Fibromyalgia Community

Greetings!

I have learned patience and a positive attitude is key to my pain management. I developed Fibromyalgia after a hysterectomy in 2000. I entered a strange world during those days and weeks post surgery. I do believe the surgery was the trigger. I also believe there is a genetic component to my disease. My mother and sister both had/have the disorder. My mother is no longer on earth, but I remember her suffering and difficulty walking and performing daily activities.

I manage my disease in silence because I have found a persistent lack of understanding from physicians over the years. I have pain flares and periods of intense pain throughout the year. How do I cope? I cope with the firm knowledge that I matter. The world is a better place because I am in it. I use positive self talk and look at the world and daily living with a positive viewpoint. But I do not share my diagnosis within my work environment. It is dangerous. The world inside my thoughts is where I live during those hours at work. And such a place is a paradise of positive thoughts, memories of joyful life experiences, family, and friends. I use humor and kindness bestowed upon others. I am a therapist. The mere act of sharing a new concept with a client gives my joy. Joy reduces my pain and leads to self satisfaction. It pleases me.

As far as getting up out of my chair at work. Well, that is another matter entirely. I find rising slowly works. I find appreciating the complexity of the human body helps. And I find joy in the knowledge that I am alive. Do I hate pain and the limitations it brings? You betcha! But I revel in the knowledge that I am alive. No one condition or person can take that knowledge and joy away from me. I may not be physically fit anymore or thin like I used to be, but I am a lovely person with hopes and dreams just like my non-fibro fellows.

As far as physicians go, patience is the key. I remember the adage "slow and steady wins the race." At this point I know more about pain management than the general practitioners. I stick with the one physician who understands me; that is, an internist/gastrolenterologist in a city 4 hours away from my residence. Why? Because he trusts and understands my opinions and ideas. He gives me the medication I need to live comfortably (that is, with manageable pain versus complex, intense pain). He talks to me on the telephone in a collegial manner and respects my opinion. He helps me without judgment. So do I drive 4 hours? Yes. Why spoil respect and understanding?

I am saddened sometimes with the care I receive in the town in which I reside. I wish MDs would practice nonjudgment. I am not a pill junkie. I am a woman in pain. If I had my druthers, I would be pill free. However, that is not an option.

So live well and laugh often. Find joy in living. Focus on laughter and the interpersonal gifts you bring to others in the lovely world you create for yourself. Respect yourself. Trust yourself. Honor yourself. Walk gently with your head held high, your shoulders back, and with the personal pride and joy that you matter in this world. You know your fibromyalgic condition better than anyone else. Respect yourself. Love yourself. Do what you can physically and trust in the One that created you. Release the pain to your Creator and ask for peace that comes in the knowing that you matter. Find a physician that is accepting and prescribes without judgment. Leave the office of those individuals who are pejorative and arrogant. They DON'T know best. Seek knowledge. Read. Become your own expert.

Be well. And thank you for listening and respecting my opinion. It is mine and mine alone. But I matter. So do you dear friend!