Fibromyalgia Support Group
You're not alone in your pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. If you're trying to cope with pain throughout your body, sleep problems, general fatigue, or other common fibromyalgia symptoms, you're in the right place. The community is here for you to talk about therapies and share your challenges.
Hey, all, good morning!
Well, I did it. Joined a support group for pain management. Guided imagery doesn't do much but relax some muscles for me, but hey, that helps, I'll take it, and maybe it won't be scary. (Maybe?) First meeting next Thursday afternoon. *fingers crossed*
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Therapy yesterday was "pain management imagery".
Honestly? I can't do this well on my own. If I've got the person there, helping, I can relax a lot of muscles, and less tension means less pain. SOme people can "snap" into their "happy imagery" place and get going wiht a simple "close the eyes, make an OK symbol with the fingers". Me? It is to laugh. No.
So therapy today is... survive the GYN appointment. Gentlemen, till you've been in those stirrups, you don't know what it's like to have to ride that pony, is all I'm sayin'. That position is not natural. In any way. Convenient for the person spelunking up my vagina? Yes. Happy for me in any way? Oh hell no. I prefer the *dentist*. Actually, till the last few years, I could easily doze off at the dentist. Have yet to get through GYN without total panic.
And today? It's a nurse prac.
I *hate* NPs.
Why?
Well, my first encounter was NP A. I went in with upper GI pain. She told me to lie down and asked why I wasn't ready for a pelvic. Cue me screamign HELP! and fleeing the room. Actually, I told her, I don't need a pelvic for acid reflux. I complained, and it turned out she was giving pelvics to any female patient with any pain between the neck and knees. EWWWWWW. Thank God I didn't presume she knew what she was doing. (She was fired, btw.)
Next up? The Nurse Prac on the family tree. My hubby's brother's wife. BIL's wife of the "I know everything" complex. She mocked poor blacks for not knowing Tinnitus isn't Tetanus. OK, 1. never mock your patients 2. let alone over FAMILY DINNER 3. even white rich people don't know what's what and 4. the community in question had people dying of simple tetanus as recently as the 1970s, for crying out loud, so that is a scary word. And if you don't know what tinnitis is (ears ringing) and call and ask, b/c you are scared of similar sounding *tetanus*.... It's legit. Hello?
She's the one who banned me from family meals at her house b/c her hubby (my hubby's brother) like smy pumpkin pie. He likes hers, too, but apparently compolimenting mine was a sin and here we are... Ain't seen her in *years*. Not that I miss her, mind you.
....
After that, I just decided "Oh hell no". And this NP? Is replacing one who retired that Hubby was comfy with, so I've no idea who is this woman about to spelunk around my gal parts. Sure, no problem.
"Here, total stranger, let me get itno this hideously uncomfy position, particulary for someone with chronic hip and groin pain, and lock my feet into these cold metal stirrups so I can't kick your face when you shove an icy metal spatula up my dainties and go probing around up to your damn wrist."
How is this remotely sane?!
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I have six chocolate truffles waiting for me as a reward, btw.
Dentists? Eh. Other than hip and back pain, I still can doze off, the pain is why I get anxious. During one procedure about 15 years ago, I actually did sack out cold for three hours straight. Hey, I got comfy, he gave me the novocaine, and I didn't need anesthesia. Good sleep, too. Yes, I'm a mutant!
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AWWW moment...
I can't find Lil Miss yesterday. OH NO! It's chilly, raining, poor little... Wait, what?
I had brought down some insulation (in its package) from the attic and taken it to my porch to dust off the attic dust/crud. I stuck it on back of a chair that cats use, so cats could use the chair seat, and didn't think twice. IT's a small bundle, about the size of a rolled-up yoga mat. I threw a blanket over the chair, and so happened the roll of insulation too. Shadow was sacked out per usual on the seat.... And LilMiss was perched above him on the insulation roll, quite possibly THE warmest kitty in the world. I mean, she was toasty. It's rain and maybe 60*F, and she's basking. She gave me this look when I petted her, like, "Oh, wow, this is so much better than perching on top of your tool cabinet."
Cats. Apparently, I live to serve....
