What do you do when life throws you a curve ball? What do you do when the doctor says I have done all that I can do and no one seems to understand your pain but you? In 2001 I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia a.k.a Chronic fatigue Syndrome the unfortunate result of a horrific car accident which took place in January of 2000. My life suddenly went from
To
Everyone thought I had lost my mind because I complained of being in pain 24 hours a day. I no longer saw life as bright, colorful and filled with possibility. I began to see life as merely existing through a mirage systematic modified behavior. Life held no possibility of spontaneity for someone who may or may not be able to get out of bed the next day.
Over the years I have been given the following diagnosis: IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome in addition to the following side effects chronic migraines, inflammation of my ribs, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic spasms, inability to sleep and much more.
I have learned several things over the past 7 years. I would like to share 10 of them with you.
- Trust yourself don't second-guess what your body is saying to you
- Continue to seek medical attention until someone listens
- Fibromyalgia is a real illness
- Life does not end just because your body hosts an incurable illness
- Maintain your dignity, sanity and most of all your right to make decisions about your care
- Surround yourself with a positive support group, even if it excluded doubting family and friends
- Stay informed learn as much as you can and join the Fibromyalgia Network
- Learn to say no
- Learn to rest
- Lean and depend on the comfort of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
I will be back next week to share some more with you on learning to live with Fibromyalgia, because life looks so much better.
See you next week
