Wheather is killing me... how about you?

I live in the Northwest and it's was of October last year that I felt the first major Fibro (identifiable) pain.  I recall everything hurting and everything else that I had exhasberated.  I ended up quiting my full-time job by November 31st.  I was diagnosed in Dec.  My point being is that the wheather really scares me.  I'm too tired, my pain isn't letting up with drugs or rest and if any of you noticed my last topic.  I decided to tell work that I had Fibro, because they had increased my hours from 4.5 to 6 without a break and it's taking a toll on me.

This weekend I told my husband I'm far too close to checking in to a crazy house to hide and get some rest.  I can't handle work, the house, the kids needs (vollyball, track, clubs, taxi driving) etc. and etc.  You know!!!!!  My husband helps a ton, cooks more then I, pay's the bills and arranges the girls dental apts for braces etc., but I still feel like I'm falling in a big black hole and I'm not going to make it. 

My last Neuro apt. suggested that I desparately need to see a Pshyc. the kind that can prescribe drugs.  I'm ready to do that, but someone tell me how to fit that in?  All I want to do is fit a nap in for gosh sake.  My husband won't hear of me just quiting my job, because we can't afford it and the other thing is the extra money coming in has just made him feel positive that more is coming in. 

I'm amazed at this fibro on a daily basis.

Thx for anything you want to contribute.

I am like you - its this time of year that I get my "flare up".  This is my 7th year with it.  Last year it began in October and lasted through March.  It seems to last longer each year.

I also have younger kids (14 & 12) so I am running every day to sports, PTO president, working full time, etc.

It is hard but I keep telling myself that this is something I can't die from.  I also believe that by pushing myself to get going each day does help.  As much as I want to crawl back in bed.

I had a funeral last week and I was standing still for over an hour, when it was over and I had to start walking I didn't think I could I was stiff and hurting so bad I think because of the stress of being at the funeral.  It was scary.

Keep your chin up.  Do the things that absolutely have to get done.  If you kids are able to help at all, have them.  My husband and girls are great.

What about researching some sort of job you could do from home??  Medical transcription?  This will allow you to lay low at home while working.  Just a thought.

Tluv, I'm sorry  you are going through all of this.  There are always things that don't have to be done immediately so save them for another day.  Only do the necessary things.  I'm so happy that your husband has been a help to you.  I don't know the ages of your children, but if they are old enough to help, get their help.  You have been given some good advice from other members.  Now I'm going to play cheerleader! 

When I developed fibro my children were 9, 10, and 13.  I remember the taxi driving all around, driving them to school, the soccer and softball practices and games that I had to go to, the piano lessons, and, when they got in high school and in marching band, I REALLY remember sitting on cold, metal bleachers, with no back support, for three hours in 30 degree weather!  (Lived in Cleveland, Ohio at the time.)  I honestly didn't know how I was going to walk, let along go down the steps to get to the car.  But, I did it.  You can too.  It's not fun, but, if you take it a day at a time, you can do it.

We have sooo much strength and intestinal fortitude in us that we never use.  We CAN do things if we tell ourselves that we can.  When we are in pain, it is so easy to say that we can't do things.  If we say it enough, we start to believe it and it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.  It's almost like brainwashing ourselves!  Try telling yourself that you CAN do it and you WILL do it and move forward, not focusing on the pain.  You will be amazed at what you accomplish.

There are so many times I don't feel well and really don't want to do what I need to do.  Procrastinating is tempting but, if I just get up and get moving and accomplish my goal, I feel soooo much better.  I will tell myself, "See, I knew you could do it!"  That brings me joy.  It lets me know that fibromyalgia will not rule my life and that does make me happy.

I hope this has helped you some.  Life with fibro is not for sissies.  We are strong, courageous people and we will be victorious over this miserable syndrome!

Sherrine

Tricia,

No, you are not weird.  I, too, believe it is worse in the winter for me.  Of course, I have only been dealing with this thing since August of 2007, so only one winter so far.  I do know that when it is wet, cold or raw I feel worse.

I am sorry to hear you are having such a tough time.  I know it is tough to keep going sometimes.  You are so fortunate to have such a supportive husband!  That is wonderful! 

Sherrine is right.  We all have strength inside of us.  When we are in pain, I know it can be difficult to find the desire and strength to go on.  But, it is there.

I saw that some people recommended only doing things that were necessary and that is good advice.  When I stepped back and looked at what was taking up my time every day, I was able to find ways to simplify and streamline all sorts of things.  For instance, I usually cook from scratch - one, because I love to.  And, two, because we are not made of money and scratch is less expensive.  But, cooking this way was creating a ton of dishes and a lot of standing in the kitchen.  So, I simplified our meals.  I searched for simple, low-cost meals which could be prepared either in one skillet or the crock pot.   I collected a bunch  of recipes and I created 3 weeks of rotating menus.  If I am feeling well and have the desire to bake or cook something elaborate, I can certainly do so.  But, it is no longer a requirement.  I let this same philosophy carry over into lunch making for our 10 year old.  Instead of standing and making sandwiches each morning, I make one batch of cold pasta salad on Sunday and put it into containers.  Done!  I also found that if I wear more knit tops, I don't need to iron as much (plus, the knit tops keep my arms warmer, which helps my aching muscles, so it is a double bonus). 

What works for my family may not work for yours.  But, the act of re-evaluating what you do every day - both at home and at work - and shaving little bits here and there will really add up to a surplus of time at the end and help to reduce stress for everyone.  

Please take care and I do hope you are able to find a way to manage. 

Kerri