I know it's been a while since I last posted so it's time for an update! First, I hope you are all doing fantastic and enjoying everyday that you are given.
I am happy to report that I'm continuing to feel more and more like the old me again and it feels great! Of course I have my moments and my days where I feel like crud but more and more I have better days which is really great!
I've got my "spunk" back and I can't tell you how great it really feels. Anyone who has gone from very ill, bedridden, feeling like there is no hope etc., to living life again can understand what it feels like to be back! Anyone who is still on the journey to find themselves again, keep it up, it's worth it in the end! And YOU WILL find yourself again if you do the things you need to do in order for that to happen. This condition is not going to fix itself without a fight from you! If you can go as natural as possible, that is the best way to go, it might be harder but it's better at the end of the day, no doubt!
So let me backtrack to January real quick - I finished my treatments with the Fibromyalgia Center just after the first of the year. My intentions and as the program is, I was to go on a maintenance schedule with them having an adjustment 1x a month, however they did some re-arranging of the practice and I wasn't able to get into see them as easily as I could before when I was in the program. I really honestly feel that they dropped the ball on my "after care" and I have yet to hear from them, not even a "how are you doing, do you need to come see us" call or anything. I tried to get an appointment with the Dr and the acupuncturist 4x but they put it on me to call each one to schedule since they weren't all in the same office anymore - same building just different offices....I was completely put off by that considering prior to them reorganizing I could call and schedule with both very easily. I'm a bit disappointed in that fact so about two weeks ago I set out to find myself a closer chiropractor who could help me with my fibromyalgia and keeping me on the right path to better health.
After having gone through the 1x a week program and combining Chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage and specific nutrients into my life it is obvious that this mixture REALLY WORKS to help people with this condition. It isn't an overnight fix by any means and will be an ongoing thing in order to stay on top of the condition and symptoms. And of course, most insurance companies don't cover those things which is so unfortunate because I think more people could get help if they could use their insurance for that help. It's sad to know that there are so many people out there who suffer and take heavy medications that either cover up the symptoms or in some cases make them worse off when natural and holistic care is truly the course to take in the long run. I 100% believe this for anyone who deals with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue as well as many other chronic health conditions. Heck, if more people would use chiropractic care, they would be healthier all around.
After visiting with several local Dr's I did go see one that my mom has seen. It turns out that he also has a massage therapist in the office and the Dr himself does acupuncture - SCORE! As I was sitting in his office waiting I also noticed he offers the Nutrient blood test that I had taken back in July with the other place - DOUBLE SCORE! I'm a beyond THRILLED that I went to see him because essentially I will be getting the exact same care I was getting at the other place and will be able to save a lot of time doing it! The new place I'm going is literally 10 minutes from my house vs an hour drive.......so you can see why I'm so happy!
Yesterday I had my first adjustment with my new Dr - Dr Hatch and it was obvious I needed it bad! My hips up to my neck were way out and I'm off about 3/4 inch on the right side which is where I get my major hip pain. I'm confident that his care will be exactly what I need to stay on the right track. I'm scheduled to have an hour and a half massage on Monday with the massage therapist which makes me a happy camper - primarily because he couldn't adjust my neck it was so stiff and because I'm having such pain in my right shoulder and numbness in my hands again. So the massage will work on that and I'll also be getting the acupuncture work on that shoulder to work on eliminating those issues again.
Since I haven't had any of it since January I knew and could feel in my body that I was starting to backslide so I'm really thankful that it all worked out so good and that I took the initiative to go see him...in my town there are literally about 20 or so chiropractors in the general area - but I don't think any of the others combine all these services in one place.
For now I'll be going to see him 1x a week just to get my body/mind/spirit back into a good place, then we'll go down to 1x every other week then eventually 1x a month.
Since I've been feeling so much better I've also been able to get my business up and going again. It's taken a few months to get the momentum going but it's going now and I'm thrilled I actually have the energy and desire to get out and do the parties.
My daughter has been playing volleyball since late last year and that has been keeping us busy as well. It's just really nice to be able to enjoy my kids, husband and friends again. It had been a long time since I could really say that I was excited about anything in my life because I felt so crappy all the time, morning, day, night, it just didn't matter - and when I did have business to tend to, more than not I had to give it away to someone else because I just didn't have it in me. All of that is behind me now though!
