despite-this illness in your life? I’m interested.”

12. Ask, “What do you wish people understood about your illness?”

13. Don’t make her feel guilty about things that she cannot do.

14. Treat her to a gift of movie rentals via postal mail through a service ($7-15 a month).

15. Ask, “Would you be comfortable with having your name on a prayer list, so that others can pray for you?” Don’t assume.

16. Instead of saying, “I will pray for you,” say, “I’d like to pray for you right now, if that’s okay.”

17. Mop the floors.

18. Ask if she would be interested in writing something for the church newsletter, maybe even about the subject of living with chronic illness.

19. Buy a brightly colored umbrella as a gift.

20. Ask, “Do you have an errand I can run for you before coming over?”

21. Ask her to do spontaneous things, like go to a concert in the park, or just for a picnic. She may be more likely to participate since she knows if it’s a good day or a bad day.

22. Don’t say, “So, why aren’t you healed yet?” or “I wonder what God is trying to teach you that you just aren’t learning!”

23. For a unique gift, provide brightly colored paper plates, napkins, and utensils in a gift bag with a note that says “For when you don’t feel like doing dishes.”

24. Get her a pretty box to keep all of her notes of encouragement. Remind her to get it out and read things when she is feeling down.

25. Be her advocate. If you are at an event and walking/seating is an issue because of her disability, ask her if she’d like you to take care of it. If she says you can, be firm but not rude. Don’t embarrass her by making accusations of discrimination or by making a scene.

26. Ask, “Would you be interested in a prayer partner from our church?”

27. Purchase matching coffee mugs for you and your friend, and then commit to pray for one another each morning while using them.

28. Say, “While you’re in the hospital I’d be happy to take care of your pet.”

29. Don’t tell her about your brother’s niece’s cousin’s best friend who tried a cure for the same illness and. . . (you know the rest).

30. Find out which charity is most important to her and then give a donation in her honor.

31. Ask, “What are your top three indulgences?” and then spoil her soon.

32. Hold the door open for her. They are heavy!

33. Don’t tease her and call her “hop along” or “slowpoke.” Comments you mean in fun can cut to the quick and destroy her spirit. Proverbs 18:14 says, “A man’s spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?”

34. Say, “I know you must need someone to just vent to occasionally. I may not fully understand how you feel, but I’m here to listen anytime.”

35. Ask your church youth group to come over and clean up the yard during seasonal changes.

36. Don’t ask her, “How are you able to make it financially?” If she wants to share a burden she will.

37. Ask, “What would you advise me to look for in a new doctor?”

38. If your friend has a disabled parking placard and you are driving, allow her to tell you where she wants to park. If she’s feeling particularly good that day, she may not want to park in the “blue space.” Don’t be disappointed that you’ll have to walk farther.

39. Don’t gossip about others. She’ll wonder what you say about her. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29).

40. Proverbs 25:11 says, “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Be kind, gentle, and respectful.

41. Accept that her chronic illness may not go away. If she’s accepting it, don’t tell her the illness is winning and she’s giving in to it.

42. Don’t say, “Let me know if there is anything I can do.” People rarely feel comfortable saying, “Yes, my laundry.” Instead pick something you are willing to do and then ask her permission. 

43. Ask her to share her testimony at an event.

44. Buy a magazine subscription for her on her favorite topic.

45. Plant a rosebush to view from a window.

46. Understand that you don’t need to know all of the details about the illness in order to be helpful. He’ll share with you what he’s comfortable with you knowing.

47. Don’t ask, “Why can’t the doctors help you?” or insinuate that it must be in her head. There are millions of people who are in pain with illnesses that do not have cures.

48. Avoid having gifts be “pity gifts.” Just say, “I saw these flowers and their cheerfulness reminded me of you.”

49. Send tapes of church services your friend misses to her with a copy of the bulletin and a note.

50. If she doesn’t have a cordless phone, get her one. Phone headsets are also nice.

 

Reprinted from Beyond Casseroles: 505 Ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill Friend by Lisa Copen.

A LONG COLD SHOWER

The worst thing in the world is to try to sleep and not to.  ~F. Scott Fitzgerald DAY 23:  Continue to find strategies that will improve my sleep.

