There's a lot going on

I haven't updated the blog lately as my life has been (and still is) hectic. New job, new skills to learn and a new way of life.

Since I lost a little weight (2 stone) I found that my energy had increased, my pain decreased and I began to see a light at the end of the tunnel.

My new job is very demanding and stretches me in ways I thought were no longer possible. I can be on my feet for many hours, driving for hours and doing strenuous repetitive movements that, only a year ago, seemed impossible.

I am no longer exhausted when I get home. I'm tired, but it's a good kind of tired. I feel that I have accomplished something.

I have been able to reduce my pain meds and I have been sleeping a little better. My weight loss had plateaued but now, I have found inspiration to keep going and the results are starting to happen again.

I also get out and about exploring abandoned buildings and ancient ruins - much better than sitting in front of the TV!

So what, why , how?

All I can say is that I have taken back my life. I refuse to let this illness - fibromyalgia - define me. I also have TN (Trigeminal neuralgia) but that too, seems to have eased off a bit. Perhaps the winter will set me back a little but I'm not afraid to face it.


Some pics of an old folly I recently explored with some friends #healthyliving #fibrowarrior

Top Fibro Fives

When I first heard the word Fibromyalgia spoken by my doctor, I thought 'Oh yeah, I've heard of that! It's that aches and pains thing.'

I went home. Googled it. And fell into a deep dark hole.

When I finally managed to escape from the hole (with help from my doctor, counsellor and friends) I decided to find out as much as I could about it - good and bad - and do something to help myself feel useful again.

There was so much information out there, at first I didn't know where to start but eventually I managed to boil it down to this. My starting point!

Here are my Top Fibro Fives - Five things we should all know so that we all have a starting point on our journey of self discovery.

Top Five Symptoms

• Pain
• Anxiety
• Concentration and memory problems
• Depression
• Fatigue

As we are all aware there are far more symptoms but most fibro sufferers will have experienced all of these.

Top Five Helpful Natural Supplements or Creams

• Vitamin D3
• Fish Oils
• Magnesium
• Capsaicin
• Co-enzyme Q10 

Always check with your health practitioner before taking any supplements or using any creams as, even though they are naturally occurring substances, they can interact with other medications or conditions.

Top Five Natural Treatments

• Yoga
• Meditation
• Counselling
• Acupuncture
• Reflexology

Always check with your health practitioner first and make sure you only use qualified professionals who are familiar with our special needs.

Top Five Essential Oils

• Lavender
• Marjoram
• Chamomile
• Ginger
• Black Pepper

Always ask for advice from a qualified professional before using any essential oils.

Top Five Foods that Help

• Oily Fish
• Nuts for eg, walnuts and almonds
• Vegetables especially raw
• Lean good quality meat and protein
• Water

The key here seems to be to keep it simple and natural. Although not strictly food, I have included water as it is essential for every cell in our bodies.

Top Five Foods that Hurt

• Sugar and products containing sugar
• Products with gluten, especially made from white flour 
• Aspartame
• Caffeine
• Dairy Products

As we can see, the more processed the food, the more harmful to us.

Gentle hugs

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Damn those Aches and Pains

One of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia is the all over aches and pains. Sometimes described as flu-like, these can strike at any time and make us feel ill, tired, depressed and generally fed up with the illness.

I usually start by getting the aches in my thighs. After a little while the pains move to my arms and then, the rest of my body.

The best thing I've found that helps a little is warmth. Depending on the time of year and the actual air temperature I try one or more of the following in my attempts to gain a little relief:

• A hot water bottle - either cuddled for the perceived comfort or applied directly to the aching area.
• Ensure that the house or room is warm either by lighting the fire or turning on the heating - depends on the time of year and the amount of fuel available!
• Hot drinks - I prefer coffee but many people find teas, hot chocolate or hot milk. I prefer to keep away from alcohol as, although it provides quick relief, once the 'buzz' has gone, the aches and pains seem to return worse than before.
• Appropriate clothing - Although I feel the heat more now than I ever did, I keep a jumper handy for the times I feel under the weather.
• A cosy blanket - to use either while sitting on the sofa or as an extra cover in bed.

