Pregnancy is such an interesting time for most women.  The pregnant body goes through many changes, both emotionally and physically.  It is often both exhausting and amazing to watch these changes unfold.  Pregnancy is commonly characterized by swelling, fatigue, and disturbed sleep patterns.  These difficulties are made even worse by the presence of fibromyalgia.  Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain, fatigue and unrestful sleep. It is more common in women than in men, and for some women, the symptoms of the condition first arise during pregnancy.

The Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

The symptoms of fibromyalgia vary in severity and frequency from person to person and sometimes from day to day. The following symptoms have all been associated with fibromyalgia

• Chronic pain the neck, shoulder, low back and hip
• Unproductive sleep (waking up without feeling rested)
• Severe exhaustion
• Frequently waking during the night
• Waking with stiffness and achiness. A topical pain relief product can be found at http://www.ghchealth.com/
• Hypersensitivity to cold and/or heat
• Abdominal pain
• Recurrent headaches and migraines
• Sensations of numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• Constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome. The best way to treat these conditions is with a product called Oxy-Powder available at http://www.oxypowder.com/
• Anxiety and depression. Help is available at http://www.stress-anxiety-depression.org/

In some cases of fibromyalgia, unexpected weight gain can occur. If this is a problem, a good resource for losing weight is http://www.weightlossobesity.com/

The American College of Rheumatology defined the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia in 1990. They concluded that fibromyalgia could be diagnosed by a history of widespread pain throughout the body, accompanied by pain in at least eleven out of eighteen specified tender points in muscular tissue. Pain was described as widespread when felt in all of the following regions: left and right sides of the body, above and below the waist, and in the axial skeleton (cervical spine, anterior chest, thoracic spine or low back).

How Does Fibromyalgia Affect Pregnancy?

Researchers have not been able to uncover the exact cause of fibromyalgia and as such there is no documented evidence regarding the effects of fibromyalgia on pregnancy. For example, no reliable improvement or worsening of pain is expected when a woman with fibromyalgia becomes pregnant, and there are no known health effects of fibromyalgia on the baby. There was one small study performed in 1997 that evaluated women with fibromyalgia that became pregnant. The researchers did find that the women in the study experienced worsened symptoms during pregnancy, especially during the last trimester.  However, even after delivery; there was no measurable effect on the babies’ health.

The relationship between fibromyalgia and pregnancy is one that requires more detailed research to determine the effects that the two conditions have on one another, and the effect the fibromyalgia can have on the pregnant mother and her baby.

Testing For Fibromyalgia

There is no one specific test that can determine whether a patient’s symptoms are caused by fibromyalgia. In most cases, doctors will perform a series of medical tests such as blood tests and x-rays to rule out other conditions that may be the cause of the symptoms, such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Treating Fibromyalgia During Pregnancy

Many of the medications used to treat fibromyalgia may not be safe for a developing fetus or during breast-feeding. If you have fibromyalgia and you plan to become pregnant, talk with your health-care providers about whether you should continue taking your medications.

Other remedies for the symptoms of fibromyalgia include dietary changes, exercise, and stress management.  These treatment methods can all be beneficial during pregnancy, although you should always discuss new lifestyle changes with your obstetrician before incorporating them into your routine.  The most important thing you can do for both your own health, and for that of your baby is to try to maintain a positive attitude.  Here are a few tips for maintaining your sanity when dealing with fibromyalgia during pregnancy:

Keep The Faith: There is a lot of information on the exercises, medications, stretches, and stress management techniques that can bring relief and a sense of control back to your life.  Be patient and keep the faith while you are searching for a method that will work for you.

Stay Connected: Good friends and a strong support network are important during any pregnancy.  These resources become vital for a pregnant woman with fibromyalgia.  Stay connected to your friends, family, and lean on them in times of need.

It’s OK To Get Bummed: Pregnancy is a time of physical and emotional ups and downs. It is important to acknowledge that you may feel down, sometimes because of your hormones and sometimes because of your symptoms. Go easy on yourself during these times.

Keep Track of Your Symptoms: You may or may not be keeping a pregnancy journal to track the highlights of your pregnancy.  However, you may wish to keep another journal that tracks the frequency and severity of your symptoms as well as the difficulties of your moods.  This may help to keep things in perspective and it will help provide your health care provider with a valid and accurate account of your symptoms.

Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, aches and stiffness in muscles and joints throughout the body along with exhaustion.  It is a controversial illness, as some physicians do not believe that it is a medical illness as much rather than a symptom of stress or even hypochondria. There is no known cause of fibromyalgia, and doctors have yet to find a physical link for the symptoms of the condition. Blood tests, X-rays and other tests usually are normal in people with fibromyalgia. However, mental health tests and stress tests do not yield significant results either.  For these reasons, fibromyalgia syndrome is very difficult to diagnose and the diagnosis most often occurs after all other possible conditions are ruled out. This is to say, fibromyalgia is a diagnosis of exclusion.

Regardless of the controversy, fibromyalgia afflicts roughly four percent of women and almost one percent of men in the United States.  In total, between three to four million Americans report symptoms of fibromyalgia. It most commonly affects women of childbearing age or older.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain throughout the body and stiffness in the muscles and joints.  It specifically affects the trunk, neck, shoulders, back and hips. Pain at the body’s tender points is a characteristic symptom of the condition.  The pain of fibromyalgia can be either a general soreness or a gnawing ache, and it is most often described as feeling like a chronic flu. Fibromyalgia sufferers typically also complain of feeling exceptionally tired. Sleep disorders are common in those who suffer from fibromyalgia, and many patients complain of waking up tired even though they may not recall having trouble sleeping. Fibromyalgia also causes digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and diarrhea (the best way to treat these conditions is with a product called Oxy-Powder available at www.oxypowder.com. The pain and exhaustion of fibromyalgia can cause such mental health conditions as depression, anxiety, and stress. Help is available at www.stress-anxiety-depression.org.

In most cases of fibromyalgia unexpected weight gain can occur. If this is a problem, a good resource for losing weight is www.weightlossobesity.com.

At The Doctor’s Office

After discussing your symptoms and concerns, your health care provider will likely perform a complete medical history and physical exam. Blood tests and x-rays may be used to rule out conditions such as anemia, hormonal imbalances, hypothyroidism, muscles diseases, arthritis, and cancer. Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) may also be performed to check the condition of the nerves and muscles. Your doctor will also check your body for swelling, redness and impaired movement, especially in those points where you most frequently have pain.