It has been frustrating to have a conversation with someone and I would mention how my body is always hotter than anyone else’s and how I often get very feverish.  Immediately, I would get a knowing nod, “Yes, doesn’t menopausal hot flashes suck.”  Well, yes as a matter of fact they do.  But try adding heat that is constantly there and then gradually as the afternoon progresses and turns into evening that heat increases to the point that my husband has commented, “You could heat a room.”  I like to think I have saved us considerable money on heating our house since I often don’t often need to put on   the furnace even on our cold winter days.  My family comes home and they tell me they are freezing!

Finally, my current doctor has explained that my thermal regulator has been compromised and it won’t get better until considerable amount of mercury and lead is pulled from my body.  In the meantime, I am always experiencing sleep deprivation.  Greg laughed last night when he read that many people have sleep disorders so that they can’t sleep past 6 a.m.  We both long to have that kind of sleep.  Yes, I have given Greg a sleep disorder since he often wakes up throughout the night due to what he calls “the Furnace” sleeping beside him.

A common sleep pattern for me is to wake up every two hours until around 4 or 5 a.m. when I finally can’t fall back to sleep.  Needless to say, this lack of sleep is a huge component to the pain that I experience.  However, I have tried many different sleeping pills but none can compete with the heat that wakes me up!  They merely make me feel very groggy the next day!

Well, last night I incorporated various strategies that I have done individually before.  First, I stood in a cold shower waiting for my body to be uncomfortably COLD.  Secondly, while I stood in the shower, I practiced some acupressure points while I made some affirmations about my sleeping.  I know that I have some negative emotions around this sleeping problem so that I admitted those emotions but finish with  positive statements.  For example, I said, “Even though I I will never get over this sleeping problem, I know I will get healthy.”.  I added,  “Even though I will never get over this sleeping problem, I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”  I concluded with “Even though I will never get over this sleeping problem, I know that God wants me to have a good rest tonight.”  Then I took a Tylenol to see if that would lower my fever. I also took  3 Melatonin which helps put a person into a deeper sleep.  When I lay in bed, I began focusing on the statement, “I am sleeping until 6 a.m. tomorrow morning.”  Amazingly, I woke up once last night with the heat, took a cold cloth to cool my arms and legs , ran water on my wrists and then washed my face with cold water.  I returned to bed and fell asleep until 6 a.m.!!!

Needless to say, I am trying these strategies again tonight!!

DRINKING WATER ALL DAY LONG

DAY 21:   Put a pitcher of water in the fridge to ensure that I am drinking 10 glasses of water.

My doctor gives a series of lectures that he wants his patients to attend to enable them to do all that they need to do to get well.  These lectures also help them better understand the types of treatments he gives them.  When I became one of his patients, I began attending the lectures.  Unfortunately, my health continued to worsen and I wasn’t able to attend all of them.  Since then, he has also expanded on each of the topics. I had hoped that I could take his whole series again and the first lecture was on Saturday.  I got ready to go, but minutes before I was to leave, I conceded that I had too many symptoms especially dizziness and I needed to stay home.  Therefore, I decided this week to look at my notes from the first time I attended and review what I learned from his first lecture.

This first lecture was a general overview of the 7 things the body needs:

1. Adequate fluids
2. Rest
3. Oxygen
4. Nutrients
5. Sun – Vitamin D and Serotonin
6. Exercise
7. Germs

He spent quite a bit of time discussing how the body cannot function without enough water since all of our cells and organs depend on water.  Water acts as a lubricant, forms the base for saliva, forms the fluids that surround the joints, regulates our body temperature, helps to alleviate constipation, regulates metabolism, and plays a key role in the prevention of diseases such as colon cancer.  Interestingly, he mentioned the book  Your Body’s Many Cries for Water whose author maintains that “Unintentional Chronic Dehydration (UCD) contributes to and even produces pain and many degenerative diseases that can be prevented and treated by increasing water intake on a regular basis”.

After discussing the benefits of water, he proceeded to explain that tap water can actually contribute to other health problems since the water treatment plant cannot filter all of the chemicals found in the water. It was rather unsettling to contemplate how all the antidepressants, hormone replacements, contraceptives, and industrial sewage still exist in our water.  He believes that one of the reasons for the increasing trend of males developing breasts and females having periods at a younger age could be attributed to the increased estrogen that people are drinking!  Obviously, he wants his patients to drink water that has either been distilled or to use Reverse Osmosis since these systems better filter out those agents.

