Monday, May 31, 2010

Fibromyalgia a blessing?

When I initially started this blog, I thought my blog posts would be about my day-to-day pains and fatigues waxing and waning. But as the months have progressed and I have delved into all the research and information on fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, I have found my blog posts more in line with holistic healing and alternative therapies and medicines. What I have found is that a healthy diet, a light exercise program, supplements, stress management and an interest in achieving greater personal health is the true regimine to follow for controlling fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue symptoms. The exact combinations of each will of course vary from person to person, and you need to experiment until you find a good combination that works for you. And you will have to be very aware of what your body is saying to you, and try to adjust accordingly.

When I was initially diagnosed with fibro and cfs I sought out support groups, but I have found these to be very depressing, as most of the people in them rely heavily on strong drugs. I have found that attitude makes a BIG difference in taking on fibro and cfs. All I heard from the support groups was how sad their lives were and 'woe is me', well I am not going to let fibro and cfs define who I am, I am not going to allow it to ruin my life! While I have found certain prescription meds that do help me, they are very low-levels and not heavy-duty pain relievers that constantly knock me out beyond my ability to function. If I am on heavy, heavy drugs that knock me out all the time then what is the purpose? Yes I may have no pain, but I am still unable to function in society! And I have a whole slew of side effects of the meds to boot! Not for me, I have chosen to seek out holistic and alternatives methods of treatment and healing.

As a result, yes I still battle fibro and cfs everyday, but I am very in-tuned to my body and its quirks, and how I can help control the symptoms naturally. I feel my normal and good periods are lengthening. If I manage my stress and what I eat, and I get light exercise (usu yoga) and take my supplements, I really feel very good! I'm generally MUCH healthier overall. Having fibro and cfs has forced me to make lifestyle changes that are good for anyone, with or without fibro, and I am a much healthier person because of it! So is it a blessing in disguise? That is has forced me to live a healthier life? To force me to slow down and smell the roses? I like to think so :)

6 comments:

  1. I too have found Fibro to be a blessing because like you this illness has caused me to take better care of my health. I enjoy walking and doing yoga for Fibromyalgia. I am careful about what I eat and know to avoid aspartame.

    I also use fragrance free cosmetics, laundry detergent, dishwashing detergent and shampoo.
    I use Ivory Soap Bar to shower.

    A good attitude is key.

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  2. Thank you! I am so glad to know someone else out there speaks the same language!

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  3. Fibro Chick, I commend you for your blog and for what you've learned. It can be a tough journey with Fibro, but worthwhile in the end if you learn more about yourself and how you want to live the rest of your life. It sounds like you've come a good ways down the road of getting well! If I can help with you with the last part of your journey, I'm happy to. Check out my Learn How to Heal Yourself membership course at http://www.getwellhealth.com/learn. You see, I, too, had horrible Fibro & CFS plus other illnesses. I was an invalid once upon a time. It's not worth holding on to illness & stomping your foot in the middle of the road, just to prove that "I'm sick!" So do what feels right to you and keep on keeping on. With me the answer was certainly with alternative medicine and, as it turned out, energy healing. I got 95% well. Now I feel better at age 61 than I did 20 years ago. I wish you health and happiness!

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  4. I speak your language too! Your findings are exactly the same as mine, and isn't it nice to know you have company?

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  5. Totally late to the comment party here, but I wanted to let you know how refreshing it is to find someone else with the same attitude towards fibromyalgia. I'm still struggling to find the right alternative treatments (or really anyone who can recommend some to me: I tell you, the doctors in these parts just don't get it), but I'm taking much better care of myself than I ever did before my symptoms got bad.

    Your blog has been helping a lot, what with all the links and book suggestions and the positive attitude. :)

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  6. Hi Kinkatia, no worries we are always glad to have more here! Welcome! I am so glad to hear that someone else is seeking the alternative therapies for their fibro. It indeed take patience, but I just couldn't handle the extreme side effects of the prescription meds! Plus yes, the doctors really don;t have much figured out at this point, and that REALLY ads to frustrations! I'm glad you've found some help form my site. Please feel free to share any info you have found along your journey too! Is an always evolving learning process for sure.

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