Diagnosing Fibromyalgia

Here is the definition of fibromyalgia according to the American College of Rheumatology’s 1990 Criteria for the Classification of Fibromyalgia:

1. History of Widespread Pain.

Definition. Pain is considered widespread when all of the following are present: pain in the left side of the body, pain in the right side of the body, pain above and below the waist. In addition, axial skeletal pain (cervical spine or anterior chest or thoracic spine or low back) must be present. In this definition, shoulder and buttock pain is considered as pain for each involved side. “Low back” pain is considered lower segment pain.

2. Pain in eleven of the eighteen tender point sites on digital palpation.

Definition. Pain, on digital palpation, must be present in at least eleven of the body’s eighteen trigger points. Digital palpation should be performed with an approximate force of four kilograms for a tender point to be considered “positive” the subject must state that the palpation was painful. ‘Tender is not to be considered “painful”.  The trigger points include the following sites:

• Occiput: bilateral, at the suboccipital muscle insertions.
• Low Cervical: bilateral, at the anterior aspects of the intertransverse spaces at C5-C7.
• Trapezius: bilateral, at the midpoint of the upper border.
• Supraspinatus: bilateral, at origins, above the scapula spine near the medial border.
• Second Rib: bilateral, at the second costochondral junctions, just lateral to the junctions on upper surfaces.
• Lateral Epicondyle: bilateral, 2cm distal to the epicondyles.
• Gluteal: bilateral, in upper outer quadrants of buttocks in anterior fold of muscle.
• Greater trochanter: bilateral, posterior to the trochanteric prominence.
• Knee: bilateral, at the medial fat pad proximal to the joint line.

*For classification purposes, patients will be said to have Fibromyalgia if both criteria are satisfied. Widespread pain must have been present for at least 3 months. The presence of a second clinical disorder does not exclude the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia.

In order to meet the research criteria for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia, a patient must experience both of these symptoms for at least three months. However, as these symptoms are difficult to classify, some heath care providers often diagnose the illness without meeting these strict criteria. Nevertheless, in most cases, a physician will come to this diagnosis after ruling out all other conditions that could be causing the patient’s pain and fatigue.

Article reproduced from Paintracking.com

“Have a positive attitude.” How many times have we heard that one? While our emotions can not cause fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, they no doubt affect our symptoms. But how can we maintain good thoughts when our bodies feel so lousy? This challenge, of course, does not pertain exclusively to chronic illness, but to any time when things do not go as we wish. But in the case of ongoing illness, seeing the positive presents a continuous struggle.

Yet our moods are not perfectly correlated with our physical state. Most likely we can all recall times that despite much pain or fatigue, we were able to cope and even achieve high spirits. Perhaps the weather was perfect, good friends visited, we just accomplished something or helped somebody, making us feel good about ourselves. Other times, depression seems to take hold even when our physical discomfort is at a manageable level. Why is this? Answering this question is the key to finding optimism.

To me, the vicissitudes of fibromyalgia feel like a swim in the turbulent sea — sometimes it seems we have fallen and the waves continue to crash on our heads, as we fight to rise, only to be knocked down yet again. But that same ocean sometimes allows us to find a wave we can ride smoothly to the shore.

What can we do when we feel under the waves? How can we find the strength to climb back on top, and the patience to know that we will? Here are ten cognitive exercises I use to maintain the most positive attitude I can:

1. Expect bumps! It is important to acknowledge that we will sometimes feel down. Who wouldn’t in our condition? But by expecting rather than dreading down time, such periods become more tolerable. In addition, recognizing that we will have blue periods helps keep them in perspective. We will be able to say to ourselves, “I was depressed before, and got out of it; this time, too, it will pass.” It is easy to forget that before our illness, there were times we felt down. Now these periods are wrapped up in our medical problems; but everyone gets depressed some of the time. After accepting that we will sometimes feel sad, and even experience self pity, we can concentrate on ways to shorten these periods and make them fewer and farther between.
2. Track the changes. Keeping track of moods helps put ups and downs into perspective. During your best times, make a conscious attempt to capture the feeling. Leave notes on your wall attesting to the way you feel. Living with chronic illness easily creates a Jekyll-and-Hyde persona, where your optimistic self and your flare-up self are not sufficiently acquainted. When we feel bad, it becomes quite difficult to imagine that things can be otherwise. Similarly, during times of improvement, it’s amazing how quickly we may forget how bad a previous period was, making subsequent flare-ups not only intolerable but shocking. Counting and measuring the duration of the bad times — as well as the good ones — can put them into perspective. It may be that over time, our worst occurs about once a month, although it feels much more frequent. This knowledge is empowering, because we can remind ourselves that a bad flare is, for example, our monthly temporary setback, and find ways to ride it out until our baseline returns.
3. Stockpile fun distractions. We all need to keep lists handy of the things that make us happy. One of the cruelties of our condition is that when we need distractions most, we are least equipped to seek them out. For this reason it is important to compile a list of our favorite activities when we are feeling optimistic to be used when we most need them. People with fibromyalgia often describe how even their worst pain can be put on a back burner, so to speak, when they become engrossed in an activity. This is not only a psychological but a physiological response: our brains can only process so much input at once. When we are engrossed in a beautiful movie, talking to a good friend on the phone, or listening to our favorite music while lying on a heating pad or in the bathtub, we can trick our pain receptors into leaving us alone! Meanwhile improvements in spirit have an added impact on our entire well-being. Laughter is good medicine; while dwelling on our troubles tends to compound them.
4. Shape your perspective. Is the glass half empty or half full? Perspective determines, quite literally, how we view the world. Having a chronic illness creates an ambiguous construction of reality for us. Am I, for example, a successful cripple or an unsuccessful professional? In American culture, much emphasis is placed on independence, individualism, and achievement. Through this lens, developing a condition that makes us feel more dependent and less productive is likely to be a huge disappointment. Yet as we get older, it becomes more likely that we, or somebody close to us, will experience debilitating problems. People are often forced to adapt to sudden, new conditions by adopting a perspective that accommodates change. Our perspectives are shaped by the comparisons we make and the expectations they create. Consider, for example, the immigrant who had been practicing medicine in his home country, but flees to the US to escape a repressive political regime. Here he works as a janitor; after years of medical study, he has lost a prestigious and rewarding occupation. Yet he is thankful for the opportunity to work and wakes each day driven by hope, perhaps, of a better future for his children. Yet his difficulties are also quite apparent. What keeps his spirits up and makes him thankful rather than bitter? His perspective.
5. Create a new self. If we hang on tightly to the “old self” we were, finding the value of our “new self” becomes increasingly difficult. (We may even exaggerate how fit that person was: “I didn’t need any sleep, I never felt bad, I could do anything!”). This does not mean we should totally discard our previous conception of self; rather, we need to find a way to integrate the two. In other words, we should seek to find in our new bodies new ways to enjoy and experience the things that we had done before. Consider all the aspects of yourself that you like, and the things that you most want to do; then step by step, find ways to achieve as many of these as you can. At the same time, recognize that our expectations must shift so that we can once again meet them.
6. Don’t forget the good stuff. While the physical symptoms of fibromyalgia can feel all-encompassing, there are other parts of our life–our social relationships, passions, family — that also exist. By focusing on the positive aspects of our life, we become more aware of how many there are: the friends that stuck by us, the things we still enjoy, and the accomplishments we have been able to make, however small, under very different conditions. Because each task now represents a challenge, we should celebrate whatever we manage to accomplish. As we have been told many times, if we shorten the list and pace ourselves whatever we do eventually adds up to something to be very proud of.
7. “Oy, it could be worse.” (The Jewish mantra). As comparisons shape our view, it is helpful to find comparisons that will provide a fuller appreciation for what has befallen us. OK, the “eat because children are starving in (fill in the developing country)” did not work for you as a child. But try to think of it this way: Many bad things happen in the world. The odds are that some of them will happen to us. Not because of anything that we have done, but because, as the saying goes, shit happens. It takes only a short view of the evening news to remind ourselves of the horrors occurring every day. So, this is what has happened to us. We too were caught. Let us examine what we have: (a) We know our condition is not terminal, so we need not begin contemplating our pending mortality. (b) As bad as we sometimes feel, our underlying condition is not going to get worse. We have already experienced the worst, and, to our credit, have gotten through it. (c) Although few people achieve permanent remission, many improve significantly. As we understand how our actions and emotions influence our general well-being, we can find ways to partake in more and more activities.
8. Keep the hope alive! There is so much room for hope. It has only been since the 1990s that our condition has acquired any legitimacy from the medical community. We are in a far better position than the generations before us who suffered without ever receiving validation. We know much more about the important roles of exercise, medication, stretching, pacing and meditation to bring relief and a sense of control. Furthermore, as medical research increases, it is only a matter of time before better therapies (and perhaps even a cure!) are introduced.
9. Lean on me! A single most important predictor of how we do is the support network we create. We certainly appreciate what it means when someone helps us when we feel especially lousy. Make sure that, within your means, you continue to be a good friend to those you care about. We still have lots to give. During a good moment, write to a friend that you are thinking about her. Help your family and friends find ways to maintain their relationship with you. Invite them to your place to eliminate traveling (and do not worry what your place looks like! They came to see you, not your housecleaning abilities). Try to be open with family members, while at the same time supportive of their needs. Put yourself in their shoes as often as possible — it can be scary to have someone you love be sick! Also make sure to seek help outside of your immediate circle so as not to drain your closest friends and family. There are now all sorts of support groups, both live and in virtual computer space.
10. Indulge whenever you can. We have lots of time to focus on our thoughts. Most people do not have the luxury of taking time to relax and think. OK, we did not ask for these “time outs.” They are demanded by the needs of our bodies. Nevertheless, we have control over how we use this extra time. Instead of dwelling on what our bodies are not doing, give your fantasy full liberty. Turn these rest periods around to be indulgent time. In our mental playground, we can practice dance steps we used to know (for there will be some times we can dance!). We can use the time to think through problems we face and how we want to spend time when we are feeling ready, or we can analyze a movie we recently saw, say prayers, or mentally write a letter to a friend. The article you are now reading is a product of a spell in the middle of the night, when I lay in bed, unable to sleep. After taking steps to make myself more comfortable, I decided to think about what I would write next. I figured that if I fell asleep, great! But if not, I’d have thought through my next article. It was about this point when I, satisfied, went off to dreamland.

Article reproduced from Paintracking.com

Fibromyalgia presents a daily struggle. Here are some tips–in no particular order–that have made my life easier and even downright fun.

1. Voice-Activated Software

   During my first years with fibromyalgia, I was not able to type at all without terrible pain. Even a minute at the keyboard was excruciating. I carefully reorganized my work station taking into account ergonomics: good supportive chair, screen at eye level, wrist and mouse pads. Still I could not type. Then I discovered voice software. What a godsend. Thanks to voice software I finished writing my dissertation and stayed employed. The first version of these articles were written exclusively with voice software. That was in 1994, and the products that seemed space-aged then are now primitive. Single-word speech entry has been replaced with continuous-word speech recognition. In addition, the prices have dropped substantially (about tenfold!). There are now several products on the market. The best voice-activated dictation products I’ve found are PowerSecretary for the Macintosh (1-800-443-7077) and Dragon Dictate for Windows or the PC (1-888-343-3773). IBM also offers competitive products for both. English is no longer the only language offered, others such as German, Arabic, Japanese and French are now available.

   If you are accustomed to typing and are quite fast, voice input will likely be quite frustrating at first. Before the software is ready to use, you must train it to recognize your voice by reading it words and paragraphs. I found that the computer ‘learned’ to understand me at about the same pace I learned to understand how to talk to it. Most of us have not been trained to dictate. Plus when mistakes occur, it can take some time to fix them. But with patience this 21st century tool can be invaluable to those of us who do not have total use of our hands or arms. And they are improving all the time.

   Thanks to a healthy break from the keyboard and to exercises for my wrist, arm and back muscles, I am now able to resume typing by hand. Still, when I type “too much,” the pain returns. What is really great about voice software is that your computer treats it the same as keyboard entry. You can type for a while and then decide to use your voice software for a while.

   For those of you who need to type at work, talk to your company about purchasing software for you. The prices have come down as low as one hundred dollars for some products. If you require it for home use, it may be tax deductible as a medical expense (talk with your doctor). College and professional students should also contact their university office for disability to see what services are available for them. Voice software is becoming a realistic option to typing. Soon I expect voice software will be commonplace for all computing.

2. Telephone Headset

   Holding a phone can be excruciating, so I no longer do so. Headsets allow you to look chic like Madonna and get comfortable at the same time. On long calls I like to go through my stretching routine or relax on the couch with a heat sack behind my neck. Even cellular phones now offer headset versions or adaptations. If you rely on the telephone, headsets are money well spent. If you are required to use the phone at work, talk with your boss about supplying a headset to accommodate you. Remind your employer of the additional benefit from the preventative aspect of headsets (for all employees) and their ability to free hands for other work!

