This article is to help us as human beings
learn a little bit about something we may not already know and educate people
as we go. I hope you follow this journey into the world of Fibromyalgia and
learn some more I did. Fibromyalgia also known as Fibro is a medical disorder
were people suffer from chronic pain. Its cause however is unknown and there is
no cure.
Granted before
researching and writing this article I did not know about Fibro and how the
people who had it suffered. I was like many of
you reading this article and how I discovered what it was, was unconventional it
was through my friend Audrey who I met on Twitter. I decided that the best way
to learn about Fibro was through research and learning what it was like to
suffer from the disease through an interview.
Yes and Audrey was definitely the best person to help us learn a
little bit more about Fibro and how it affected people’s lives, I hope you
enjoy our interview and perhaps learn a little something
How long have
you suffered from fibro?
I have been suffering from fibro Since February 11th 2010, the time has passed
quickly but not without its difficulties everyday has been a challenge.
What are your symptoms?
I have many symptoms which can range in pain levels and location,
although I am always in pain the pain moves. The main places I suffer with
pains in the head, eyes, neck, shoulders, arms, fingers, stomach, back. The
condition is difficult as you cannot predict were the pains are going to be
next. Fibro can be frustrating as one moment you can be happy and laughing and
the next moment excruciating pain that can ruin happy moments which others can
take for granted.
One of my symptoms is chronic fatigue which can lower my physical and intellectual
performances which leaves it difficult for me to focus due to the level of pain
I am in. As a result I can sometimes lose patience which can be frustrating.
Suffering from Fibro caused me to be depressed for several months after my diagnosis
the depression increased my anxiety.
I can sometimes struggle to
breath during the night. As well as this I don’t breathe enough because of the
pains which affects the muscles of my bronchial tube.
Also my body struggles to tolerate foods and drinks that it once had no
problem with previously this can surprise me as it can be hugely unexpected.
Other symptoms include, chest pains, trembling, pins and needles and loss
of strength
As a result of my Fibro pains my humour can change depending on the
level of pain which can cause frustrations as mood changes can be
unpredictable.
Do the changes in
weather affect you health?
I suffer from Reynaud syndrome in cold climates as my blood does not
circulate well which leaves the fingers and feet white and paralyzed. This
restricts my movement further as well as this I have trouble with coordination
specifically with hand gestures.
I also have restricted movement
for example moving up and down stairs which the weather also affects due to
cold climates making joints stiffer.
I also have hyper sensibility from noises, light, as well as temperature
changes which the weather can also contribute too.
How does it affect
your day?
As a Fibro sufferer you never know how your day will be, even the next
minute is unpredictable. I never have two days which are the same which can
make things difficult to plan. Planning things such as holidays and day trips
can be difficult because the pain is very unpredictable.
Fibro has made me clumsier and I often feel faint or nauseous from
the pain I am in. Also unfortunately something as simple as being hugged can
leave a bruise.
It has also affected my confidence and self esteem as it is like
you are not the person you were before, and you don't know yourself. This makes
life difficult as you have to learn to be you again but from this I have learnt
a lot about me I can adapt and it has shown how much strength as a person I
have to survive and I know what and who are important to me .
Does Fibro affect
your ability to work?
Yes it has affected me greatly because I have had to stop my job because
of it. My job was working as a Specialized Veterinary Assistant in
which I worked for three years however Fibro made this two physically demanding which makes
me very upset and is very frustrating as animals are my passion.
Are there any jobs
you could do?
They are jobs I can do but not without difficulties finding companies to
accommodate the illness is difficult as you can know in advance that you are
going to need extra support with your work or possibly a day off that you had
not planned.
Also knowing you are going to be able to do a job is very difficult and
not something you can predict so finding work is extremely difficult.
An option that some sufferers can take is for them to work at home. Although
this can be difficult as it depends not only the skills you have but there is
the issue that we are not all the same, so maybe on fibromyalgia can do a job another
can not necessarily do this same job. I have a friend who also suffers from
Fibro she is a nurse but she had to stop due to the severity of pain she was
in.
Does stress trigger your
symptoms?
Stress can be a factor in my pains several months ago I was very worried
for someone who was in a very bad period of their life. I was there each day
for this person trying to support them as best as I could. This took a lot of
energy physically and emotionally although I do not regret supporting this
person my pains were severely increased due to the stressful period.
Has anything changed in your life since suffering from the disease?
Has anything changed in your life since suffering from the disease?
Everything in my life has changed the relationship with my partner even if he is very helpful and he understands the disease very well. Every day is not easy for me and him.
I like to say that since I have Fibro,
I think it would be better to me to live alone as the disease does not just not
affect you but those around you.
I hate to complain, I don't always say when I have big pains because I
don't want to annoy anyone with it, also complaining does not help the spirit.
BUT, sometimes you need to complain to release the tension. Sometimes you need
to be quiet and be alone you just need these moments without having to explain
this.
What would you say to people who are suffering with fibro?
To those suffering with Fibro be brave! This is hell yes but we have to
keep fighting for those who have suffered and committed suicide due to the
unbearable pain.
We must fight to raise awareness to a society which is not aware of the
disease until Fibro gets the recognition it should.
I have been lucky enough to have found awesome people who make me smile
and bring happiness and this helps me a lot and every day. When you are happy
and live great moments you can live with your pains better. Keep the
fight, keep smiling even if it's not easy each we have to fight together to
give this disease recognition.
Don't lose hope, never.
What would you like to say to those who don't know about fibro?
I think when a person does not
live with a disorder like Fibro, they can't really understand what it is and even
people who live with you can't imagine it.
Also it can be difficult as people do not very understand when you
complain and you can annoy people. It is also difficult for them to understand
that you can be happy but this does not mean you are not constantly suffering now and consequently do not trust
you as for a moment you are happy and you are coping with the pain they think
it is fake and that you are exaggerating the pain you are in.
I am constantly in pain and I am trying to live my life please do not
judge me and recognise I am a person just like you and I am trying to survive
as best as I can and I thank you for understanding this.
Is there any advice
you would like to give to people coping with fibro?
For those suffering from Fibro try things to see what can help you even
for a little while such as acupuncture, yoga, meditation, swimming or see a psychologist
to help you cope with your pain. It's
hard to move, but we need as its worse for the body not too. Try to find a new
passion if you can't continue the one you did before, new occupations, new
reasons to live and continue to advance and be who you are.
Fibro has made me adapt my life I may be in pain but I am doing my best
to life the best life possible you can too.
Thank you Audrey for participating in this interview and sharing part of
your life as a Fibro suffer.
Hopefully this will help Fibro sufferers and people understand the
disorder it has certainly educated me.
Fibromyalgia Day
2012 is May the 12th join us in support by wearing purple or a
purple ribbon in support.
This article is personal opinions of Fibromyalgia for more information please
seek medical advice.