We actually have had a Reverse Osmosis System for a few years .  However, we have learned that since our system is older, it is most likely not as efficient filtering all of the toxic materials.  As part of my program of optimizing my healing environment, we may need to investigate this matter further to determine whether we need to upgrade our system.

Most importantly, I need to begin the practice of putting a pitcher of water in the fridge to ensure that I am really drinking ten glasses of water.  I am continually thirsty so I assume I am drinking that amount but I need to know definitely.  Just imagine if I drink consistently enough water  some of the pain might lessen and I would experience more energy!

Where does it hurt?

Your shoulders and knees are throbbing with pain, so intense you can’t even cover up with a sheet, but there’s no explanation as to where the pain is coming from. The only thing the doctor can tell you is that it isn’t originating from your shoulders or your knees. Well, thanks a lot doc. Another doctor, a different doctor, tells you it’s all in your head. “We’ve conducted test after test, and we just can’t find anything wrong with you. It must be psychological. Here’s the number for…” You’ve heard it all before, and it’s getting rather monotonous.

Let me tell you something. You are not crazy. Your pain is real, no matter what anyone else says.

The first step of diagnosing Fibromyalgia, (FMS), is to rule out every other illness on the face of the planet, everything from the flu to Lupus. Yes, this can take months, even years. But you can’t give up. You can’t go on letting the pain determine what you’ll do, (or not do as the case more likely is), day-to-day. Don’t let it take control. You take control.

One of the most difficult aspects of this chronic illness is dealing with the brain fog. I’m not making that up; it’s a real symptom. Brain fog feels exactly like it sounds – like you’re trying to find your way through the fog, but the fog is only increasing with every step you take. The harder you try, the more confused you become. Try talking coherently when you feel like you just got whopped upside the head with a basketball thrown by Michael Jordan. It ain’t easy. In fact, it’s impossible. Anything you do manage to get out of your mouth sounds like it’s been filtered through….well, fog. This only assures the doctor that he’s right, you’re crazy, and you need mental help.

Still, don’t let it stop you. Go home, and do your best to get some rest. When you feel better, (it does happen, believe in that), either call that doctor back or find another one who will listen. Tell him or her, (don’t ask, tell), that you want to go ahead and begin working toward a diagnosis, whatever it takes.

It took me about 18 months, and an extreme amount of patience, to find the right doctor and obtain a diagnosis. Not to mention that my family suffered greatly. My husband couldn’t understand why I, the active, social woman he met only four years earlier, could not get up off the couch even if he told me there was baklava in the next room.  My sons, toddlers at the time, wondered why I wasn’t down on the floor playing with them. I scarcely remember family events because I wasn’t truly there.

The first doctor I saw about my pain was one of those who was certain I must be imagining it all; either I was a hypochondriac, or a drug addict trying to score some narcotics. He didn’t even order blood work. It took me no time at all to start looking for a new doctor. After a few months and three or four more doctors with much the same opinion I got lucky, or, more accurate, blessed. A co-worker noticed that I’d been hobbling a lot lately, running into walls, cringing at every noise, etc, etc. She asked me if I was okay. I never have liked to talk to anyone about my health problems, but for some reason I opened up to this woman and just spilled my guts. I told her all about the pain and fatigue I’d been experiencing, and about not being able to find a doctor who believed me. She recommended her own doctor, a general practitioner who was kind and caring. I scheduled an appointment. It saved my life.   

The good doctor, as I’ve come to refer to her, ordered blood work first, to determine if it might be arthritis, or diabetes, both of which run rampant in my family medical history. It was neither, (though there was bursitis in my knees and tendonitis in my shoulders), so we took the next step; she ordered another blood test to check for Lupus. That was also negative, but the test for Lupus, ANA it’s called, runs a 50/50 false positive result, meaning only 50% of the test results are accurate. Because of that, over the course of about nine months, the doctor ordered two more ANA tests. They were negative also. I had two MRIs, a cat scan, and nerve testing done. Finally, upon conclusion of those tests being negative, the doctor decided I must have Fibromyalgia, and she sent me to a rheumatologist to confirm that theory. While I wasn’t too fond of the rheumatologist’s bedside manner, (or lack thereof I should say), he did confirm that I had Fibromyalgia. Finally, I began to accept that I was not insane, that I was not a hypochondriac, but that I was truly ill. As hard as it was to hear I had this terrible illness, it was also a blessing, simply to have a diagnosis. That diagnosis led to the next step, treatment.