   There are several varieties of phone headsets that run under fifty dollars. Plug-in headsets can turn existing phones hands-free. Cordless models allow you to free your hands and body. Like other cordless phones, these have a plug in base and a mobile component. The mobile component includes a headset. Some you can strap onto a belt or pocket. Radio shack carries modestly priced headset phones. Most of their cordless phones now have headset jacks. Other brands are Panasonic which makes a good quality cordless radio phone that offers a headset unit. Plantronics carries various phones with headsets. Shop around at discount stores. Make sure to check return policies so that you can check the quality and comfort of the phone at home before committing to it.

3. Microwavable Heat Pack

   Nothing soothes like a hot rice pack on the back of your neck or wherever aches you most. The simplest way to create one is with an intact tube sock or pillow case. Just pour in several cups of dry, raw rice–any rice except Minute Rice works fine. I use Jasmine rice because I like its aroma. Tie the sock or pillow case closed with a good knot.

   If you have access to a sewing machine you can make a more attractive version — what I call my Happy Sack. Select a cotton fabric, double it if it is thin. Decide on the dimensions. Long and thin for your neck, larger rectangle for your back. Then sew together three sides, with the good sides facing inwards of course. Turn the sack right-side out and fill nearly halfway with rice. Turn in the ends and sew closed the remaining side.

   Toss your sack in the microwave for about two minutes or so, until it reaches the perfect hot temperature to relax any muscle spasm. Heating time depends on the size of your sack and the strength of your microwave. I like to make mine very hot and then wrap it in a small towel to retain the heat. When it begins to cool I unwrap it and place it directly on my clothes or skin. Rice sacks heat up more intensely than electric heating pads and are much safer. Their flexible consistency is particularly soothing.

   I have sacks of various colors and sizes that I leave in various places. Throughout the day I like to use one behind my neck to keep my tension headaches at bay. I also bring one to long meetings, or when I travel, to keep my muscles warm and relaxed. I have found that if I asked politely, the bartenders in airports will heat my sack for me. What a difference this makes for travel. I make sure to heat one when I head out for any length of drive and give them as presents to the friends and family I visit most often. Pop one in your bed to warm the covers or your feet. Use a fashionable sack at work — soon your coworkers will desire one as well. If you are unable to sew one for yourself, I would be happy to make one to your size and color specifications.

4. Electrical Stimulation Unit

   I have used two different types of electrical stimulation units. Each sends electric impulses from a machine through wires and electrodes to your body. You may have had electrical stimulation at the physical therapist’s office. If you have found this helpful, it may be worthwhile to look into buying or renting a home unit.

   There are several theories as to why electric stimulation alleviates pain. The stimulation may distract your pain receptors, increase serotonin, stimulate nerves, or help relax muscle spasm. The TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) unit is Walkman-sized. You can clip it to your pants or fit in a pocket and hide the electrodes and wires underneath clothes. The other stimulation available as a home unit is interferential electrical stimulation. These machines tend to be somewhat larger. The main difference between transcutaneous and interferential is in the type of wave form and stimulation each provides. If one does not work well for you, the other may.

   Both are available with a doctor’s prescription. A knowledgeable druggist or physical therapist should show you all the settings and ways it can be used. Since the device can be used in several ways, it is advisable to have a physical therapist advise which is the best way for you. For some, wearing a unit for many hours provides relief, for others a short therapy session can help much longer.

   Prices vary considerably, so it pays to shop around. Because this is a prescription item, you should be able to submit it to your health insurance, or at least deduct it as a medical expense for tax purposes.

5. Pain Medication

   Pain relief is a quintessential part of a total wellness program for people who experience chronic pain. Of course medications work differently for each of us and it often takes various tries to find the ones that work best. For some, narcotics are needed to reduce pain enough to function. I have found that very small doses can make a huge difference, particularly if they are taken early on, before pain increases too much.Unfortunately physicians are often hesitant to prescribe strong medications for chronic pain. If your physician is not open to including necessary medications in your treatment program, find one that is! Medication that improves sleep can also help relieve pain. Work with your doctor to find the optimal medications to reduce pain and improve sleep and functioning.

6. Massage therapy

   Many excellent massage therapists are now familiar with fibromyalgia. For some, massage provides a real, if only temporary, relief from muscle pain. Unfortunately massage therapy tends to be quite pricey. If you can afford to have regular appointments, it may be well worth the expense. There are several ways to try to cut down on the cost of massage. Some doctor’s offices have massage therapists on staff–in this case their services are often covered by insurance. Check your phone book for a massage therapy school in your area. Students are often required to have so many massage hours to graduate and in most cases are not allowed to accept payment. You may have a friend who you can barter with for massage. As you get to know your body more and what feels good, you are better able to instruct another pair of hands. When reachable, self massage can help. Try rubbing oil on your muscles after a hot shower or bath. Massage devices can also be quite helpful. My favorite is a machine with two rotating balls that I use to deactivate trigger points and spasm. Before purchasing any device, check on the return policy. If you are not satisfied return the item.

7. Daily Report Sheet

   This has been incredibly important for my mental as well as physical well-being. So much so that this is the basis for my upcoming book Paintracking. Many people write to me to request a copy of my personal form. I inevitably tell them that my form would not make any sense to anyone else. The fundamental idea of paintracking is to devise a form that is both easy and relevant to you and your way of thinking.

   For example, I devised an easy form that I fill out every day indicating how much I slept, the quality of sleep, the weather, my mood, amount of exercise, drugs and dosages, activities accomplished, and various other factors. I realize my daily memory is not very reliable. At my worst, I often think that I always feel that bad and become quite depressed. Having a record helps me keep things in perspective. For example, it helped me realize that I have had significantly fewer bouts of depression than I used to. I also include a category for my reaction to pain / tiredness / depression and how well whatever I did seemed to work. Having a form forces me to take action so that I at least have something to write down later. I prefer checklist, fill-in-the-blank format, so that it takes only a minute or so to complete each day. The reports serve as a record of the many, many changes in medication and other strategies and reveals trends that would otherwise be impossible to track.

   To devise a worksheet for yourself, think about what you think are the most important factors that influence how you feel, such as activities, rest, sleep, medications, weather and exercise, as well as measures to represent how well you are doing. This could focus on pain level, energy, mood, or your accomplishment the goals for that day. You may also want to include an indicator of how you feel overall. The one most meaningful to me is “if every day were like today, could I live with it?” I use the letters C (for can’t live with it) and L (for live with it) and then pluses and minuses to represent upper and lower ranges. For example, a really rotten day may be rated as C- while a brilliant one would receive an L++. Over time I have seen the number of C’s reduced substantially. I attribute this to the things that I have learned from tracking my experience and adjusting my life accordingly. At the very least, I learned to put my ups and downs in a meaningful context. At best, I learned how to change my behavior and environment as much as possible to maximize my good periods.