Someone recently asked me what would happen or what I would do if I got sick again - my response to them was "that isn't an option and it's not going to happen" - I think my response surprised them but I was/am very serious when I say that. I've learned how to listen to my body and know that as long as I do that and do the things I need to take care of myself that I won't be laid out like I was when this all first started back at the mid of 2010. And, if I have any power to avoid being THAT SICK again, I will avoid it with all I've got!
For anyone who is reading this who is in the thick of being ill with this or any other chronic condition, please feel free to contact me if you like. My blog has always been dedicated to helping others find a way to feel better - please browse my past postings and the links I've provided for you - for an entire year, all I did was research and find information - and I believe that is why I'm where I am today - because I was determined to get my life back....it took a little time but again, I am living proof that if you want it bad enough, you'll get there!
To your health and happiness friends! And please remember, if you don't take your health into your own hands and do something about it, nobody else will!
Friday, April 27, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
An Open Letter
Having Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (AKA CFS) and Fibromyalgia (AKA Fibro or FMS) means many things change, and a lot of them are invisible. Unlike AIDS and Cancer, most people do not understand even a little about CFS or FMS and their effects, and of those that think they know, many are actually mis-informed. In the spirit of informing those who wish to understand..........................................................
These are the things that I would like you to understand about me before you judge me or decide that I'm just lazy..........
Please understand that being sick doesn’t mean I’m not still a human being. Sometimes I have to spend most of my day flat on my back in bed and I might not seem like great company, but I’m still me stuck inside this body. I still worry about work and my family and friends, and most of the time I’d still like to hear you talk about yours too.
Please understand the difference between “happy” and “healthy”. When you’ve got the flu you probably feel miserable with it, but I’ve been sick for years. I can’t be miserable all the time, in fact I work hard at not being miserable. So if you’re talking to me and I sound happy, it means I’m happy. That’s all. I may be tired. I may be in pain. I may be sicker that ever. Please, don’t say, “Oh, you’re sounding better!”. I am not sounding better, I am sounding happy. If you want to comment on that, you’re welcome.
Please understand that being able to stand up for five minutes, doesn’t necessarily mean that I can stand up for ten minutes, or an hour. It’s quite likely that doing that five minutes has exhausted my resources and I’ll need to recover – imagine an athlete after a race. They couldn’t repeat that feat right away either. With a lot of diseases you’re either paralyzed or you can move. With this one it gets more confusing.
Please repeat the above paragraph substituting, “sitting up”, “walking”, “thinking”, “being sociable” and so on … it applies to everything. That’s what a fatigue-based illness does to you.
Please understand that chronic illnesses are variable. It’s quite possible (for me, it’s very common) that one day I am able to walk to the park and back, do Zumba and play with the kids while the next day I’ll have trouble getting to the kitchen. Please don’t attack me when I’m ill by saying, “But you did it before!”. If you want me to do something, ask if I can and I’ll tell you. In a similar vein, I may need to cancel an invitation at the last minute, if this happens please don’t take it personally.
Please understand that “getting out and doing things” does not make me feel better, and can often make me seriously worse. CFS and/or FMS may cause secondary depression (wouldn’t you get depressed if you were stuck in bed for years on end!?) but it is not caused by depression. Telling me that I need some fresh air and exercise is not appreciated and not correct – if I could do it, believe me I would.
Please understand that if I say I have to sit down/lie down/take these pills now, that I do have to do it right now – it can’t be put off or forgotten just because I’m doing something. CFS and/or FMS does not forgive.
Please understand that I can’t spend all of my energy trying to get well. With a short-term illness like the flu, you can afford to put life on hold for a week or two while you get well. But part of having a chronic illness is coming to the realization that you have to spend some energy on having a life now. This doesn’t mean I’m not trying to get better. It doesn’t mean I’ve given up. It’s just how life is when you’re dealing with a chronic illness.
If you want to suggest a cure to me, please don’t. It’s not because I don’t appreciate the thought, and it’s not because I don’t want to get well. It’s because I have had almost every single one of my friends suggest one at one point or another. At first I tried them all, but then I realized that I was using up so much energy trying things that I was making myself sicker, not better. If there was something that cured, or even helped, all people with CFS and/or Fibro then we’d know about it. This is not a drug-company conspiracy, there is worldwide networking (both on and off the Internet) between people with CFS and Fibro, if something worked for everyone we would KNOW.
If after reading that, you still want to suggest a cure, then do it, preferably in writing, but don’t expect me to rush out and try it. If I haven’t had it suggested before, I’ll take what you said and discuss it with my doctor. He’s open to new suggestions and is a great guy, and he takes what I say seriously.
