The definition of invisible is “unable to be seen; not visible to the naked eye.” Fibromyalgia is often called an invisible condition because people suffering from it don’t look sick. But we feel it. Marked by widespread pain and fatigue, sleeping issues, and “fibrofog,” many people with this condition put on their happy face and go about their day, all the while suffering in silence. We call ourselves FibroWarriors.
Category: Personal Experience
Jolly
Sometimes it is hard to feel Jolly at this time of year, with so many things cluttering your to-do list and social calendar! The holiday baking, shopping, gift-giving, and socializing can be overwhelming at times for anyone. That sense can be compounded for someone dealing with chronic pain or conditions like fibromyalgia (read 4 Tips for Avoiding a Holiday Flare).
So I have to admit I am struggling this year. Work and volunteer commitments are monopolizing my time to the point I can’t find time or energy to shop for presents or wrap the ones I do have. Each year seems harder – I struggle each year with what to buy, who to buy for because the burden to shop for everyone (except me) falls on me. Oh, and Christmas cards? Last year was the first year I have never sent them. This year isn’t looking so good either.
So Jolly is a state of mind for me. I try to find joy and humor in even the simplest of things, like this memory of ziplining with Santa. The real Santa. *<|:-{)} Ho, ho, ho!
The holidays should be a time for enjoying family and friends and celebrating, not stressing out. So I make my to do lists, and check them twice. And if I don’t get everything checked off, so be it. Maybe I don’t bake as much or buy as much or send those card. Lately I have given myself permission to let things go, such as writing blog posts. My goal was to write a weekly post, and then that became a monthly post. Now it is whenever the mood strikes. Like today. So today, I can be jolly. 🙂
Cheers!
Cynthia
Magnesium for Pain Relief
I truly believe in using food, exercise, and things from nature to heal the body.
Finally, I have had some pain relief! If you have been following my story the last several months, you know I have been suffering with some acute pain. I am happy to report that I have not had numbness or pain in my arm now for three whole weeks!! Zip. Zilch. Nada. That’s not to say all is well or I have any answers. Really, more questions. But for now I am enjoying the long-overdue break from my neck/shoulder/arm pain. 🙂
“Relief is a wonderful emotion, highly underrated. In fact I prefer it to elation or joy. Relief lets the air out of the Tire of Pain.” ~ Adriana Trigiani
I saw a non-surgical specialist a month ago, and was ready to go in for cervical facet joint steroid injections. One of the things I had to do was quit taking Fish Oil 7 days prior, so on Monday, July 31st I did just that. I was still experiencing pain through that week. On Saturday, August 5th I read an article by Donna of Fed Up with Fatigue about 30 Low Cost Fibromyalgia and Chronic Lyme Treatments. (Major shout out to Fibro Blogger Directory and the Friday article link-ups!) The second item on her list was magnesium malate that she said “helps to reduce my pain levels, soothes my restless legs, improves my sleep, and keeps me regular.” So I read the reviews, bought a bottle, and took a pill that night. Continue reading “Magnesium for Pain Relief”
How to Sleep Better
“Sleep is the Golden Chain that binds health and our bodies together.”
I have struggled for years with getting good quality sleep. There are nights where I just cannot fall asleep, and others where I just can’t stay asleep. While the ideal amount is between 7-9 hours for most, I still average about 6 hours a night. More than 7 hours of sleep, and I feel out of sorts. Lately I have been much better about sleeping through the night, since incorporating some simple strategies.
Those who suffer with fibromyalgia syndrome know how difficult it can be to get a good night’s sleep. In fact, sleep disturbances are one of the common symptoms associated with the condition, which then compounds the daytime fatigue. But allowing the body to rest and recharge at night is so critical to everyone’s physical and mental health, not just those with fibromyalgia.
“Sleep is the Golden Chain that binds health and our bodies together.” ~ Thomas Dekker
My Inspired Fibro Life 