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I'm alive, I'm sleeping like a rock, and for some reason I wanted cherry juice so that seems to be helping. (??? Weirdo that I am.)***Infamous therapies over history:1. The Attic. The madwoman in the attic is a motif in literature going waaaaaay back: the nutty female relative is locked in the attic. (See: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte for a grotesquely racist version of it, and Charlotte Perkins...
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Welcome to the Perseid meteor showers, the "biggies" usually every year. (The Leonids beat 'em one year IMHO).AND today much of the northern hemisphere will see 5 to 99% solar eclipse. How cool is that? Your best bet is to be in the UK or norhtern Spain, where totality is excellent before sundown. Me, I'll get a super duper tiny itty bitty slice of it, so little that it won't be noticeable. New...
Today I'm heading to the gym hoping to get through my run...I have a backup plan if I don't but it's less than ideal so I'm hoping my back will just let me run. I have figured out that the pain is caused by my piriformis muscle being tight, so I've been stretching it like crazy and using my massage bar. Then I have therapy later, which I'm dreading...other than that I don't have anything I have to do though, which is good because it's cold and rainy and I have no motivation whatsoever.
I am drained i am going to attempt more sleep. I got my period last night after 3 months without which explains my mood swings, and woke up with a bloody nose about an hour ago. suppose to go to my parnets for lunch with pastor and his wife like every thrusday but im not going today they pushed me too far in PT yesterday and i need a mental health day with all going on. i will check in again later, i hope you all have low pain days
The silliest exam was my very first exam as a flight student. I went through a lot of these but the first, before I even had the private pilot license, took the cake.I didn't know they were supposed to check eyes, urine, make you jump on one leg, and you're done. The first doctor gave me a pelvic exam! At the time I thought it was weird, like, "I've heard of flying by the seat of your pants but this is ridiculous. "
After a few normal flight exams my suspicions were confirmed, the doc was just a pervert.
Anyway, now I'm older than need to have those exams, especially since I happily had a complete removal of all reproductive organs in 1999.
I almost decked a male (naturally ) doctor who told me once that I was so tight during the pelvic exam that I wouldn't be able to have sex.
Well, jackass, sex wasn't the problem. To equate the exam situation to something you actually feel like doing--well, I might be older, but I still know the latter, if that's not TMI.
Latest hurricane advisory: Miami will be toast. There's some hope now for the central part of the state, where I am.. The storm has turned slightly to the east. Which might put the Carolinas in extreme danger. But at this moment, my town is still in the center of the impact zone because this is one big monster mother.........
Hope you can get through your run, miki. And your therapy. Go easy on yourself.
Angela, take the day to relax. You have to take care of yourself first.
Wolfgang, yikes on the hurricane. I pray you are safe, along with your neighbors. You tell a funny gyno story. Glad you can laugh about it.
I had my GI appointment yesterday, and they think I have a fissure. I'll be having a scope on Tuesday to confirm it. Then I will find out the treatment. Sounds like surgery. We will see. Talk about an embarrassing appointment. sheesh.
Today is therapy. I'm not sure if we are starting the new PTSD therapy, or what. I think we are. My PTSD hit a high in Minnesota. Too close to my parents, even without seeing them. Hope I'm up for this therapy. It sounds tough.
I bought cookie dough and a candle from my granddaughter yesterday. I helped her win a bracelet. :o) Anyway, I wish we had more money. There were a lot of neat things.
Talk to ya later......
Leo, My first pelvic exam happened right after I had a cyst burst. I was all but 19yrs old, doubled over in extreme pain and I had a creepy old doc come in. I had never felt so violated in my life, I could barely move before I got in there and I was left in more tears after. And because he couldn't "see" what was going on in there, he sent me in for the "probe" ultrasound. At least that tech was kind and gentle and could see that I was scared out of my mind.
It took me about 5 yrs before I mustered up the courage to go back in. And after my first ordeal I thought for sure when the did a "full exam" that meant that they were going to go in a build something in there. My mom was never any good at discussing any of this stuff. Neither was my older Sis. Any kind of talk about our "nether yaya" never existed.
And imagery? Really? So as I go through my day and I stub my previously broken toe again for the millionth time, I can just imagine that it's my favorite adult beverage? I have to giggle now, because even as a kid, when I had to eat gross foods, I was often told to pretend it's something I like...and that never worked either until Grandpa offered me some ketchup. I wonder if I could just take a shot of ketchup when I'm in pain, LOL.