Please understand that getting better from an illness like this can be very slow. People with CFS and/or FMS have so many systems in their bodies out of equilibrium, and functioning wrongly, that it may take a long time to sort everything out.
I depend on you – people who are not sick – for many things.
But most importantly............................................................
.....................................................I need you to understand me.
These are the things that I would like you to understand about me before you judge me or decide that I'm just lazy..........
Please understand that being sick doesn’t mean I’m not still a human being. Sometimes I have to spend most of my day flat on my back in bed and I might not seem like great company, but I’m still me stuck inside this body. I still worry about work and my family and friends, and most of the time I’d still like to hear you talk about yours too.
Please understand the difference between “happy” and “healthy”. When you’ve got the flu you probably feel miserable with it, but I’ve been sick for years. I can’t be miserable all the time, in fact I work hard at not being miserable. So if you’re talking to me and I sound happy, it means I’m happy. That’s all. I may be tired. I may be in pain. I may be sicker that ever. Please, don’t say, “Oh, you’re sounding better!”. I am not sounding better, I am sounding happy. If you want to comment on that, you’re welcome.
Please understand that being able to stand up for five minutes, doesn’t necessarily mean that I can stand up for ten minutes, or an hour. It’s quite likely that doing that five minutes has exhausted my resources and I’ll need to recover – imagine an athlete after a race. They couldn’t repeat that feat right away either. With a lot of diseases you’re either paralyzed or you can move. With this one it gets more confusing.
Please repeat the above paragraph substituting, “sitting up”, “walking”, “thinking”, “being sociable” and so on … it applies to everything. That’s what a fatigue-based illness does to you.
Please understand that chronic illnesses are variable. It’s quite possible (for me, it’s very common) that one day I am able to walk to the park and back, do Zumba and play with the kids while the next day I’ll have trouble getting to the kitchen. Please don’t attack me when I’m ill by saying, “But you did it before!”. If you want me to do something, ask if I can and I’ll tell you. In a similar vein, I may need to cancel an invitation at the last minute, if this happens please don’t take it personally.
Please understand that “getting out and doing things” does not make me feel better, and can often make me seriously worse. CFS and/or FMS may cause secondary depression (wouldn’t you get depressed if you were stuck in bed for years on end!?) but it is not caused by depression. Telling me that I need some fresh air and exercise is not appreciated and not correct – if I could do it, believe me I would.
Please understand that if I say I have to sit down/lie down/take these pills now, that I do have to do it right now – it can’t be put off or forgotten just because I’m doing something. CFS and/or FMS does not forgive.
Please understand that I can’t spend all of my energy trying to get well. With a short-term illness like the flu, you can afford to put life on hold for a week or two while you get well. But part of having a chronic illness is coming to the realization that you have to spend some energy on having a life now. This doesn’t mean I’m not trying to get better. It doesn’t mean I’ve given up. It’s just how life is when you’re dealing with a chronic illness.
If you want to suggest a cure to me, please don’t. It’s not because I don’t appreciate the thought, and it’s not because I don’t want to get well. It’s because I have had almost every single one of my friends suggest one at one point or another. At first I tried them all, but then I realized that I was using up so much energy trying things that I was making myself sicker, not better. If there was something that cured, or even helped, all people with CFS and/or Fibro then we’d know about it. This is not a drug-company conspiracy, there is worldwide networking (both on and off the Internet) between people with CFS and Fibro, if something worked for everyone we would KNOW.
If after reading that, you still want to suggest a cure, then do it, preferably in writing, but don’t expect me to rush out and try it. If I haven’t had it suggested before, I’ll take what you said and discuss it with my doctor. He’s open to new suggestions and is a great guy, and he takes what I say seriously.
Please understand that getting better from an illness like this can be very slow. People with CFS and/or FMS have so many systems in their bodies out of equilibrium, and functioning wrongly, that it may take a long time to sort everything out.
I depend on you – people who are not sick – for many things.
But most importantly............................................................
.....................................................I need you to understand me.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
New Year........New Diagnosis
Well it's been about 6 weeks since I've updated and I do apologize - I can say that the holidays were crazy busy here and that I made it through without any major problems!
I am feeling good as I come on the end of my treatments. The acupuncture really has made a difference over time as has the Chiropractic care. I highly recommend those of you with Fibromyalgia investigate your options for Chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture treatments, it has made a huge difference in how I feel overall. I do believe with regular adjustments your body can function optimally.
