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Fibromyalgia
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Posted 4/28/2009 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
Please be aware that sometimes at the change of seasons you may feel a bit like a pile of dog pooh! Many of us experience an increase in symptoms or a "flare" when multiple low/high pressure systems go crashing through the countryside. Sleep disturbances, muscle pain, especially in the shoulders, and migraine headaches often accompany these roller coaster weather systems. And as my Grandmother used to say, "Forewarned is forearmed." If you know that you are going to feel a bit "under the weather" by watching your five day forecast then take extra care.

Plan simple meals without a lot of whoop la. Permit yourself to have sandwiches for dinner. Resting in bed a bit earlier than usual reading, watching TV or listening to your favorite music can be restorative and help you relax to sleep so you are prepared to meet each day. Set yourself up with a water bottle to assure that you are hydrated. Dehydration is one of the many causes of headaches. Cutting back a bit on caffeine and drinking tea or fruit flavored juices helps for some, too.

If you haven't started walking or doing any gentle exercise yet walking around a garden center and choosing a few plants to adorn your outside relaxation area is fun and easy. I like to grow a few pretty flowers in containers on my patio. They're easy to care for and brighten up the place without costing too much. Plus, the necessary watering and care get me outside when I'm not feeling like doing much. I've planted some perennials in my regular garden and pretty much given up on annuals. Can't really get down on the ground much anymore to work in the flower beds.... Well, I can get down there.. I just can't get up! rolleyes

Once the violent weather systems pass thru you may find that you have more energy with the increased daylight. Enjoy it and don't overdo. Busy as this "end of school year, graduation, First Communion, open house, recital" time is, don't try to do everything. Let the dusting go and just try to look nice for the next family affair. Be a bit kinder to yourself and those around you and lower your self expectations a bit.

We only have this one life... No 'do-overs'. Do your best to make every day a good one.
Posted 4/28/2009 5:40 PM (GMT 0)

Great post, Jeannie, with lots of good advice!  I know all about not being able to get up off the floor or ground.  I dropped a pill this morning and it rolled under the couch.  I felt like I was 100 years old getting down on the floor to retrieve it.  Then I thought I was going to have to order a crane to get me back up on my feet!   shocked  

Sherrine 

Posted 4/28/2009 5:52 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for that post, Jeannie. Made me feel better. I can't "get back up" to do much gardening anymore, either - which is so frustrating this time of year. Helps to know I'm not alone. Great advice, too.
Lucy
Posted 4/28/2009 7:18 PM (GMT 0)
Now you tell me. No wonder I am not sleeping restfully. Thanks,

Donnaeil
Posted 4/28/2009 7:43 PM (GMT 0)
Jeannie, I gave up dusting last fall because I felt so lousy. When should I start back up? Diane
Posted 4/28/2009 8:47 PM (GMT 0)
Dusting? What's that?
Posted 4/28/2009 9:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Jeannie,

Wonderful post. I really enjoyed reading it. You make a lot of sense too. We just don't think of spring to be hard on us. We are all just glad that the winter is over and here it is spring and why do we feel so yucky? Thanks for the reminder and the support.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 4/28/2009 10:08 PM (GMT 0)
Diane,
Never!!!
Jeannie, this is a good post. Thanks. Walking through the garden center is a great idea.
Sue
Posted 4/28/2009 11:10 PM (GMT 0)

Jeanne,

Thanks for the post.  I have known for the longest time that I felt the worst during season change and bad weather, but when I would mention it, I would get that look.  You know the one, smug grin and eye rolling.  rolleyes

Thanks for the confirmation and great advise.

Posted 4/29/2009 2:52 AM (GMT 0)

Thanks for the post, Jeannie. Very timely!

My fibro (and I also have another neuro condition the neurologist cannot pinpoint) has not been at it's very worst lately, thankfully.  However, I am really struggling with fibro fog, memory, etc. 

 I am taking an online course to make some money to help out with finances.  Honestly, I really don't know if it will ever work, given my health problems. I've been at this course since January 2008 and it's been a real battle, as you might guess.  Daily bouts with neck stiffness, "clutzy" fingers on the keyboard (not a good sign as I'm taking a medical transcription course!), occasional headaches, fatigue, lots of other household jobs, (my sons are fairly good at helping out, thankfully) and I think the worst is the fibro fog.  Really, I have to be on top of things if I'm going to succeed at this course and find a job at home as planned, and I physically feel unable to do this. 

 Here's the big problem:  my husband (bless him--he's a hard worker and has sacrificed much for us, don't get me wrong here) INSISTS I find "some" way to bring money in.  We live in a rural area and I can't be on my feet long as I have leg/feet issues, nor can I sit long with the stiffness. I drive VERY seldom, and only short distances. Hence, I'm taking the online MT course and crossing my fingers.  Right now my neck is throbbing and my memory is on vacation!  I am almost done with the course, but really have no idea if I can pass the final test.  Most "normal" people (many young and very healthy) flunk it at least once, if not more.  It's very exacting work. I'm hanging in there and doing battle with the fibro, but honestly, even to work p/t at this seems very "off the radar" right now.  My concentration just "isn't there." 

 If I can't make it as a MT, does anyone have any suggestions?  Someone told me to start a daycare, but that would involve the county people, and we had a horrible experience with them a few years back, were lied about, had to hire a lawyer and point out their lies on court reports, etc. Nope. That won't work here.   Anyway, just venting, I guess.  I went once to meet with the rehab people who find jobs and they refused to help me because (get this) I "didn't walk with a cane" so I looked "normal."    SIGH....sometimes I get SO tired of this battle, but on I go...Any advice appreciated!!

Feel better, all!

Posted 4/29/2009 3:46 AM (GMT 0)
Yes. At this very moment - my neck pain is so intense that i feel it in my eyes and jaw along with a killer migrane - even laying down isnt helping nor is stretching.
Posted 4/29/2009 12:53 PM (GMT 0)
Jeannie- Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you for this wonderful post! No wonder I have been feeling awful!!  sad

We had a couple 70 degree days here and I never felt better- then a big cold front moved through last Friday and I wanted to go out in the middle of a field and just scream the pain was so BAD!!!

Then I keep trying to plug along as normal as I can having fibro and wondering why it's not working. OK, I am going to give myself some TLC, and ride this out. This is my first spring- last spring I was so sick from just getting the fibro it didn't matter what the weather was doing.

Jill

Posted 4/29/2009 1:38 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the advice Jeannie. I looked at our 5 day forecast and the sun is no where in it shakehead

 

So that is why it feels like someone shot me between the eyes. shocked

 

I have miniature roses in large pots on the patio and the front porch, love roses. We put them in the garage for the winter and they are getting leaves so they all made it. I don't do many annuals anymore either.

 

It's sad but true that I can't get down in the floor unless there is a piece of furniture to help me back up.

 

luv and hugs

Marlee

Posted 4/29/2009 11:06 PM (GMT 0)
Due to antibiotics affecting kidneys and liver some, I can't have either tylenol or ibuprofen.  So anyways I hooked up a new cable box thingie in the upstairs bedroom.  Lot of bending and reaching around for cables and stuff.  And I dusted out the cabinet.  So ... what I was wondering is, if the crane is thru at Sherrine's, can you send it by my place?  shocked    I'd like to get back to my comfy chair.
Posted 4/30/2009 12:58 AM (GMT 0)
Jeannie....what a wonderful post..thank you, hun.
I need to read this often...gives me hope!

God Bless
Pod
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