Leo, hope the girly doc appointment goes well and the NP is pleasant. And that is a brilliant idea for cat bed stuffing...I think....I bet Little Miss was warm!
Miki, it's hard to get your body working right when something is off. I hope the stretching helps today.
Angela, I hope today you can treat yourself to your day off from everything. Just relax your day into tomorrow if you can.
Wolf, so happy to hear that you are not in the direct path of Irma. My son's best friend moved to Charleston, so we are keeping a close watch on this for them. I have yet to see the destruction that happened yesterday down in the E. Caribbean islands and such.
So yesterday we took the kiddo in for some vaccinations he needed and we were presented with the option to get our flu shots. Now my arm a bit sore. But I'm one of those who needs it and we all get them because my mom is one of them who needs it also. We were told to always get them after her bone marrow transplant. And both Andypants and I are asthmatic.
Then last night I found Andrew in a pile of tears over his new history/geography curriculum I selected for him. I tried going a book route this year to help him to study better, but it's more challenging and he has always struggled with expressive communication. And this series has quite a few "Tell me in your own words" questions. He sits for hours trying to answer a simple question like that on paper. I feel so bad for him, he's been like this since kindergarten. Even with a year worth of tutoring (which he's making lots of progress), he's struggling. And his goal is to become an engineer, so I need to get him through college somehow.
Anyways, now I'm rambling....I hope everyone has a great day today. And those in the path of Irma, I'm praying for you all.
Sorry Mn brought back PTSD feelings. I get that way going by the intersection of my big car accident.
And I'm glad they have a plan to help you feel better with the doc yesterday. Tuesday sounds like it can't come fast enough. I hope surgery will be easier than it sounds.
And I bet your granddaughter was happy with her reward for selling items.
Miki, I'm glad you know the source of the pain, that should help with the additional stretching and working it out. Enjoy your run today and a day off, you deserve it.
Angela, I'm glad your staying home today and getting additional rest. It's always good to listen to your body.
wolf, those are some really bad experiences you poor thing. Please get out of there even if the risk seems down a little.
ida, I hope therapy goes good for you today. I'm glad you were able to buy a few things from your g'daughter.
Wonder, I hate to hear how upset Andrew was over his school work. Addison gets the same way so I truly can relate and feel for the poor guy. I'm praying it gets better for him.
I feel defeated. My life revolves around pain whether I like it or not, and it affects every aspect of my life. I really wish I had a life coach and best friend to help me sometimes. As usual I feel so alone and here I am at work with pain pain pain. (that would fibro/nerve pain, toothache, and bladder infection). I went to a Mercy Clinic after work and got antibiotics, now lets add stomach pain.
I hope everyone has a good day.
So sorry to hear everyone is having so many pain issues. I am maxxing out my use of tens and waiting on my appointment with a headache clinic in November. Started at yet another new GP last week as it has become apparent that the one I have been using the last year is about as worthless as the previous one I had (who took over the practice from a doctor that I loved who retired.) New GP referred me to the headache clinic, which old GP was supposed to send paperwork to weeks ago. Old GP kept saying that they were faxxing it but didn't know why the clinic would not receive it. Turns out what Old GP sent, told them that I had been referred elsewhere and did not need to be seen! Very underhanded, and after they told me I could seek care locally. I had to explain to the Neuro Office that I had been seen all the way down in the city by a neuropthomologist, and they had suggested further DX by a local headache clinic because it was ridiculous for me to have to go more than 60 miles for care especially since "at this stage" there is not anything they can really "do" to help except monitor me and possibly suggest services or techniques. OH and BTW, I don't need a diagnosis, as I still have the paperwork from 1992 where I was DX'd by a neuro at a headache clinic. What noone can believe is that I have not been treated for this for so many years. All I can do is shrug and say, "Well, the drugs never worked." OK, off to start my day. I will keep all of you who are struggling a bit in my thoughts today!
Miki, I hope your run goes well. My back is barely letting me walk, I can't imagine running.
Angela, feel better. I take mental health days. Otherwise I'd be a bear.
Wolfgang, my daughter works in Miami. We've been watching the weather. She's leaving town today and heading north. I hope you don't have any issues.