Last week I had another ANA profile done (this is the blood test they use to determine if you have Lupus) and it came back positive. I asked to have it done again because one symptom that I have is the classic facial rash. It's been a year since the last one was done that came back negative. I do know that test can be negative once then positive another time and I think it has to do with the remission status of the illness.
Funny thing, Lupus has many if not all of the same symptoms as Fibromyalgia - the biggest difference is it also can effect your skin and other organs as it progresses. The treatment in most cases is along the same lines of what I've already been doing so I'm not anticipating any changes in that area. There are a few medications that can also be used but I'm not looking to add more medications to my body. So at this point we just watch and see what happens.
Other than that, I'm doing quite well. I've started exercising using Zumba and do enjoy it because I can go as mild or as intense as I feel I can. Starting off slow is key to not overdoing it so it's perfect for me. I figure as long as I'm moving and grooving it can't hurt and can only help me in the long run. You know everyone says exercise will make you feel better.
I also have started the year off doing a kidney and liver cleanse....my main goal with this cleanse is to clean out the heavy medications I had taken and been given for my surgery in November. It's a mild 2 day cleanse that doesn't make you stay close to the bathroom which is nice.
I'm looking forward to a super successful year this year all around - business, health and personal. I'm definitely on the right path and am looking forward to how things unfold for our family. As long as my health stays on the up and up there is no reason we can't get back to normal around here with my getting back to my parties and back on top of life in general.
Happy New Year to you all and as usual, as things continue to unfold with my newest diagnosis, I will fill you in here!
Gerri
I am feeling good as I come on the end of my treatments. The acupuncture really has made a difference over time as has the Chiropractic care. I highly recommend those of you with Fibromyalgia investigate your options for Chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture treatments, it has made a huge difference in how I feel overall. I do believe with regular adjustments your body can function optimally.
Last week I had another ANA profile done (this is the blood test they use to determine if you have Lupus) and it came back positive. I asked to have it done again because one symptom that I have is the classic facial rash. It's been a year since the last one was done that came back negative. I do know that test can be negative once then positive another time and I think it has to do with the remission status of the illness.
Funny thing, Lupus has many if not all of the same symptoms as Fibromyalgia - the biggest difference is it also can effect your skin and other organs as it progresses. The treatment in most cases is along the same lines of what I've already been doing so I'm not anticipating any changes in that area. There are a few medications that can also be used but I'm not looking to add more medications to my body. So at this point we just watch and see what happens.
Other than that, I'm doing quite well. I've started exercising using Zumba and do enjoy it because I can go as mild or as intense as I feel I can. Starting off slow is key to not overdoing it so it's perfect for me. I figure as long as I'm moving and grooving it can't hurt and can only help me in the long run. You know everyone says exercise will make you feel better.
I also have started the year off doing a kidney and liver cleanse....my main goal with this cleanse is to clean out the heavy medications I had taken and been given for my surgery in November. It's a mild 2 day cleanse that doesn't make you stay close to the bathroom which is nice.
I'm looking forward to a super successful year this year all around - business, health and personal. I'm definitely on the right path and am looking forward to how things unfold for our family. As long as my health stays on the up and up there is no reason we can't get back to normal around here with my getting back to my parties and back on top of life in general.
Happy New Year to you all and as usual, as things continue to unfold with my newest diagnosis, I will fill you in here!
Gerri
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
I'm back and getting better!
So it's been 2wks now since my hysterectomy and I'm doing well with my recovery. No major problems at all other than a pesky bladder infection that I can't seem to get rid of. The first week + was rough, the pain after surgery was difficult to control but once the nurse was able to get me comfortable we just made sure I stayed that way. I have to wonder if my fibromyalgia had something to do with not being able to get the pain under control initially.
It's been 3wks now since I've gone to the treatment center for my weekly acupuncture and adjustment but I'm feeling like I'm holding up well even without it. I'm noticing a little pain in my hips starting to return but I think due to my laying around so much and not doing a whole lot probably has something to do with that. Each day I feel a little better and am doing a little more so hopefully I'll be able to get back to my treatments and get back on track with all that.
I really don't have a lot to report with this update, just wanted to report my progress and let you know all is well on my end.
I do need to get back on track with my supplements as well - I stopped taking them the week of surgery and haven't gone back - although I really need them so I need to just get back in the swing of taking them everyday since they are part of my treatment plan and healing process.
