I remember when...

#NHBPM #HAWMC Day 26 Prompt: I still remember… 
Free write a post that starts with the line “I still remember…”


I still remember the doctors I visited as a patient years ago. When I Knew I was entering peri-menopause I was told by my then Primary Care Doc that I was too young and therefore it was not possible for me to be going through peri-menopause. In effect, he was telling me I did not know my own body. The last four years I have resided in the wonderful world of Menopause and love it!
I still remember off the charts pains in my joints and muscles I was experiencing back then as well as the fatigue was kicking my tail even then. I don't believe too many doctors have a handle on what to look for, listen,the signs of Fibromyalgia when a patient is sharing with them what is happening within their bodies. We need more exercise  eat better, sleep better and the list goes on.......
IF either of the doctors I had before moving to where I am now, had a clue about Fibromyalgia then I know my diagnosis would have been made so much earlier and I would not have had to suffer the last five to six years in misery and pain so bad it brought me to tears. I would have been referred to a Rheumatologist, examined properly, given my diagnosis and proper meds. 
What I have learned from this however is that sometimes you have to crawl through the pain pile on hands and knees to get to the really great doctors. That is where I am now. Blessed with a fabulous and through Primary Care Doc and a super Rheum Doc. My care Team is awesome-:)
Peace, Love and Light
This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

3 Truths and 1 Lie about Fibromyalgia

#NHBPM  #HAWMC Today's Prompt: 3 Truths and 1 Lie. Tell us three truths about your condition and one lie. Do think we will be able to tell the difference?

Fibromyalgia is blanketed with misconceptions. Fibromyalgia is not a real illness many say.There are many even among the medical community who hold to the belief that Fibromyalgia is not a real illness and simply in our heads. It is an "Invisible Illness" therefore it must not exist. Let's pull back that blanket and look at the facts, the realities of Fibromyalgia and how it affects those of us diagnosed with it. 

For many patients with Fibromyalgia the journey to our diagnosis is a long and winding trail of doctors and tests not to mention the years of suffering in silence with pain in our joints, muscles and other symptoms because no-one believes us when we tell them our symptoms yet they can see nothing wrong. 

First task is to locate a doctor who knows the condition IS real, Does exist and who will treat us as such. Then follows the testing - the blood-work for other disorders must be ruled out first; Lupus, Rheum, and others...

Specific criteria - Tender Points - must be met in order to be given this diagnosis.  

Those diagnosed with Fibromyalgia experience a heightened sensitivity to pain and for me, what pain I used to be able to tolerate now sends me to the moon in tears. Our brains and spinal cords process pain differently than those without Fibro.

Many of us are unable to work and hold regular jobs knowing not from one day to the next how we will feel. Some days a grocery shopping trip will put me down for the rest of the afternoon. I used to be a strong worker, security and nursing aide were my main jobs yet now I am remanded to go from day to day, moment to moment and I hate it. 

"You don't Look Sick." is something we as Fibromites hear a lot. Simply because we live with an Invisible Illness. Just because it cannot be seen, doesn't mean it isn't there...

My life has changed drastically because of this diagnosis. Eating habits altered to promote healthier eating as my body has become allergic to so many foods and preservatives. 

I am still grateful for the diagnosis because it has helped me in changing my lifestyle for the better. 

FIBROMYALGIA: 

3Truth and 1 Lie ~ You Decide

A) It is a Real Illness

B) It is an Invisible Illness

C) Fibro affects approx 4% of the world

D) Fibro affects only women

Peace

 This post was written as part of #NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: 

http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

When and how did you get diagnosed?

Not necessarily a Monday theme but since it takes us all back to the day of diagnosis, the beginning of our journey it is in effect, Monday for many of us..My thoughts...


Fibromyalgia ~ When did you receive your diagnosis and how was it presented to you? Who was it given to you by? Primary care Doc or a specialist in the field?  Looking back, how long before your diagnosis did you have symptoms? 

I remember leading up to my diagnosis of Fibromyalgia the pain in my joints, muscles and the battle fatigue I was experiencing. I was experiencing the feeling of being so cold to the bone I could not get warm no matter what I did. Going to bed with sweats on, gloves, socks, multiple blankets, a warming blanket on and a heating pad in bed with me on low setting yet still I felt as though I was in the Arctic with little protection. 
In 2007 after multiple visits to my primary doc with referrals for blood work to rule out Lupus and other illnesses I was Finally referred t a specialist. 
After making my initial appointment with my Rheumatlogy Specialist It didn't take long for her to diagnose me with Fibromyalgia. I was not surprised as this was what I was certain I had to begin with. Now the treatment options were discussed and agreed to, meds prescribed and so we began our routine. I see this doc every three months and we did have to increase the pain med to 4x a day. My hands are the only thing the pain meds does not help much, odd. I barely tap a knuckle on the countertop or coffee table and I am through the roof with pain. One day approximately 7 months back my hands became so cold like ice that I was in tears and hurried to the kitchen faucet turning on the hot water. I kept my hands under the  hot water giving thanks for the awesome heat it gave me. I never had my hands in such pain like that before. 
Last visit to my specialist I informed her of this phenomena and we are keeping check on it. If it occurs again we will look deeper into it.  
My right hand continually becomes Very cold like it has been sitting in the fridge for awhile. I am looking into the purchase of Compression Gloves. With current funding they will have to be my Christmas gift to me lol. 


Wishing all of you a wonderful afternoon,
Peace, Love and Light


This post was written as part of #NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: 
http://bit.ly/vU0g9J