happyfibrofamily

Where To Start? 

      Since the stairs in my home were a huge obstacle, I sought  help from a podiatrist.  Get a good pair of everyday shoes.  He recommended a larger shoe size and good tennis shoes.  I ended up choosing two pairs - Mizuna Wave Riders and Brooks Radius.  I was amazed at the difference the shoes made.  Not only did they cushion my feet and absorb shock, but they looked cute, too. Somehow I seemed to have more energy from this simple change!     

      This inspired me to start Pilates training. Joseph Pilates developed the practice for rehabilitation.  I need rehabiliation!   He believed that Pilates-style deep breathing would oxygenate the blood and tissues, allowing for healing.  I’ve noticed significant muscle development and less pain in general.  I also am not exhausted after a workout and find myself being able to work out beyond what I thought was my capacity. 

     I have a trainer and use machines known as the chair, cadillac, and the reformer.  The chair (AKA torture device) would be the perfect addition to a home gym, it could double as a tool to reinforce good behavior in my children. 

Think Positive

The next day I wake up and for a brief moment feel no pain - maybe it’s all a mistake. However as my feet touch the ground and the sensation of shattering bones reaches my brain, I realize that it is not a mistake. I am in pain, but at least now I have a name for it.     

In terms of an explanation, fibromyalgia is not a degenerative disease. So, while I may have pain, I don’t need to worry that movement is causing more damage. Knowing this is empowering. It allows me to recognize that I can still fulfill my mommy duties, if I choose. I can embrace the pain because it means I am able. It also allows me to evaluate my priorities and determine where I should spend my effort. I must admit, though, I dread the stairs.

Rheumatoid Arthritis… Pernicious Anemia… Bone Cancer… Lupus… Lyme disease…

     There I sat waiting, waiting, waiting - as thoughts of my possible diagnosis coursed through my brain.  Prior to coming into the office I had spent countless hours researching my symptoms online.  Finally I decided to see a recommended rheumatologist. 

     My eyes turn to the magazine shelf seeking some form of entertainment, but I am too tired to even reach out and hold a magazine for a few minutes.  I sigh.  A nurse calls my name and I daringly hope as I step into the small exam room.

     I hold out my wrist and begin to explain my pain when suddenly the doctor starts poking me HARD on my forearm.  OUCH!   I try to explain that it’s my joints that hurt, not my arms, but my earlier exclamation confirms the doctor’s initial impression.  She begins to interview me and continues to poke in 18 different spots. She looks over my blood work and announces, “You have fibromyalgia.” 

     I stare blankly at her.  I’m thinking - you‘ve got to be kidding me?  Am I really paying for this??? To my limited knowledge, fibromyalgia is a “fake” disease but my pain is very real.  It must be something else, I argue.  She informs me that those pokes were partial diagnosis, the rest was confirmed on my bloodwork.   If I felt pain with pressure in 11 of the 18 spots, they call it fibromyalgia.  I had pain in 14 spots.

   What a pain in the spot!  How am I going to explain this to my husband and eight (yes, eight) children?!