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Posted 11/14/2009 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Friends...

It's been about 6 months since I've been around.  I went back to work full time in May.  Trying to juggle FT work, life and fibro has been a challenge, but I did it!!  And I'm thriving!! 

Am I in pain everyday?? Yes.  Am I beyond exhausted?? Yes.  But, has my depression disapated?? absolutely!!!  I no longer worry about how much I'm going to hurt.  I know I will and I have to move on. 

My husband got laid off the day I went back to work.  So now I have NO CHOICE but to work full time.  Does it cause me anxiety??? You betcha!!!  We are now living on 1/3 of what we were making a year ago and barely getting by.

Things have been very very tough.  But there are millions of folks going through what we are going through.

So, back to the subject matter... How was Healing Well one of the greatest gifts in my life???  Because I learned that having fibro "isn't a death sentence but a life sentence".  I learned A LOT about this syndrome from this forum.  But mostly.. I learned that having the support of loved ones and others that suffer from this crazy ailment is exactly what I needed to move forward and not to allow Fibro to paralyze me.  I learned how to develop a relationship with my doctor and how to get proper meds to make it possible to get back to work.

Best of all this forum gave me a great friend that I will cherish forever.  She knows who she is.. and she has become the closest thing to a sister that one could ever ask for.  The gift of this friendship has created a support system unlike any other.   Having the support of someone that suffers with the same illness can change your life and should never be something that is taken for granted.  I know that this friend relies my me as much as I rely on her for support, a laugh, or just knowing that she needs me to help her through tough times.  She gives me a reason to get up and get going sometimes.  I want to thank her for the day she sent me an email to ask a question... we have emailed each other every single day since then.

Now I'm contemplating starting a support group in my community.  This is something I never thought would be possible a year ago.. but now.. I feel I must do this to give others the gift of support.

So the next time you wonder... what is Healing Well doing for me?? think about my story.  A woman that didn't know if she would ever be able to be productive again did it and it was all because I found a great support system, like this forum.  But always remember... support and friendship is a two way street.. you have to be willing to be there, to help and love these people that show you how much they care by sending you a reply, an email, a smile or a tear.

Though I haven't been around for the past few months, I thank God everyday for this forum.  I haven't forgotten any of you.  And I thank all of you for giving me the hope and strength to get up and get going.

Love to all... And thank you!!!!! 

Panda

Posted 11/14/2009 5:13 PM (GMT 0)
Dear Panda,

You have been so very missed on this forum. It is just such as you wrote that gives so many people encouragement. I just mentioned you the other day and am thrilled to see you back. Sorta thought that might happen LOL... funny this is also the place that I met someone that has turned my life around. She is my true daily strength.

Yes, it is a two way street for the best friendships to grow and flourish. Sometimes this forum makes me very sad for people and I just hope I say something encouraging. Then other times someone makes me totally laugh and get over myself.

Please don't be a stranger here, people need you.

Love, Patsie
Posted 11/14/2009 5:39 PM (GMT 0)

Hi, Stranger!  It's so good to see you.  I kind of figured you were quite busy after starting work again.  I'm so happy to see that you are managing and, actually, your job couldn't have come at a better time.  I do hope your hubby finds work soon and helps lift some of the burden off your shoulders. 

I'm very proud of the way you are handling everything.  Yes, we are all going through tough times right now.  But, as they say, tough times never last but tough people do!

I hope you do have time to check in more often.  We do miss seeing  you here.  Have a wonderful day, Patti!

Sherrine

Posted 11/14/2009 5:52 PM (GMT 0)
tongue  

Hi there,

It is great to see your post.  I am so happy that you got so much out of the forum.  Sharing and venting and everything is the way to go.  And having people that understand really makes a difference in our lives.

I hope that you continue to post.  We have all missed you.

Take care, have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Karen

Posted 11/14/2009 6:33 PM (GMT 0)
Patti, What an inspiration you are! You give others hope and that in itself is a

wonderful thing. I am so glad you posted. Thanks for sharing your story!

Hugs

Robin

Posted 11/14/2009 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
Patti
Thank you for your story and the encouraging words. What you said was an inspiration to me.
Hugs,
Sue
Posted 11/15/2009 12:09 AM (GMT 0)

Welcome back...and don't be a stranger!

Huggies

Donna

Posted 11/15/2009 12:55 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone.. Its good to see old friend (lol.. as we get older everyday)  This forum has always made me feel at home and "seeing" you again is wonderful.  And I'm humbled by your thoughts and words.

about 4 or 5 months ago I found out that I have Degenerative Disc Disease.. one more rotten thing to add to my hit list (spelled with an S in front of the word Hit devil ).  Anway in trying different meds I learned that anything with an opiod in it made me incredibly sick.. BAD and I mean BAD IBS.  about 2 months ago I requested a medication called Meloxacam.  Since then my back is doing really well and my hips have improved.  I still can't walk very far without pain but, I'm not in constant unabaiding pain.  And its the most liberating thing that's happened to me in years.  I can honestly say that I went from a constant level 8 pain to a level 2 pain.  I don't know if this medication can help you.. but it might be worth looking into.  I really don't think I could have continued to work with out this medication.  Its an anti-inflamatory.. not narco.

Thanks again for the warm welcome.. but hey, you guys are the greatest and I knew you'd remember the Panda. smilewinkgrin

Loves...