I go in tomorrow for my 2wk post op visit and I'm sure I'll be released to drive again. I am feeling like I'm on house arrest not being able to go out anywhere on my own which has be itching to go somewhere! Funny how that works.
Until next time......
It's been 3wks now since I've gone to the treatment center for my weekly acupuncture and adjustment but I'm feeling like I'm holding up well even without it. I'm noticing a little pain in my hips starting to return but I think due to my laying around so much and not doing a whole lot probably has something to do with that. Each day I feel a little better and am doing a little more so hopefully I'll be able to get back to my treatments and get back on track with all that.
I really don't have a lot to report with this update, just wanted to report my progress and let you know all is well on my end.
I do need to get back on track with my supplements as well - I stopped taking them the week of surgery and haven't gone back - although I really need them so I need to just get back in the swing of taking them everyday since they are part of my treatment plan and healing process.
I go in tomorrow for my 2wk post op visit and I'm sure I'll be released to drive again. I am feeling like I'm on house arrest not being able to go out anywhere on my own which has be itching to go somewhere! Funny how that works.
Until next time......
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Time goes by....way too fast!
I'm still here! Surgery is only a few short days away and I'm a little nervous. I think because I don't want to deal with the pain and recovery but I guess there is no way around it. I've got next week all planned out with help from my mom and neighbor so all should be good. Just need to get through surgery and the first few days of recovery.
I'm really hoping that this surgery is going to help me feel a lot better in many ways.
Acupuncture has been going well - I'm looking forward to a few more visits after I'm able to get around and back to driving.
My treatment for FMS/CFS has been going really well and I'm feeling really good - aside from still dealing with extra fatigue. I'm hoping that resolving this fibroid issue will help me with my fatigue. In some way at least. My acupuncturist thinks it will as I have some stagnated blood in my abdomen area according to him which would make sense with this fibroid. So we'll see - he is pretty certain I will find some extra energy once I'm all healed and back to normal routine.
I really hope this surgery doesn't send me into any kind of flare up....I have been enjoying my lack of pain in my hips so hopefully being in bed for several days won't cause me to have that to deal with in addition to my incision pain. I'm going to have to make an extra effort to get out of bed a few times a day just to make sure I'm moving a little.
I haven't really had a lot to report, everything is pretty much the same with me which can be a good thing in terms of how I feel. I am really looking forward to moving forward after this surgery and continuing to feel better and get back to myself. I should be done with my treatments shortly after the new year. I think though that I'll need to have monthly maintenance adjustments to keep me on the right track.
I'll check in next week after my surgery and let you know how I'm doing - until then, stay well!
I'm really hoping that this surgery is going to help me feel a lot better in many ways.
Acupuncture has been going well - I'm looking forward to a few more visits after I'm able to get around and back to driving.
My treatment for FMS/CFS has been going really well and I'm feeling really good - aside from still dealing with extra fatigue. I'm hoping that resolving this fibroid issue will help me with my fatigue. In some way at least. My acupuncturist thinks it will as I have some stagnated blood in my abdomen area according to him which would make sense with this fibroid. So we'll see - he is pretty certain I will find some extra energy once I'm all healed and back to normal routine.
I really hope this surgery doesn't send me into any kind of flare up....I have been enjoying my lack of pain in my hips so hopefully being in bed for several days won't cause me to have that to deal with in addition to my incision pain. I'm going to have to make an extra effort to get out of bed a few times a day just to make sure I'm moving a little.
I haven't really had a lot to report, everything is pretty much the same with me which can be a good thing in terms of how I feel. I am really looking forward to moving forward after this surgery and continuing to feel better and get back to myself. I should be done with my treatments shortly after the new year. I think though that I'll need to have monthly maintenance adjustments to keep me on the right track.
I'll check in next week after my surgery and let you know how I'm doing - until then, stay well!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Where do I begin.....
Things are really starting to get going in my world over here.
As I continue on my weekly treatments I also continue to notice I'm feeling much better in regards to my pain and activity level. I'm able to go days without significant pain, headaches or general aches and that's great! I really think everything I've been doing is starting to work together. I am now about to start my next phase of treatment which is acupuncture in conjunction with chiropractic adjustments. I start this coming Tuesday and am really excited. I'm really hoping this phase of my treatment will focus on my fatigue that is still a major problem.