Ida, I'm sure you made your granddaughter happy with her prize. I absolutely refuse poking around down south. I have terrible hemorrhoids that I deal with homeopathically. Not doing it. No way. Good luck with your appt. I hope you find relief.
Wonder, I hate that your son is so upset over curriculum. Maybe have him speak his answer into a recording device as if he's talking to you, then writing it as he plays it back.
Twin, I feel like you do, my life is consumed with pain. I've been managing it until lately. I recently had bladder issues. I hope with the meds yours clears quickly so your stomach pain ends.
Puppy mom, what a headache! Oops, sorry! No, really, that wasn't right of them to do that. I hate new docs. You need relief.
So, I'm not sleeping. The pain my ribs and back is keeping me awake. I'm so tired but can't sleep. So another late wake up and still in pain.
Daughter is packing up to leave Miami today. Problem is that she doesn't have a car, or a credit card. She and her roommate are heading north to my dads place.
As I said, the pain is high. I'm so tired of it all. I've been pushing through but that's a mistake. Perhaps our New England trip will help relax me, as long as I can tolerate the travel.
PuppyMom, I'd be fit to be tied if I had a doc pull that on me. This is another reason why I have trust issues with doctors. I hope the headaches can get more manageable for you. You need some relief!
Bobbii, even I'm looking forward to your trip that you get to take for yourself. I hope it's just what you need to break through the pain. And thanks for the tip on helping Andrew. He struggles to get his words out even though he knows the answer. It's like a paralysis to explain it best. Thankfully when I was piecing together his curriculum this year, I ended up with two styles for his hist/geo. So we're going back to what he knows best. I just need to print out items so he can study them before his tests. He scores 100% on his daily work but doesn't retain it enough for his quizzes/tests. He's gifted in many ways, but with comes his deficits too. We'll get through this. I just reminded him last night that crying, that school is just a tiny part of his life, and we can work through the struggles together.
Wolf, I saw the updates for Florida....I'm praying for everyone in Irma's path.
Oh, to be able to travel around and give everyone here a big warm hug and casserole of favorite food. We sound like we could use it!
Ate half my chocolate. Heat, ice, no chores!
ANyone ever have a tomosynthesis mammogram? I"ve had lump boobs all my adult life, but the right one worsened. Typical for fibrocysts, but the NP decided 2-D digital isn't good enough. Does it hurt worse or what? SHe said they still squash the breasts, which isn't promising!
Wonder, great advice from Bobbi, that's what helped Addison in 1st grade, but in 2nd they are making them write more. Addison struggles at reading and writing, but she gets so frustrated when talking b/c she can't find her words. She was trying to tell me about her class yesterday and that she had to stay back, I didn't understand why she had to stay back, and she got so mad, she couldn't think of the words and finally said you don't understand me leave me alone. It breaks my heart, b/c I was really trying to understand and help her find her words. Thanks for being a great friend. Your experience with antibiotics sounds horrible. I can get antibiotics to stay down, but I wish they wouldn't sometimes. The pain in my stomach is crippling.
Hi puppymom, it sounds like a lot of excitement at your house with the remodeling. I'm sorry you struggle with headaches. I've had a few migraines lately and I can't imagine having those daily or weekly along with fibro. I pray you get some help.
The sun is out here for the moment. Rumor has it that we will get rain later. The driveway is scheduled to be seal coated tomorrow. My partner has some prep to do when he gets home from work. We will be parking on the front lawn like hillbillys for the next couple of days. I have already moved some stuff of the parking pad. I feel better today than I have for a week. My GI tract is still iffy but more comfortable. Now if everything else that makes me miserable would vacate the premises, I'd be a happy camper.
Leo - Glad that you survived your appointment! I use thermography instead of a mammogram. It is a lot more sensitive and can detect cancer before it is even operable - like 8 years out. Best part is that it requires no squishing or touching. My Internist sends everyone for that now. I have to pay the fee out of pocket ($140) but I'd rather do that than put myself through the other process and have more precise results.
Miki- I hope that you were able to run today. I bet the weather there is very fall-like by now. So pretty but I remember living through New England winters all too well. Have a good one.