There is no cure for Fibromyalgia. So, what can be done? The most important part of treating Fibro is also the most challenging, for me at least. I was told that I must first and foremost change my lifestyle. The fact that I was always going, going, going was the main contributing factor to my illness. How in the good Lord’s name are you supposed to slow down when you have a husband, two school-age children, and a full-time job that consumes your entire life? Good question, and not one that I can answer with confidence. The most important thing I’ve learned over the years is that I can’t possibly do it all, and worrying about it does nothing but make the pain and fatigue that much worse. So I put a stop to the worrying, or at least I slacked off as much as possible. It helped.

Keep in mind that you must exercise, but not too much. When I was in high school I was captain of the auxiliary corp, and acted in plays with the speech and drama team, among other pursuits. When I moved out of my parent’s home I held down three jobs at once. In other words, I was always on the move. It never occurred to me that I should sit down and relax now and then. Therefore, I had no idea how to do just that – sit down. I had to train myself to take breaks, stop myself from speed-walking at the park, and refrain from breaking out in a run when my sons rode their tricycles. Yes, it is easier said than done. But it can be done. You just have to stick with it. And don’t make the mistake of thinking you only need to take a break if you’re not feeling well. You must ensure you’re getting enough rest, even when you feel great and wonder how in the world you could’ve been diagnosed with a chronic illness. That’s a mistake I’ve made over and over, and I’m sure I’ll do it again. When I’m having a good day, I feel like I need to “hurry up and get it all done” before I start to feel a flare coming on. Well, guess what. That’s exactly what leads to a flare, (or one thing that does anyway).

A flare is what I call “couch days” – days when you couldn’t pull yourself up off the couch if your life depended on it, when you feel like you have the flu and have just been startled, never being able to let go of that tension that being startled causes; all the while someone, or something, is stabbing flaming needles through your fingertips, your toes, your eyelids, just wherever they feel like partying at the moment. There have been times when I was certain I was dying. That’s how bad the pain can get. You’d think the memory of those times would cause me to be more careful when I do feel well enough to “get it all done”, and in some cases it has, but for the most part I ignore those memories and set forth to do it all anyway. Take it from one who knows – don’t do it!

Another thing that must be done, but is also difficult, is to not let yourself get stressed out, over anything. Long before I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, I was diagnosed with chronic depression. One theory is that FMS is caused by depression. Another theory is that depression is caused by FMS. I tend to agree with both. I’m certain that my depression was a major contributing factor to the FMS, but I’m also certain that the FMS causes me to be depressed. Think about it. Who wouldn’t be depressed when they have to lie on the couch watching their children play instead of being able to get up and play with them? This is why it’s so important to properly maintain your stress level. Just like forcing yourself to take breaks on those good days, you must do something for yourself that will make you feel good, that will make you smile, that will make you laugh. Read the comics, watch your favorite episode of I Love Lucy, listen to your children laugh, whatever it is that lifts your heart and makes you feel like you’re walking across fluffy clouds, do it. Put it on your calendar if you have to.

Something else you can do to ease the pain is to make sure you’re getting the proper kind of rest. I stress “proper kind” because it means something entirely different than “enough”. You could sleep for twelve hours, but not feel any better if that sleep was interrupted by nightmares, pain in your legs causing you to toss and turn, etc, etc.

It’s important to have a specific bedtime ritual, and to go to bed and get out of bed at the same time each day. About an hour before you want to go to sleep, prepare yourself to go to sleep. Think of the things that help you relax, and use them. There are many different methods for this of course, and what works for some won’t work for others, but I’ll tell you mine.

