I had a hard time falling asleep last night. I couldn't stop thinking about the concept of living WITH chronic pain. I'm pretty sure I'm not walking hand-in-hand through a field of wildflowers with my bodily aches. So I decided I must be living AROUND it.
I look at it this way: less than a year ago, I was a vibrant, healthy woman with a triathlete husband and a son who wrestles and plays lacrosse. We were an incredibly active family, camping and hiking every weekend. My son and I were even training for a 5K together. I used to rock climb, for heaven's sake. Now, I consider it an accomplishment to walk up the stairs with a basketful of laundry. And more often than not, I get my husband to carry it up for me.
Living AROUND chronic pain means that I have to carefully plan my agenda for the week and schedule my errands to coincide with the times of the day when I will have enough energy. I know I have to grocery shop in the mornings after I drop my son off at school because I'm too tired in the afternoons and I know I can't handle the crowds. I know I will hit a wall around 3 o'clock and need a nap, so I make sure I've completed at least one item on my list by then so I can feel I've spent my day productively.
Since I'm not working right now, I've been trying to do little home improvement projects - fixing up my deck, planting a container garden, creating my own DIY art projects. These activities make me feel good about myself, but they take a lot out of me. I've had to learn to work within the strict limits set by my body. If I exceed those limits (like toting 8 bags of potting soil from the car to the back yard), I am totally worthless the next day. To paraphrase the immortal line from Top Gun, I have to make sure my brain isn't writing checks that my body can't cash.
The Myalgia Mommies would love to hear how you are living AROUND your chronic pain. Please leave us a comment on our blog site or feel free to email us at myalgiamommies@gmail.com. You can also friend the Myalgia Mommies on Facebook. - cvw
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Hey Christy! Firstly, I'm sorry that you're dealing with so much pain and that it's limiting your life. That's no fun!! I felt this way when I hurt my back last year. And, I'm not usually one to "suggest" things, however, acupuncture totally saved me. Yoga too...and I'm awful at yoga, but I found a "gentle yoga" class at the Y that is perfect. Anyway, hang in there! And, if you ever want to get together and do a sewing project with me, I'd love to! Distraction is good.
ReplyDeleteHi, Laurel. It was great to see you and your beautiful family last night! We had a great time at the BBQ.
DeleteI haven't tried acupuncture yet, but Anna-Lisa swears by it. Jamie keeps encouraging me to do yoga. He swears it will "heal" me. Last time I tried it, it made me nauseous, but maybe I haven't given it enough of a chance.
Thanks for posting to the blog. It means a lot to have the support of family and friends. And I would love a reason to get back into sewing! You're absolutely right, distraction is good!
Much love,
Christy
I've never had fibromyalgia, but methinks I'm well acquainted with arthritis. Went and got me a topper made of latex, and that has seemed to help somewhat. For those that want more information on how that can help, here is a resource -
ReplyDeletehttp://www.latexmattress.org/latex-and-medical-conditions/arthritis.php
We Myalgia Mommies love any advice and suggestions we can get, and we really appreciate your taking the time to comment on our blog post. A big thank you for the suggestion. We hope you will continue to follow us on Myalgia Mommies!
DeleteHi! Thank you for dropping by my blog! I am now following yours. I so understand what you mean! At one time (before Fibro) I was a dancer who pretty much danced anywhere I went. I remember doing jetes down the hall in college or doing a bunch of turns down the hallway in school. Now? I only dream about dancing again. I use a scooter whenever I need to walk far as I just can't walk that far anymore (I also have arthritis in my back, hips, knees, hands, and fingers) However, I believe I live around my illness. I can focus for a few hours a day so that is when I plan my teaching and have my lessons.
ReplyDeleteI hope today is a great day for you!!
Heather
Hi, Heather. It's great to hear from you! Myalgia Mommies need all the support we can get, and we find strength in hearing about the successes of others living around chronic pain. Thank you for following our blog!
DeleteBest wishes,
Christy and Anna-Lisa