Staying Positive with Fibromyalgia
I am now 56 years old. I realize I lived with chronic pain and fatigue for over 15 years. In 2008 I finally found a new physician that worked with me to get a diagnosis and treatment. I was living with such pain and fatigue I could barely manage to get out of bed. I had two teenagers and was watching them through my bedroom...
View MoreHow much credence do you put into the notion of maintaining a positive attitude?
It is vital to keep a positive attitude while suffering from fibromyalgia. It is a very isolating disease. If you wish to overcome the many obstacles, you need to believe you can do just that. For example, when I was bedridden I had to think in a positive way toward getting the ability back to walk, prepare meals, attend my children’s school events. I wanted to be back actively in their lives. There is no room for negativity. It will only weigh you down.
What do you do to get through the difficult days?
During the difficult months waiting to get a diagnosis, I relied heavily on my faith. I listened to upbeat Christian rock music. I tried to keep a positive state of mind. I also used meditation. If my legs were in muscle spasms I would use two heating pads on top of them. I used Epsom salt soaks. Menthol patches on my arms. Each day I would say, I Can Do THIS.
Eleven years into this and I still find my strength in my faith. Also, in each small accomplishment, I celebrate. Back then walking to my mailbox was a huge accomplishment, that I obtained only after walking to my kitchen first. Now I celebrate walking a mile at the gym.
What is the driving force that keeps you moving forward?
Every accomplishment became the driving force that kept me moving forward. Each time I was able to be sitting up in the living room for when my children came home was a big motivation. As I slowly regained parts of my life back, I rejoiced in thankfulness. As we know it is not always two steps forward, often it is one step forward only to have two-steps backward. But one step is still a gain. Taking a shower, a gain. Learning to pace myself and taking medications and vitamins while setting obtainable goals keep me positive.
Today, I find my advocacy work to be a major driving force to keep me moving forward. I have been to the nation's capital to seek funding for research. I have become a voice for the many who suffer. We can find strength in numbers and by creating awareness in our communities and government agencies we will all become that driving force.