Posted 11/15/2009 2:38 AM (GMT 0)
Patti, I also have degenerative disk along with fibro and a couple of other things. My doc gave me Meloxicam (aka mobic) and it works wonders. It is nice because it is only 15 mg where something similar in an ibuprofin would be 200-800 mg. It is easier on your liver.

It builds up in your system, so as you take more of it, you feel better. I still forget sometimes and feel a difference if I forget 2 days in a row.

Glad you found something that helps.
Sue
Posted 11/15/2009 2:56 AM (GMT 0)
Sue!!

I'm so glad to find someone else to talk to about this.  I have found that when my back pain is at bay, my fibro pain seems to be too.  Do you feel that way too??  My sister has back issues and (though she'll never admit it) fibro.  We have the same doctor.  I was sort of surprised he didn't give me maloxacam right off the bat, but later found out he didn't realize she was my sis. 

Anyway.. what are your feelings on back pain and fibro.. do you think there's a link?

Thanks and hugs...

 

Posted 11/15/2009 7:54 AM (GMT 0)
Patti!

I saw your name the minute I opened up the fibro forum and I had to read it first! I'm so glad to see you back and doing so well. Your post is amazing and does give hope to everyone no matter what they are battling along the path of fibro. I do hope you have time to pop in more often but we do understand your time does have a limit on it. I'm working on finding a 28 hour day but no luck so far...lol You are such a wonderful inspiration and role model to others, especially new members who are frightened and just beginning to learn about fibro. After reading your story they will have hope.

Warmest hugs,
Chutzie
Posted 11/15/2009 3:51 PM (GMT 0)
Big hugs - but every so gently to all of you. 

Aww, shucks, I don't know how much of an inspiration I am.. I'm just doing what I have to do. 

I was very lucky to get my old job back.. I've worked for this boss (and fortunately dear friend) for close to 7 yrs.  So this job is almost something I can do in my sleep.  ****.. and trust me .. I'm sleeping sitting up now and then.  But things are getting very tight for the non profit I work for.  We're way over budget in many areas one being.. payroll.  I'm a little worried that I'll get cut back for a few months.  My gut tells me this could become a reality soon.  If I were the Exec. Director, I'd be thinking of what I could cut and the staff unfortunately is the biggest drain on funds, as it is with many businesses.

If I do get my hours cut.. it will make our life very difficult.. we're getting to the end of our financial rope.  I know it will bring on a lot of stress and stress is my #1 cause for flare.  I have some ideas how to make a little extra money, the hard part is.. it takes money to make money. 

OK... enough about me.. how about all of you???  How have you been holding up??  What's new in the world of Healing Well.  I know HW is now on Facebook.. I'm on Facebook too and have HW as one of my "friends". 

I'll do my best to not be such a stranger.  The only good thing about the possibility of getting my hours cut would be having more time for my friends and family.. and I consider all of you my friends and family. 

OK.. better get this day rolling.  Sundays are wonderful, for the full timer.  Sadly the reality of lundry never seems to end.

Hugs...    

Posted 11/16/2009 5:39 AM (GMT 0)
Patti, I never really paid attention.  I have had back pain for over 20 years. But fibro is fairly new - about 2 or 3 years.   I have lordosis or kyphosis (swayback) and degenerative disks and myofacial pain in my neck.  Not much helps the neck pain and when it gets bad it triggers a migraine.  Stretching and ice works better than anything else.  Mobic helps the most with the fibro pain.  If I forget to take it, everything hurts a lot.  Pain still breaks through with the mobic, but it is a lot better than without. 

So I don't think the back pain and fibro pain affect each other in my body.  But I will pay closer attention and see.   Stress and the cold do make the fibro worse.  Commuting (2.5-3 hours per day) affect back and fibro.   But now I have a heating pad in the car.  And I am like you.  I am super happy to be at this job, even if I am in pain.  I figure I am going to be in pain anyway, might as well do what I want (within reason!)  :)

I know others said it before, but when you said "fibro isn't a death sentence, it is a life sentence," that somehow hit me the right way.  It is a way of accepting the illness without letting it get the best of you.  Yeah, we gotta do things differently, but that is ok. 

I did have an idea about the back pain:  when you are in pain, do you tense up?  I know I do.  That could definitely affect the fibro. 

Hugs,

Sue

Posted 11/16/2009 2:28 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the reply Sue.  Yes.. I know I tense up when I have back pain... it's one of the reasons I think I'm associating the back and the fibro pain.  I also think that when the back is really acting up it causes your SED rate to increase and that could spark a flare, that's one of the reasons I think Mobic or Maloxicam is so helpful .. it takes away some of that inflammation.  Sort of one of my own studies going on here.

I hear ya.. if we're gonna be in pain anyway.. might as well work and get that Soc. Security built up.. one day I might really need it.  I like my job and I actually have fun here most of the time.  I think laughter is one of the best meds around!!  And having a reason to get out of bed keeps me from sitting around and getting all stiffened up.  Fortunately I can move around a lot at my job.

Cold and stress are #1 cause for my fibro pain.  I'd be super stressed if I wasn't working and couldn't pay for heat!!  :)  Hopefully it will be a mild winter.  If I'm really messed up I do resort to my cane and that helps me get around on really stiff days.

Many hugs...

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