It doesn't matter what method you choose, as long as it has the desired effect.

I find that the aches and pains don't last too long once I'm warm and comfortable but unfortunately, they often precede the nerve pains that are so much more difficult to bear.

I have often mentioned this and I will say it again, good quality, restorative sleep is the most important thing we can do to help alleviate some of our awful symptoms.

Gentle hugs

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Pain can be Scary

Another tough day. The anti inflammatory gel seemed to help but it was still hard to get through my work day.

As my chest and back pain was still so bad, I thought I should check with my doctor, that it wasn't anything more serious. I almost wish I hadn't.

My blood pressure was extremely high so I had to have it taken four times. Then, because I had such severe pain in my upper back (between my shoulder blades), the doctor decided to check my blood pressure on both arms.

I told her that my chest wall was sensitive to the touch and when she eventually examined me, found that it was indeed painful as I had said.

This was good news. She told me that if I didn't have this pain to the touch, she would have arranged an ambulance to take me to the nearest cardiac ward!

The reason she checked my blood pressure on both arms was because she was afraid that I might have a torn or leaking aorta! The fact that I had so much pain when she pressed on my chest (with a light pressure) made her think it might be a torn muscle instead. It was touch and go! She kept making me promise that I was telling the truth about the pain and that I hadn't felt any dizziness or sickness.

She reluctantly let me come home but I had to promise that I would contact her tomorrow if I have any other symptoms.

I still have to go back next week to get my blood pressure re-checked and if I feel sick or dizzy I have to make an emergency doctor's appointment and will be sent to hospital.

So, tonight I must rest and hopefully will feel better tomorrow.

The moral of my story is: Don't take chances. Even though we think we know what is wrong with us, it is always best to get a doctor's opinion - Just in case. There are many things that have similar symptoms, so leave it to the expert to diagnose.

Gentle Hugs

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Oops - a Tough Day

Well, I had to give in and admit defeat today. It was a quiet day at work so I don't feel too guilty but I can't believe that the pain got the better of me.

My back and chest felt a bit better after I coated my back in anti-inflammatory gel this morning. Very difficult as I couldn't reach the right spot - much too stiff to move my arms properly - but still, it helped.

The effects of the gel wore off during the day and by lunchtime I was feeling sick.  I had a shooting pain in the top of my head all day and with this and my back, I was pretty miserable.

Finally, just after lunchtime I decided to call it a day. I came home, lit the fire and rested (while working on my latest novel of course!).

Hopefully tomorrow will bring some relief. If not, I will have to go and see the doctor.

I have been reading that cool gels bring better relief than heat pads as the condition is inflammatory so I will try some cool gel tonight.

I'll keep you posted!

Gentle hugs

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The Pain of it!

I never thought that when I wrote last night's post on Costochondritis that I would wake up with it this morning!

The worst thing about this condition is that it can hit you out of the blue and leave you feeling completely defeated.

Unable to bend, reach up or breathe properly, I still had to go to work. I waitress - part-time - and this means bending, stretching and breathing all day! By the time I finished work I felt like crying. I still had to call to my mother to cook her dinner and stay until it was time to put her to bed (a fellow Fibromyalgia sufferer).

I got home at nearly 10pm and still had to feed the pony, the cat and the dog. I sometimes wonder how I keep going.

The pain is finally easing and I hope that by tomorrow, I will feel better. I keep positive and look forward to a better day to come.

On the plus side today, the pain was so bad across my back and chest that I didn't feel the usual pain in my legs and feet!

My cat (Jinx) and I are relaxing on the sofa now but it's nearly time for bed. I can't wait!

Tomorrow is another day.

Gentle hugs

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Costochondritis - What is it?

Costochondritis often goes hand in hand with Fibromyalgia. This condition ranges from mild to severe and affects the cartilage of the chest.

Sufferers sometimes liken the pain to that of a heart attack so it is important to know the signs and symptoms.

For more information see the following links:

Healthiculture.com

eMedicineHealth

Healthline.com

NHS UK

If you suffer from this condition, please comment and let us know if you have found anything to provide relief.

Gentle hugs

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