   When making your sheet, concentrate on a format that will be easy to do each and every day. If you have access to the computer, you may want to create a sort of template that you can fill in by hand in a few minutes. Or perhaps you would prefer to use an extra calendar and simply devise short hand notation to represent the most relevant aspects of each day. Consider the most important things you want to include, then, how to represent them most easily. You could use drawings such as faces for moods and weather pictures. Other time-saving devices are to type categories you can then simply circle when filing out your form. Number scales, such as 1-10 rating systems, work well for some people, while less so for others. Personalize your sheet so that it does not take more than a few minutes a day to fill out. Do not let the form become a burden in itself. The information you can learn from careful daily input is invaluable. Without this, it is quite impossible to say with any certainly anything about the trends you experience and how your various therapies and life activities are affecting you both in the short and long term. As your needs change, change the form accordingly. The form should inform your behavior which then affects the form and so on. The more you understand about yourself over time, the simpler the form is like to become. This kind of tracking becomes especially important any time you institute a change, such as a new medication or change in your exercise routine.

8. Doctor Visits

   Whenever I have to see a new doctor, I bring a detailed summary of my history on one to two pages. Otherwise it takes an extended office visit just to explain my problem and inevitably I end up in tears of self pity over how much my life has changed. Also I have found when I present a written report, including what I hope to get out of the appointment, the physician takes me more seriously and I am more satisfied with the visit.

9. Exercise and Stretching Program

   A gradual exercise-and-stretching program has been the most challenging component, in my case, not because I’m a couch potato but because I tend to overdo it. I am now doing an hour of cardiovascular exercise three times a week plus a light muscle-training program. It took me two years to build up to this point after many months of frustration. The trick for me was to begin with something incredibly minimal, like 30 seconds of walking, but every day. When it felt O.K., I increased it to a minute, and so on. When it was too much I cut back, but just a little. The result is phenomenal. Yes, I still hurt, but much less. And I can now manage to hold a teapot in front of me, negotiate my own grocery shopping. I joined a nearby gym with a sauna and Jacuzzi so after my workout and stretch program, I relax for a wonderful half hour. Not only am I combating fibromyalgia problems, but getting in shape is an added bonus (and we get so few for our efforts).

10. Finding Bonuses

    On my worse days, I rent movies that I really want to see. This helps so much to prevent me from slipping into depression, instead I usually slip into the world of a foreign film.

There are many other little tricks I now take for granted, like always sitting in a booth in a restaurant or a chair with arms, relaxing with music and diaphragmatic breathing and sleeping with earplugs. Sometimes I imagine living on an island with folks with fibromyalgia so we can live a slower pace of life, help each other feel better, and really understand. Of course I’d choose to forget this fibromyalgia problem all together.

Article reproduced from Paintracking.com

Paintracking is not about dwelling on your pain — to the contrary! It is an approach to help provide individualized information that increases your control over your condition and your life. “Paintracking,” or studying your body’s responses, helps increase the number and duration of pain-free times.

The idea for paintracking grew out of my own struggles with fibromyalgia. At first I had no idea what hit me! Most days I hurt so badly I could barely take care of myself, let alone accomplish any work. Meanwhile I bounced among treatment programs, doctors, medicines, exercise and bed rest. It was extremely frustrating to try so hard, and yet be so confused about what helped, if anything. To top it off, every so often I experienced a day where my pain was manageable. I was plagued with questions! Why would I occasionally have a good day? What made me feel better? What determined the length of my bad periods? I eventually realized the only way I would improve was if I donned the investigator’s hat and tracked my own experience.

As a sociologist, I knew to understand the effects of the various strategies I would have to collect daily evidence on my experience. Yet as a person who felt exhausted with my entire situation, I was not eager to devote time or energy to examine my pain. I disliked the daily worksheets I had been given by a pain clinic. They looked so dreadfully boring and time consuming. I wanted to think less about my pain, not more! So instead I sat down and devised a simple form for myself that addressed my immediate concerns. Thus I began the data collection that turned around the way I live my life. Based on overtime trends, I adjusted the way I exercise, made informed decisions about medications and doses, and found a daily rhythm that works best for me.

I am now writing the book that I wish someone had handed me when I first encountered mysterious, overwhelming pain. The book is still in progress. In the meantime, I offer some articles on this Web site about living with fibromyalgia that all include the idea of paintracking, or devising a worksheet to figure out what works.

By continuing to learn from your body, you learn not only how to live better with your current body, but also how to improve through a regimen geared specifically to your needs and abilities. Information gained from this simple daily exercise provides answers to perplexing questions about the effects of various medicines, therapies, activities, and environmental conditions on our well-being. Paintracking helps you figure out how to improve the quality of your sleep, increase your stamina, and discover what works best for you. This understanding allows you to predict and prepare for bad periods when you cannot prevent them. At the least, it should eliminate the unnecessary and frightening experiences of “out of the blue” pain flare-ups. All the while you can focus on continuously increasing good periods through ongoing adaptation.

Paintracking also provides a panoply of information, tips, and advice about leading the most comfortable and productive life we can in a changed body. Paintracking focuses primarily on fibromyalgia, regarded as the most prevalent cause of persistent muscular-skeletal pain, and my personal demon. The strategy of tracking one’s symptoms however is not limited to fibromyalgia. Paintracking’s system of monitoring one’s symptoms and any potential explanatory factors allows people to adjust to changed circumstances, whether due to a stroke, the onset of diabetes, or a traumatic event. Paintracking is especially applicable for conditions that share particular characteristics with fibromyalgia, notably, its “invisibility,” chronicity, and uncertainty.

Published on: October 28, 2002
article reprinted from Suite101.com

I’ve often compared living with fibromyalgia to riding on a rollercoaster with its many ups and downs. As the symptoms wax and wane we may feel in total control one day only to spiral out of control the next. The highs and lows may cycle rapidly for some, or more slowly for others. The pain of FM is often exacerbated by both internal and external factors resulting in what we FMers refer to as a flare.The symptoms of a flare may include: profuse sweating, irritability, inability to sleep, lethargy, increased pain, fatigue, and fog. Whatever symptoms we are experiencing at the time will usually be magnified ten-fold.

The dreaded fibro-flare can strike us at any moment – seemingly out of the blue; however, with a little detective work we can usually, but not always, determine the cause. It is important to be aware of what causes our symptoms to flare up in order to avoid them whenever possible. The following are some known causes:

Weather changes: Sensitivity to cold, damp, humidity, heat, approaching storms (barometric pressure changes), temperature extremes, and change of seasons.

