The Struggle is Real
For the most part, in my life and in my blog, I choose to stay optimistic. As you've seen in this blog, I'd rather focus on solutions than problems. I have spent ample time compiling tips for various ways of coping with Chronic Pain and sharing those with you. I've addressed relationships, mindset, doctor appointments, what to do when diagnosed and more but today, I only have one tip.
In today's post, I'm going to share some of my ongoing symptoms in hopes that you aren't left in the dark about these realities. My only tip for this post is that at this point, Chronic Pain has no cure and these ongoing symptoms should be expected, monitored and taken seriously.
The ongoing effects of Fibromyalgia are ones that I wasn't prepared for after first be diagnosed and in some ways, are still hard to accept.
Fibromyalgia affects so many different parts of the body, 60+ (see pic). It is inevitable that over the long term these effects will cause different, often more serious issues that will require ER visits and many different doctors.
This year alone I have been to the ER four times. Once for a suspected blood clot in my leg, once for a suspected appendicitis, another time for a severe allergic reaction to hair dye (the same one I've been using for years) and finally for what we thought was a severe ear infection. All results except for the suspected appendicitis came back as "increased inflammation" in the suspected area or severe skin reaction, i.e. Fibro!
These types of yearly emergency visits have become the norm over the past eight years. (My husband and I actually have a system in place for these visits, which I'll share with you in a future post.)
In addition, new "symptoms" keep popping up. My Fibro skin rash, or eczema has spread from my face and arms to a severe case on my hands and feet. The "appendicitis" we thought I had due to severe pain in my lower right side was actually pancreatitis due to so many years of medicine and opiates to treat my Fibromyalgia before my current routine was perfected. This took months to diagnose and resulted in rapid weight loss and not being able to retain the food I ate.
Becoming disheartened and depressed is only natural. These new medical conditions are a constant reminder of the never ending effects of Fibromyalgia, CFS and Sjogren's. Every new symptom requires endless doctor visits, blood tests and a variety of ct scans, MRI's and ultrasounds. Not to mention MORE MEDICINE!
During these frustrating and (insert many other expletive) times, I'm tempted to give up. Getting hit over and over with the never ending, always changing effects of Fibro is mind blowing and exhausting.
If you feel new symptoms coming on or old symptoms getting worse, call your doctor to get to the bottom of it before it's too late.
"Me vs. Fibromyalgia" is a biweekly, one-of-a-kind series designed to give readers and warriors affected by Fibromyalgia a comprehensive look into the facts of the disease and the story of a driven, high-achieving business woman who wouldn't take no for an answer. I've chronicled eight years of experience with Fibro including chronic pain and fatigue, low energy, doctors, relationships and more, and hope to offer answers and support to those who seek them.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. All information presented should be regarded as friendly advice and opinions based on my own experience and research. I am not making an attempt to prescribe any medical treatment and the information contained in this blog is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a doctor or qualified health practitioner.
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