I am a reader, maybe too much of one, (that, according to my husband). I take a book to bed with me every night. Sometimes, not having read the book before, I don’t realize that it’s going to get so exciting that the story ends up waking me up, wide-eyed, instead of putting me to sleep. Well, I’m not one to preach on the subject, but if you realize this is happening you should put the book down. I would never do that, but it’s what you should do. Then pick up something else, something you’ve read before and know won’t excite you, and read it.

Before I begin to read though, I turn on my noise machine, (one of those doo-hickey’s that make nature noises you can buy at any Wally World), to the sound of ocean waves. Then I pull the covers over me, and position my two pillows to cradle my neck and shoulders just so, close my eyes, imagine myself lying on the beach, at night, alone, and take ten deep breaths, very slowly, in, out, in, out. By the time I open my eyes back up to read the boring book I’m already halfway to dreamland. My muscles are relaxed. I’m calm as a newborn kitten. Then my husband storms into the bedroom to tell me about the exciting play on the Steelers game he’s watching, and I have to start all over. I don’t let it irritate me; I just start all over. It works. Usually I sleep peacefully for eight hours, or until the hubby has to push me out of bed to get me going the next morning. Getting that type of rest, the peaceful kind, will do wonders for ensuring your fibro pain is not as great as it could be otherwise.

These are just a few tips for controlling some of the pain associated with fibromyalgia. It doesn’t begin to touch on how many symptoms there are. Fibromyalgia can cause, or be associated with, a wide variety of phenomenon. See Fibromyalgia for more information. At the risk of sounding like a commercial, if you’ve been experiencing any of these symptoms, and are having trouble getting a doctor to help you, or even believe you, just keep on keeping on until you find the right one. They’re out there, I promise.

I love Fall

The fact that it is pretty. The cooler weather I could do without. This morning it wasn’t even a balmy fifty degrees. Now that makes for a rough morning. But the leaves are changing color and when you look outside it’s a colorful world. A tantalizing tease before winter hits with its gloom. I have grown to despise winter and cold and snow. Finny how this happens as we get older. I remember being a kid and you couldn’t keep me inside in the winter now it’s a struggle to get me out of the door!

A roller coaster day...short note

Yesterday I got my trigger point shots from my doctor – they are not steroids (don’t bother w/steroids because if it is truly Fibromyalgia the steroids will not help) – they are numbing shots. My trigger point injections are used to numb just the worst areas where I have hard knots – sort of like marbles or in some cases golf balls under my skin that can not be broken up with massages (I have much to say about massage therapy but not today). The injections also temporarily break up the knots. Sometimes it lasts for a couple of months, sometimes just a couple of weeks but they offer true relief even if just for a bit.  The knots always come back but any relief is good for me. However the day after I get the shots is not always a good day. Sometimes it is even the worst of days because every spot where the shots were injected HURTS – it’s like my body is rebelling. Thankfully that usually only last for that one day after – so today I was woken up by the pain – and today nothing could touch the pain – at some points I thought cutting my left arm off would be preferable to dealing with it any longer. So I thought “great…fabulous…a really bad day…yee haw!”

But then I won an online contest for an ARC (Advanced Reading Copy) of a new book from a series I have really been wanting to read. And that little thing…a note in my inbox from an author (just getting any email from a published author is awesome enough)…it changed my day. I went over to twitter and told my book blogging buddies about it…did the Twitter equivalent of jumping up and down and was flooded with warm wishes and congrats and teasing jealous comments. All of it lifted my mood. Then one of the other bloggers commented on how she loved my review of the Julie & Julia movie from my BookObsessed blog and an amazing thing happened, a whole bunch of other people started sending me notes about my reviews and how they enjoyed them and started pushing me to put out the post for a book they knew I finished earlier this week but hadn’t reviewed yet. The pain didn’t go away. I spent most of the day with an ice pack and some of it laying down but I did work on the review after the little push they gave me…their support helped me to do something instead of nothing. Nothing good was expected from the day but I was surprised to find good beyond, through and outside of the pain. I didn’t finish the review but it was more than I’d hoped to do today and for me that too changed my day.

I know this is a bit rambling-ish but I hope the point came across regardless. Sometimes it’s not a good day or a bad day but bits of both and you should grab that good and hang onto it because it make the bad not quite so bad. Ahhh…good night, Heather

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