Living with Fibromyalgia - Tips

This is a great article I came across on ProHealth's website. One woman's challenges and victories in living with fibromyalgia. Its very well written and thorough, and I think everyone will find something they can relate to. 

I especially like to point out that of the 17 things she has said help her manage her fibromyalgia, only 1 involves medications. The rest are lifestyle adjustments. Scheduling recovery time and massages are very important to me as well. I have learned the hard way too often about those to ignore them now! 

(On a side note I am curious to learn more about the CFIDS/Fibromyalgia Self-Help course - has anyone else heard of this??)

http://www.prohealth.com/fibromyalgia/library/showArticle.cfm?libid=18589&B1=EM011514F

Marylin Meberg - Good Quote

From a book that has been at my bedside and a great solace to me over the past couple months, "God Always Has a Plan B":

At times I feel as if the events of my life are riding on a pink golf ball that suddenly curves off in a direction Ii didn't plan, didn't want, and over which i have no control. In dismay, I watch as my life careens off the course I have carefully planned for. And in my rescue of my pink golf ball I have to wander off my chosen course to reinstitute my life. While this is an adventuresome experience, it is not a selected or always joyous one.

I've also experienced many unexpected curves that were delightful and enriching. I didn't see them coming, nor did i have time to prepare, they were just suddenly there.

but life is simply full of curves - sometimes gentle, pleasant, and surprisingly gratifying and sometimes threatening to overwhelm me in their sharpness. The seat belt insuring my survival in all this is that God is always there with me.  

- Marylin Meberg

Please Don't Judge Me

Its tough wanting to do more than I know I am able. I have pushed myself and then been sorry the next day, and days after. Its tougher to try and explain to friends why I cannot go out one night but can go out another. When you are always tired and your feet feel like walking on hot glass after standing on them for just 5 minutes, you start to look at outings differently. And you start planning your week differently. Doctors don't understand fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, I don't understand fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, so how do I explain it to my friends and family? I wish they would just let *me* decide when I can and cannot go out, what I can and cannot do. I feel like I am always being judged and not being accepted for who I am. It seems just when I am having a good day and feel I have things under control other start to voice their *opinions* on the way I am living. Especially in South Florida, so many people here are SO judgemental and superficial, it is such a shame. Just accept me for who I am, and instead of reminding me that I am sick and saying "I hope you feel better" please just say "I hope you are having a good day" -- as I will never *feel better* but I WILL have good days and bad days. And let me decide my lifestyle, as unfortunately it is a day-to-day thing I am learning to try and balance.