As you never know what surprises Mother Nature will have in store for you, and weather conditions cannot always be avoided, be sure to dress sensibly for the conditions in your area. Layer your clothing so that you will be warm when it is cold, or can take off a layer or two when it is too hot. Be especially careful to avoid direct, cold drafts. Cold air tends to cause our muscles to gel (tighten up) which increases pain and stiffness. Stock up on herbal teas, hot cocoa – anything you find warming and soothing for that approaching chilly weather. Of course, if you are living in an area where very hot weather is predominant then you might find this article helpful.

Stress: Physical and emotional.

You cannot always control the stressors in your life, but you can certainly control your reaction to them. An excellent article for managing stress can be found at immunesupport.com. Make a conscious decision to reduce the physical and emotional factors that cause you bodily or mental tension. One way to do this is by learning to say no to those situations that will only increase your pain and fatigue. Simplify, simplify, simplify. Reducing clutter in your life is one of the easiest ways to reduce stress. The FibroFriends have found flylady to be an invaluable help for reducing chaos in our lives. Many people find that owning, and caring for, a pet to be a wonderful way to reduce the effects of stress in their lives. Who can resist the wet, sloppy kisses of a pet not to mention the unconditional love they offer so freely. A variety of stress management and emotional wellness links can be found here.

Over exertion:

Increased activity or prolonged inactivity can cause our muscles to rebel. Over doing it is a sure fire way to bring on a flare-up, but then so is doing too little. On your good days you may be tempted to push a little harder in order to get things done. On your really bad days you may only want to crawl back into bed and pull the covers up over your head. This is when pacing becomes so very important. Modifying your activities – proceeding at a slow, steady pace – on bad day, as well as good days – will get you that much further ahead in the long run, and just might help avoid a flare. I generally find that practicing what I preach is easier said than done. On those days all my good intentions seem to fly right out the window. I’ve found that taking an over the counter medication (OCD), such as advil, does not eliminate the pain, but it does seem to help take the edge off. You may need to experiment to discover if cold or heat works best for you. I find a hot shower, along with my microwave heated ricebags to help relieve my aches and pains. If cold works best for you then try gel-pacs. You may find warm water therapy, massage, yoga, stretching, and gentle exercise to be helpful as well.

Hormonal fluctuations: Premenstrual and menopausal states for women – andropause or male menopause for men.

Hormonal fluctuations can cause our bodies to go haywire. It is during these times that we need to be extra kind to ourselves. Menopause and PMS can aggravate and intensify our symptoms. Fluid retention may be a problem so be sure to check with your physician if you feel the need for a diuretic. A look at menopause, and what it means for you as a woman can be found here. For the men, yes you sure do suffer hormonal fluctuations, you will find further information at wellnessmd.com.

Anxiety and depression:

As we struggle to come to terms with our illness, and cope with it various aspects, we may find that anxiety and depression are our constant companions. We may feel anxious about our future, and depressed by the prospects. Depression is especially difficult to cope with during a flare-up. As our symptoms escalate we may find ourselves struggling to keep our heads above water. Check out this excellent topic on depression, by John McManamy, for invaluable information, and coping tips. Sometimes just knowing that a flare will eventually end – even though the amount of time it takes may be undertermined – will help you see that light at the end of the tunnel.

Now that you are more aware of the symptoms, and potential causes, of your flare-ups I hope I have helped you to prepare a plan to deal more effectively with them in the future. Above all – be sure to check new and unusual symptoms with your physician. Never assume they are just part of Fibromyalgia. Schedule periodic checkups that will allow you to discuss your concerns with your physician at that time.

Managing Editor: Medicine and Diseases
Contributing Editor: Fibromyalgia Friends
Associate Editor: Coping with Fibromyalgia-I&II CpE

Article originally printed at http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/Fibro_Friends/95939

Published on: April 20, 2002
article reprinted from Suite101.com

The majority of patients suffering with Fibromyalgia have spent numerous years, trekking from doctor to doctor, searching for answers. As each doctor declared he could find no basis for your symptoms you may well have thought you were going crazy. The longer the search continued the more likely you were to believe they were right. Until finally one day you were properly diagnosed. Inescapably, the beast now has a name – Fibromyalgia – The validation you have been desperately seeking, for so long, is realized at last.

Initially, the diagnosis brings with it a sense of euphoria. The search is over. For many FMers this is the answer to their prayers, but for many more it is also the beginning of a yet even greater challenge.

Explaining Fibromyalgia to family and friends presents its own set of challenges. Repeatedly, you patiently try to help them understand, by explaining it yet again, but they still don’t seem to “get it.” At this point you probably begin to notice well-meaning family members and friends offering up bits of advice, or making hurtful comments like.. “Gee, but you don’t look sick”, or “Maybe if you just exercise more.” “Don’t worry, it’s just your age, everyone feels like that.” Oh, and my personal favorite, “Maybe you just need to get a life.” Argh!

Slowly, as the initial euphoria starts to wane, you may feel that you have been handed a life sentence instead of a life saving diagnosis. You may be feeling anxious and depressed, suffer feelings of self-doubt, or guilt. Believe me when I say that you are not alone, and these are all valid feelings that many of us experience when coming to terms with Fibromyalgia. But it does not mean that you have to succumb to “The Fibro Monster.” With a battle plan you can fight back. Here’s how….

• Find a doctor that is right for you – This is a key element in your Fibro fighting plan. If your current doctor isn’t up on Fibro, doesn’t listen, and isn’t effective, then by all means find one who is.
• Educate yourself – Arming yourself with knowledge is essential for understanding, not only for yourself, but also for family and friends. There is lots of good information to be found by searching the web. Keeping abreast of current research and Fibro related news is a must.
• Take proactive measures – Taking responsibility for your own well-being. This means that you refuse to play the role of victim, actively seek out ways to improve your health by anticipating your needs, and finding solutions to them. FMS is a multi-faceted disorder that requires a multi-disciplinary approach.
• Explore alternatives – If you are chemically sensitive, or find traditional methods of treating Fibro are not cutting it than you may find relief in Alternative Therapies. As always any treatment comes with inherent dangers, as well as advantages, so please do your research first.
• Find a support group – For many of us finding support can be the single most important factor in our fight for survival. Finding others who not only understand what you are going through, but live it as well, can have a huge impact on our ability to function as well as possible.
• Communicate your feelings – Being able to express your feelings can be immensely freeing. It is essential that you tell your family and friends exactly what you need in order for them to understand and help you. A good place to start is by keeping a journal.
• Induce good sleeping habits – As all of us with FMS know good sleep, that is restful and restorative, can be difficult to achieve. As the lack of essential sleep has a major impact on our levels of fatigue, pain, and fog, this is a very important component.
• Incorporate exercise and healthy eating habits into your daily routine. – Much has been written about the importance of exercise and nutrition for promoting health and wellness. When dealing with a chronic illness these aspects become even more crucial for managing your symptoms.
• Maintain a positive attitude – Maintaining a positive attitude, in the face of adversity, is one of our major challenges. Research has shown the connection between mind and body to be scientific fact. Optimism goes a long way toward providing immeasurable benefits. And as the Fibro Friends are fond of saying… “Look for the silver lining.” Sometimes it may take a little digging, but there always is one you know.
• Manage stress – Recognizing, understanding, and managing stress is invaluable when living with Fibromyalgia. Stressors can be psychological as well as physical. When anxiety and stress build up, to intolerable levels, our pain and fatigue become greatly increased. This then causes our stress levels to rise even further creating a vicious cycle.
• Pace your activities – This simply means that you need to learn your limits of physical tolerance. Listen to your body, and take frequent breaks to avoid overdoing it. Knowing when to put on the brakes can be a problem for some of us.
• Maintain your sense of humor – Last but not least is maintaining your sense of humor. Life is serious enough without taking life too seriously. As laughter has been shown to be “good medicine” why then would you want to deny yourself this inexpensive, beneficial treatment.