HYSTERECTOMY.........scheduled for 11/8/11......this might come as a surprise to some however it's been on the back burner for some time. In December of 2010 my OB found a significant sized fibroid inside my uterus. While fibroids are common and generally a non issue mine is an issue. We agreed to watch it for a while to see if it would decrease in size and go away or not be a problem - well, that didn't happen. In fact, it's been a source of problems for me all year between spontaneous gushing of blood and loss of blood clots to irregular spotting and pretty regular bleeding issues. Nothing to the point of worry but definitely an issue when it comes to "quality of life".......in addition it has grown and produced other fibroids so we decided that removing my uterus would be the best way to remove the fibroid(s) for good and stop the frequent, irregular bleeding I experience. I'm not having more children so I'm done with that part of my body anyway. If all goes well, we will be leaving the ovaries in tact so I don't go immediately into menopause which is good - the emotional up and downs of that I'm not interested in right now - when my body is ready for that phase, it will go into it on it's own.
So the question that lingers in my head is how this surgery will effect my fibromyalgia - will it cause my pain to return? Will it send me into a flare? I'm a little concerned about it however I need this surgery, so I'm going to stay positive and hopeful that the only pain I will experience will be from the incision - the expected recovery is 4-6wks as it will be done through my abdomen going through my previous C-section incision. So while laying in bed for a week initially - I'm sure I'll have some residual hip pain from lack of movement initially.
So that's it for now - over the next 4 wks leading up to my surgery I have a lot to get done - I'll be getting acupuncture each week and I need to get the house cleaned, laundry caught up, my parties and work surrounding that all done and caught up. I would like to be able to go into this surgery knowing I don't have things lingering that I should of done....that will be waiting for me to do.......I would like to know that my family won't have any extra work to tend to and that I can just relax and recover without the added stress. So for the next 4 wks I'll be busy focusing on my house, my work and getting everything I seem to put off, DONE.........."There is always tomorrow" however for me, tomorrow isn't going to be an option after Nov 7th. Tomorrow will be a day of rest and recovery for a few weeks following that day.
So all in all I'm doing well - continuing to my mission to fix me in 2010 - my upcoming surgery is just another step towards the goal....2011 is going to be my year to come back from Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue and this surgery......in the end it will have been 16 months of searching.......trial and errors......treatments.......pills......supplements......experiments and finally in the end....I will overcome the holds of this condition - although I know I'll have to live with it the rest of my life - I know I will have it under control and will get my life back.........will live without debilitating pain and fatigue and will live out the rest of my life trying to help others who suffer...find their way to a pain free and medication/drug free life.....that is my plan anyway! I'm proof that you don't need to have a pharmacy in your cabinet to be rid of your pain........aches and other issues that come with Fibromyalgia. Of course some people might need all those things - but unless they have tried without them, they won't know. I've got a pretty good list of supplements that are working for me, and I'm sure they'll work for others as well.
Until next time - stay well, stay healthy and life your life!
As I continue on my weekly treatments I also continue to notice I'm feeling much better in regards to my pain and activity level. I'm able to go days without significant pain, headaches or general aches and that's great! I really think everything I've been doing is starting to work together. I am now about to start my next phase of treatment which is acupuncture in conjunction with chiropractic adjustments. I start this coming Tuesday and am really excited. I'm really hoping this phase of my treatment will focus on my fatigue that is still a major problem.
HYSTERECTOMY.........scheduled for 11/8/11......this might come as a surprise to some however it's been on the back burner for some time. In December of 2010 my OB found a significant sized fibroid inside my uterus. While fibroids are common and generally a non issue mine is an issue. We agreed to watch it for a while to see if it would decrease in size and go away or not be a problem - well, that didn't happen. In fact, it's been a source of problems for me all year between spontaneous gushing of blood and loss of blood clots to irregular spotting and pretty regular bleeding issues. Nothing to the point of worry but definitely an issue when it comes to "quality of life".......in addition it has grown and produced other fibroids so we decided that removing my uterus would be the best way to remove the fibroid(s) for good and stop the frequent, irregular bleeding I experience. I'm not having more children so I'm done with that part of my body anyway. If all goes well, we will be leaving the ovaries in tact so I don't go immediately into menopause which is good - the emotional up and downs of that I'm not interested in right now - when my body is ready for that phase, it will go into it on it's own.
