Lurking no more...
jccckc
I will begin by introducing myself, my name is Cathi. I have been lurking
for a couple of months, as I had suspected I was dealing with Fibro. This
was confirmed for me by my rheumatologist on Sept 17th. In retrospect, I
believe I may have been dealing with this for about 11 years. This current
episode, however, has been the most severe.
I began having severe, disabling migraines in March '96. Since that time
the fibro symptoms have escalated. I am not sleeping much (I am writing
this at 2 am), I hurt so much I don't want to move, or sometimes breathe,
for fear of increasing pain. Sometimes I just drive around in the car,
because I don't have the energy to get out of the car and walk into the
house.
My family life has been so interrupted. I have a 12 yr old daughter, and a
son who will be 3 later this month. I have had to quit working, originally
because I was having daily migraines. I have been hospitalized a number of
times because of the migraines. The muscle pain seems to increase the
migraines also. My husband is not wonderfully supportive, although he
tries. It's so hard for them to understand that *you just can't get them a
drink* right now, or go outside to play, or even pick up a toy for them. I
would be most interested to hear how others, with or without children, have
managed their lives. It all seems so overwhelming right now.
I would also be interested in how you have coped with the emotional ups and
downs...the anger and frustration. Also, how do you treat "all" your
disorders...I have been diagnosed with:
a heart arrythmia
ulnar neuropathy
osteoarthritis
polycystic ovary syndrome
migraines
tennis elbow
cervical strain
depression
alpha intrusion sleep disorder
and last but certainly not least...fibromyalgia
How do you cope with all the symptoms, I currently take many meds and am
concerned about side effects, especially long term. Does anyone else have
similar concerns?
I apologize for such a long post, but needed to vent. I appreciate anyones
input, and thank you for taking the time to read this.
Richard
Welcome Cathi !
At one point I had daily severe headaches, with many of them
turning into migraines. Now I have only one a month, a menstrual
migraine--they are the toughest to treat,so I'm probably stuck with
them. So, for what it's worth: you have to work with your healthcare
providers to determine all the causes of your headaches and prevent or
stop them before they become migraines.A big key for me was learning
to tell what kind of headache was coming on; all I can say here is to
listen to your body, and be patient with yourself.
I had to go to an allergist to get those under control (took the
shots, now only need Beconase nasal spray). Have struggled with TMJ
(tempromandibular joint syndrome)for years; using nitrous oxide and
having a patient dentist help. Probably most important is my
chiropractor, who uses a wide range of physical therapy, not just
spinal manipulation, to help keep me from developing so many muscle
tension headaches. And aggressively treat those muscle tension
headaches as soon as they show up, using whatever trial and error
shows works for you ( pain meds, muscle relaxers, heat/cold,
relaxation techniques). My worst headaches are the combo
migraine/muscle tension ones. I find that what works for a "pure"
migraine doesn't work for these. BUT all this is very individual; you
are the only one who can figure out what works for you. For instance,
I take Darvocette for MT or TMJ headaches, but it makes my migraines
worse.
Keeping a record can make it easier. I make notes on my Suzie Zoo
pocket calendar, which is always in my pocketbook--otherwise I
couldn't remember ANYthing ! (and I know it's silly, but Suzie always
cheers me up )
I'm not sure which is worse--dealing with the physical pain or the
loss of your normal life.I admire all of you fibromites with kids. I
have watched my sister deal through her pain with her own child and
others (as a nanny and preschool teacher); I'll see if she has some
tips.
I know from babysitting that even little kids can enjoy massaging/
scratching your back. And if you can't read to them, have them "read"
to you.
Caukee