I hope I have managed to provide some measure of hope for the newly diagnosed as well as those of us who have known our monster’s name for some time. Take that demon by the horns – show him who is in charge – and you will begin to take back control of your life by choosing to be a survivor rather than a victim.

Managing Editor: Medicine and Diseases
Contributing Editor: Fibromyalgia Friends
Associate Editor: Coping with Fibromyalgia-I&II CpE

Article originally printed at http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/Fibro_Friends/91143

Published on: June 18, 2002
article reprinted from Suite101.com

As previously stated in my first article “The Invisible Disease” the primary symptoms of Fibromyalgia (FMS) are pain, fatigue, and disturbed sleep. The intrusion of Alpha-waves during Delta (deep) sleep results in non-restorative sleep, which exacerbates the pain, fatigue, and malaise. It is this same lack of restorative sleep, as well as living with chronic pain and fatigue (physical exhaustion), which very often results in a cognitive dysfunction commonly referred to as “Fibro-fog” (mental exhaustion). Other contributing factors to Fibro-fog may include depression, decreased oxygen flow to the brain, certain medications, poor nutrition, or changes in the Central Nervous System (CNS). For many of us, Fibro-fog can be an even greater challenge than the other symptoms combined. An excellent article addressing Fibro-fog – what it is – and how significant it is can be found here.

So what exactly does this all mean? Foremost, it means that Fibro-fog is not a psychological condition, requiring psychiatric care, but rather the direct result of sleep deprivation and other contributing factors. It is also not the result of Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia, or other conditions that cause deterioration of brain functions. It can however be extremely scary and frustrating, for FMers who are not aware of its causes, the newly diagnosed, and even those of us who do understand, but still struggle with its implications. As with many of the other symptoms of FMS the severity of Fibro-fog fluctuates from day to day, as well as from person to person, as it is directly affected, and exacerbated, by our degrees of pain, fatigue, sleep quality, stress, and other known or unknown factors.

Following, is a list of possible signs and symptoms of Fibro-fog. Please keep in mind, as with most symptoms of Fibromyalgia, not every person will have all of these symptoms, but most will have some of these sypmtoms at some time or another.

• Mental confusional states
• Loss of short-term memory
• Inability to concentrate
• Impaired thinking
• Memory blanks
• Absentmindedness
• Inability to recognize familiar surroundings
• Disorientation
• Easily distracted
• Inability to comprehend written, or spoken words
• Trouble with directions
• Slow processing of incoming messages
• Short attention span
• Fugue type states
• Mental fatigue
• Decision making problems
• Trouble keeping track of conversations
• Trouble staying on, or completing tasks
• Acquired dyslexia (includes difficulty speaking known words as they often come
• out backwards, or all mixed up)
• Trouble with typing, or writing, which results in the same difficulty as spoken words.

Now that we better understand some of the causes and symptoms of Fibro-fog how can we use this information to our advantage? Here are some tips that I hope you will find helpful.

As Fibro-fog is directly related to non-restorative sleep then getting good, quality sleep should be our first priority. This may require the use of prescribed medications designed to promote sleep such as amitriptyline, cyclobenzaprine, alprazolam , diphenhydramine, and trazodone. An extensive, informational list of these, as well as other drugs used to treat FMS, can be found here If you already take any of these meds, and are concerned about drug/food related interactions, then be sure to use this Drug Interaction Checker.

Many of us find that keeping to a regular routine, by going to bed and rising at the same time every day, is a necessary component of good sleep hygiene. Providing a relaxing atmosphere, by listening to soft music, light reading (no horror stories), not eating too close to bedtime, limiting caffiene, white noise (I use a fan), and purchasing a good, quality mattress are also helpful. I also use about four pillows to help cushion my body and relieve pressure on sore spots. It may even be necessary to have separate beds, for you and your partner, to ensure a good nights sleep for both of you. This is especially true if you suffer from Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), Myoclonus (jumping leg muscles), or Periodic Leg Movement (PLM).

Alternatively, you may wish to use methods other than meds because of multiple chemical sensitivities, or a desire to cope by using the least amount of medications possible. This Sleep Therapy Script is one that I have found extremely useful. A look at natural sleep aids can be found here.

Other necessary components of fighting Fibro-fog include exercise (to raise endorphin levels that help fight off depression and increase blood flow to the brain), reducing stress, and sound nutrition.

Even though Fibro-fog can be scary and frustrating there are measures you can take to help combat it. A lot depends on which cognitive functions you find are most adversely affected. Establishing a routine is very helpful for dealing with “The Fog.” I find this to be especially true at work. As I am no longer able to rely on my memory, every day tasks that were once second nature, now become a challenge. Doing a set of specific tasks in the same order, every day, lessens the chance that something will be omitted. Often, when I forget what I am doing I find that retracing my previous steps helps me to remember. Even with all this I still have to double check myself to make sure I haven’t forgotten something.

Keeping notes and lists. I try to keep a small notebook in my purse to write down reminders, and make lists of things I need to do. Calendars with large blocks are a great way to keep track of appointments, as well as post it notes, which can be put any place where you will most likely see them. Some FMers find a small tape-recorder is easier to manage than writing everything down.

Organization is a key element for me. This is kind of funny as I am a very disorganized person. It is something I constantly have to battle. However, it is much easier to remember where my keys are if I know they are always in my purse. Now remembering where I put my purse is another matter all together. Placing my bills where I can see them helps me remember to actually pay them. Many of my Fibro friends have also found that simplifying their lives, as much as possible, is a necessity for coping with Fibro-fog. I have found that I simply cannot work in clutter as it clutters my brain as well.