AngelaJo - Glad that you are staying home and doing some self care. You've been doing a lot lately so a day off is a good thing. Be cozy and enjoy your time.
Wolf - Your stories - smh!! I hope that you are going to be OK when the storm hits. I saw another tip yesterday recommending using the dishwasher which is waterproof and anchored by cupboards to store things that are important. That in addition to programming an app called "Zello" into your cell phone which converts it to a walkie talkie. I guess the folks in Houston used it to facilitate rescues. Sending good vibes and hoping everything is going to be better than expected.
Ida - I'm sorry that you have to undergo another test. Fissures are no fun. Hopefully it will be an easy fix. Glad that you were able to help out the granddaughter. I hope that PTSD therapy will be helpful to you. Hugs!
Wonder - I'm a puker too. I have trouble with medication all of the time. I get Zofran which stops the barfing. It is an extremely expensive drug and my insurance always balks. I've had it often so you'd think that they would just say "oh, here she goes again" but nooooo. We have to start over at square one with the doctor having to write me a note explaining for the umpteenth time why I need it. Getting ready for another fight with them when I have my upcoming foot surgery. Sorry to hear that Andrew was so upset with his schoolwork. I know you'll get it figured out because you always have your thinking cap on!
Twin - A bladder infection all by itself sucks never mind a tooth problem. I think we should run away to the cupcake bakery and stuff our faces. At least tomorrow is Friday and you can see the dentist. Hang in there because I'm rooting for you! Hugs!
PuppyMom - The renovations sound like you are moving right along. I've done nothing this year on the house which is bothering me. I usually try to do one improvement a year and have done zilch. I have a sliding door and window that are on my sh*t list. Still might get a quote on that. I have yet to investigate how much fixing the raccoon damage inside my chimney and attic is going to cost. That may be an insurance issue. Sorry that you have had so much run around with your headache stuff. I hope that you have a decent day.
Bobbii- I sure hope that your daughter and her roommate get the heck out of Miami safely. Irma looks very serious to say the least. My cousin was living in Miami/Homestead when Andrew hit 25 years ago. The devastation was unbelievable. You are going to love your New England trip. I lived in CT for 3 years and it was amazing. I really miss certain aspects of living in that area.
Sorry if I missed anyone. Shout out to Milily, Tess (who is back!!) and Bear! I have to go and get some vegetation out of the pool and give it some love before it turns green. I will check back later.
I used to be an expert at imagery years ago, but ask me to imagine a peaceful place today and I only see chaos. I think a pain management group is great... and I miss the one we used to have back in Honolulu. In fact, I was ticked when the VA decided to shut it down when the doc retired. We had a new doc come in but she wanted to do 6 week classes and when you were done, you were done. So it wasn't a support group setting, which is what i really liked.
I'm glad you got away from that weird NP lol. All I can say about nasty GYN exams is that just about all male docs in the military are perverts. And anytime we came in with a complaint, they forced a GYN exam on you. I went through 7 doctors before finally finding a real doc who diagnosed me with pneumonia and a partial collapsed lung. And I can tell you more of those disgusting stories, but I'll spare you. Yuck
Finished my art project yesterday :). There's a picture of it in my journal.
My pain got pretty bad yesterday, I thought I might be starting a flare. It felt like ice picks were going through my legs. And I still had to take mom out on her errands and then I started on the guava bread thinking it would be easy (according to the recipe)... but 2 hours later I was still messing around with that stupid dough. And my pain got so bad I thought I had to quit half way and just give it up. I laid on the couch while the dough was rising and my gosh I couldn't get back up lol.
Eventually, I pulled myself off the couch and decided to finish them. I hate things left undone.
There's no horse therapy today. I plan to do as little as possible. Told mom I'm not going anywhere for her. No errands. I may go to the pool and stretch / move around.
Silver's eye ulcer issues have made a comeback. This is the Mrca ulcers that go away and keep coming back for 2-3 yrs now. We have aggressive antibiotic eye drops for him and corneal repair drops (anything to keep him from losing an eye). This poor cat! I play whack a mole with him. Treat one chronic problem and another one pops up. Ugh.
Wolf, that's funny but not. I'm glad you can laugh about it. That shows healing.
Wonder, you crack me up. Poor Andrew... I hope he can figure out a way to navigate through those studies.
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