So the question that lingers in my head is how this surgery will effect my fibromyalgia - will it cause my pain to return? Will it send me into a flare? I'm a little concerned about it however I need this surgery, so I'm going to stay positive and hopeful that the only pain I will experience will be from the incision - the expected recovery is 4-6wks as it will be done through my abdomen going through my previous C-section incision. So while laying in bed for a week initially - I'm sure I'll have some residual hip pain from lack of movement initially.
So that's it for now - over the next 4 wks leading up to my surgery I have a lot to get done - I'll be getting acupuncture each week and I need to get the house cleaned, laundry caught up, my parties and work surrounding that all done and caught up. I would like to be able to go into this surgery knowing I don't have things lingering that I should of done....that will be waiting for me to do.......I would like to know that my family won't have any extra work to tend to and that I can just relax and recover without the added stress. So for the next 4 wks I'll be busy focusing on my house, my work and getting everything I seem to put off, DONE.........."There is always tomorrow" however for me, tomorrow isn't going to be an option after Nov 7th. Tomorrow will be a day of rest and recovery for a few weeks following that day.
So all in all I'm doing well - continuing to my mission to fix me in 2010 - my upcoming surgery is just another step towards the goal....2011 is going to be my year to come back from Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue and this surgery......in the end it will have been 16 months of searching.......trial and errors......treatments.......pills......supplements......experiments and finally in the end....I will overcome the holds of this condition - although I know I'll have to live with it the rest of my life - I know I will have it under control and will get my life back.........will live without debilitating pain and fatigue and will live out the rest of my life trying to help others who suffer...find their way to a pain free and medication/drug free life.....that is my plan anyway! I'm proof that you don't need to have a pharmacy in your cabinet to be rid of your pain........aches and other issues that come with Fibromyalgia. Of course some people might need all those things - but unless they have tried without them, they won't know. I've got a pretty good list of supplements that are working for me, and I'm sure they'll work for others as well.
Until next time - stay well, stay healthy and life your life!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Can it really be happening finally?
I am almost afraid to say it because I'm afraid I'll have to turn around and take it back....but here it goes.......I'm feeling really good! THERE, I SAID IT, I DID IT....and I'M NOT WILLING TO TAKE IT BACK! It's out there, it's real and it's going to continue!
I really think the treatments I've been religiously going through and the various supplements I've been taking are finally starting to work to combat my Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue. I'm feeling less and less of the fatigue that has been such an issue and I'm noticing my pain and other symptoms are beginning to become less and less as each day passes.
I've had several people ask me what my treatments are so I'm going to list them here, again. Now if you are someone who suffers from the all over body pain of Fibromyalgia you might sit there and say "oh this won't work for me, I hurt too bad to allow anyone to touch me" however, don't discount the effects of these treatments - I'm no different than you, I too have widespread body pain that at times it is unbearable to think of someone touching me.....but, if you stick it out you will see how it does help to release the tied up muscles and tissues that are causing you all the pain to begin with.
My treatments are being done at a Dr office in Colorado that specializes in Fibromyalgia care - it is a back and spine center that has a special program specifically for treating Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue. They are of the belief that treatment should go in graduated phases and are not ones to try to cover up the problem, but rather work with the patient and their individual stage of the conditions and offer treatments to help them overcome those symptoms gradually and over time. In addition they also review your nutritional needs and only do what you can handle them doing, nothing more, nothing less.
So for me I go 1x a week for 20 wks. The first 5 weeks was Phase 1 - this consisted of 1hr theraputic massage, trigger point injection and an adjustment.........the trigger point injection helped with any pain I might have had after the massage...and it did eliminate the pain I would normally experience. At times the massage was painful, yes, however, it was a necessary pain to get through.
Phase 2 (which I'm currently in) also lasts 5wks - consisting of soft tissue massage which is more of an interactive massage where I have to do movements along with the massage to stretch the tissue and muscles along with the massage being done.....whereas the theraputic massage was just massage with me laying there......then an adjustment after.
Phase 3 (5wks) - accupuncture and adjustment
Phase 4 (5wks) - physical therapy and adjustment
I'm at the end of phase 2 with 2 more treatments left and am just in the last week really noticing some changes in the level of pain and frequency of pain I am having - also with less fatigue than I've been use to.
Supplements I've been taking for the past 2 months haven't changed (you can read back a few entries in my blog as to what I've been taking) I did literally today just add an Omega 3 fish oil and probiotic.