Engaging in mental exercises, such as word puzzles, reading, and striving to learn something new, are good ways to keep your brain active.

I have somewhat resigned myself to this mental deficit and try to cope with it the best I can. The Fibromyalgia Friends have found that keeping a sense of humor certainly does help.

If all else fails don’t be afraid to ask for help, and simply say that you forgot. We are all human – we all make mistakes.

Managing Editor: Medicine and Diseases
Contributing Editor: Fibromyalgia Friends
Associate Editor: Coping with Fibromyalgia-I&II CpE

Article originally printed at http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/Fibro_Friends/92752

Published on: July 19, 2002
article reprinted from Suite101.com

Do the lazy days of summer feel more like hazy days of fog and pain? Does your discomfort level escalate proportionately to the heat and humidity? You are definitely not alone as many Fmers say they feel much worse in either very hot, or very cold weather. Often, resulting in a flare (worsening of symptoms) as temperatures rise. This article offers coping tips for beating the heat and staying cool in the summer.

As lack of quality sleep is one of the main problems of Fibromyalgia, and heat is disruptive to sleep, it is extremely important to address this issue first. If you do not own an air conditioner, then a fan is essential. There are fans available with controls that provide a cooling feature. I purchased a fan that sits in the window, with this feature, and with the bedroom door closed it maintains a very comfortable temperature.

You might also consider a dehumidifier to eliminate some of the humidity in the air of your home. If you simply cannot sleep then at least lay down and rest as often as you can.

Drinking plenty of water (at least 8 glasses daily) is necessary to hydrate and cool your body. Fruit juices that are not too high in sugar are acceptable as well.

Wearing white, or light colors, especially natural fabrics like cotton or silk, that is loose weaved, and loose fitting, will help keep your body temperature comfortable. Try to wear as little clothing as possible, sandals if able, and keep your hair cut short, or pulled up off your neck.

Keep in mind that you need to stay within your limits, by cutting down on activities that are too strenuous, and providing plenty of time for rest and relaxation. Be sure to pace yourself during those activities that you just cannot miss.

A traditional part of summer includes summer- guests, family get-togethers, barbecues, and picnics. There is no shame in acknowledging your limitations by requesting help when necessary. If your guests do not understand, seek the support of those who do, and consider making other arrangements for your summertime visitors. This may not be possible when your company is family, but please remember to do whatever you need to take care of you.

If you exercise be sure to either do it early in the morning, or late in the day. Eat small meals often, and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and high protein foods.

If you are lucky enough to own a pool, or know someone who does, then non-strenuous swimming is a great way to cool off. Be careful of very cold water (temp should be 87 degrees or higher) as this may also have a detrimental affect on your Fibro symptoms. Salt water swimming, unless it is very warm, is probably not a good idea as it may cause your muscles to cramp and and stiffen.

I have found at work that wearing a damp, cool cloth around my neck, or dabbing ice cubes on my wrists helps cool me down.

Take frequent breaks, sit in the shade, read a good book, eliminate or reduce stress, and enjoy your garden.

With a little preparation you will find yourself once more enjoying those lazy days of summer.

Managing Editor: Medicine and Diseases
Contributing Editor: Fibromyalgia Friends
Associate Editor: Coping with Fibromyalgia-I&II CpE

Article originally printed at http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/Fibro_Friends/93639

Published on: September 20, 2002
article reprinted from Suite101.com

Recently I had a scare which resulted in an epiphany of sorts. You know, that “light bulb” moment when you go ah-ha, so that is what it was all about.

During an ER visit, because of excruciating pain in the left side of my chest, I became very upset when the physician on call – first wanted to give me a shot of Demerol, and secondly insisted on giving me a prescription for Darvocet. At my adamant refusal of either alternative the doctor then asked why I had come there for help if I refused to accept it? My reply was “Well, I just wanted you to wave your magic wand and make it all go away.” Still in denial? Oh yeah! Needless to say he was a little disgusted with my response. As I came to the realization that acceptance was still an issue for me I wondered if it might be for others as well.

Accepting any chronic illness, like fibromyalgia, can be a struggle for many of us. How you navigate the process of coming to terms with your own diagnosis may depend on your outlook on life in general – whether you are an optimist, pessimist – eternal optimist, or back-slider (somewhere in between).

For some, acceptance seems to fall rapidly on the heels of being diagnosed. A diagnosis may bring you a measure of relief – by providing a means of escape from a job you are no longer capable of managing – opening new avenues of employment that otherwise might not have been explored – or simply by allaying your fears that you are not crazy or a hypochondriac. These people are usually optimists, who tend to possess a positive outlook on life in general, and accepting a chronic illness is just part of the deal. They are the ones who keep reminding the rest of us to keep searching for that silver lining.

At the other extreme are those people who will never accept the fact they have been diagnosed with a life-long illness. They will spend precious moments of their lives chasing after illusive miracle cures because they will never make peace with it. For them it is a life-sentence with no foreseeable future. These people tend to be pessimists who see only the negative side of any given situation. On the other hand, depending on your perspective, these same people can be seen as eternal optimists who refuse to give up.

For yet others, like myself, acceptance is an issue that will continuously arise as we struggle to make peace with it. Partial acceptance may be achieved as we gain understanding, knowledge, and support, only to back-slide when in the grips of a flare or the pit of despair.

Accepting the diagnosis of a chronic illness has been compared to the Kübler-Ross five-stage model (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance) of what a dying person goes through upon being told they have a terminal illness. (Fibromyalgia may not be terminal, but it sure can be life-challenging and life-changing.) It is important to be aware of these stages, know they are part of a very normal process, that not everyone will go through in exactly the same way, in order to deal with them effectively.

Some concrete methods for dealing with the feelings and responses that may occur through the various stages include:

• Arming yourself with knowledge – empowering yourself through research and gathering information.
• Acknowledging your losses – grieve them if you must – then move on.
• Shifting your focus of thinking to how you can over-come problems by seeing them as challenges and potentials rather than limits.

Acheiving acceptance means that you have come to terms with your diagnosis and are now ready to deal with it in a constructive manner.

My hope is that you will relate to this article in a way that will allow you to make your own peace with acceptance. No matter what your perspective on life – even if you are still struggling (which most of us are) – you can take control of your own well-being.

Managing Editor: Medicine and Diseases
Contributing Editor: Fibromyalgia Friends
Associate Editor: Coping with Fibromyalgia-I&II CpE

Article originally printed at http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/Fibro_Friends/95239