Now let me say when I first started with this Fibromyalgia center I was extremely cautious with my expectations and honestly didn't think that massage and adjustments would miraculously "cure" me - nor do I think now that it's a "cure" but rather a way to release the cycle my body has been stuck in.......the vicious cycle of pain.
I'm really excited that half way through my 20wk treatment plan I'm noticing some positive changes and am really looking forward to my next phase with the acupuncture. Acupuncture has been one thing that I've read about many times that has been something a lot of people say has helped them feel better where both pain and fatigue are concerned. I can't wait to see how it helps me to continue to feel better and find new levels of energy and get back to the life I've missed out on this past year.
If anyone wants more information please feel free to ask - I've done a ton of research and continue to research this condition as it's something I'll be dealing with forever....but I do believe that there are effective treatments available that when done consistently can help put you into remission and get you back to living a normal life full of activity and pain free. That's my goal.
Now I also fully expect that there will still be times that I don't feel well, that I have a flare up, that I'm extra tired and all that jazz that comes along with this relentless condition - but I also think that having it under control will help me get past those days and back to feeling better. You must listen to your body, rest when you feel you need to rest and not overdo it.......listen to your body and what it needs.
I really think the treatments I've been religiously going through and the various supplements I've been taking are finally starting to work to combat my Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue. I'm feeling less and less of the fatigue that has been such an issue and I'm noticing my pain and other symptoms are beginning to become less and less as each day passes.
I've had several people ask me what my treatments are so I'm going to list them here, again. Now if you are someone who suffers from the all over body pain of Fibromyalgia you might sit there and say "oh this won't work for me, I hurt too bad to allow anyone to touch me" however, don't discount the effects of these treatments - I'm no different than you, I too have widespread body pain that at times it is unbearable to think of someone touching me.....but, if you stick it out you will see how it does help to release the tied up muscles and tissues that are causing you all the pain to begin with.
My treatments are being done at a Dr office in Colorado that specializes in Fibromyalgia care - it is a back and spine center that has a special program specifically for treating Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue. They are of the belief that treatment should go in graduated phases and are not ones to try to cover up the problem, but rather work with the patient and their individual stage of the conditions and offer treatments to help them overcome those symptoms gradually and over time. In addition they also review your nutritional needs and only do what you can handle them doing, nothing more, nothing less.
So for me I go 1x a week for 20 wks. The first 5 weeks was Phase 1 - this consisted of 1hr theraputic massage, trigger point injection and an adjustment.........the trigger point injection helped with any pain I might have had after the massage...and it did eliminate the pain I would normally experience. At times the massage was painful, yes, however, it was a necessary pain to get through.
Phase 2 (which I'm currently in) also lasts 5wks - consisting of soft tissue massage which is more of an interactive massage where I have to do movements along with the massage to stretch the tissue and muscles along with the massage being done.....whereas the theraputic massage was just massage with me laying there......then an adjustment after.
Phase 3 (5wks) - accupuncture and adjustment
Phase 4 (5wks) - physical therapy and adjustment
I'm at the end of phase 2 with 2 more treatments left and am just in the last week really noticing some changes in the level of pain and frequency of pain I am having - also with less fatigue than I've been use to.
Supplements I've been taking for the past 2 months haven't changed (you can read back a few entries in my blog as to what I've been taking) I did literally today just add an Omega 3 fish oil and probiotic.
Now let me say when I first started with this Fibromyalgia center I was extremely cautious with my expectations and honestly didn't think that massage and adjustments would miraculously "cure" me - nor do I think now that it's a "cure" but rather a way to release the cycle my body has been stuck in.......the vicious cycle of pain.
I'm really excited that half way through my 20wk treatment plan I'm noticing some positive changes and am really looking forward to my next phase with the acupuncture. Acupuncture has been one thing that I've read about many times that has been something a lot of people say has helped them feel better where both pain and fatigue are concerned. I can't wait to see how it helps me to continue to feel better and find new levels of energy and get back to the life I've missed out on this past year.
If anyone wants more information please feel free to ask - I've done a ton of research and continue to research this condition as it's something I'll be dealing with forever....but I do believe that there are effective treatments available that when done consistently can help put you into remission and get you back to living a normal life full of activity and pain free. That's my goal.
Now I also fully expect that there will still be times that I don't feel well, that I have a flare up, that I'm extra tired and all that jazz that comes along with this relentless condition - but I also think that having it under control will help me get past those days and back to feeling better. You must listen to your body, rest when you feel you need to rest and not overdo it.......listen to your body and what it needs.
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