Comments on: I Have Changed. I am Different. I am Improved.

By: Mimi

Mimi — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 03:15:42 +0000

I want to say thank you for all your encouraging words. Sometimes it is as if I am reading about myself. I am still trying to manage my fibromyalgia and I am really confused as to what is right for me. I know everyone is different. Right now I am taking Lyrica and Elavil and if I am having a really bad day, sometimes I take Darvocet. I also take Effexor for depression. I can’t help but think about all the bad side effects that come from these medications, and I am not even sure if they are even helping me sometimes. I don’t have the strength to wean myself off these medications at this time. They do help the pain, it is lots better than it was 6 months ago. I keep telling myself that I am going to start yoga, but I haven’t got the strength to yet. I know it would be good for me. I do intend on starting it.

Just wanted to let you know tha your writing gives me hope for a better day. Your words are encouraging and I know you are helping alot of people with fibromyalgia. Thanks again.

By: Elly Medan

Elly Medan — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 23:26:14 +0000

Hi Dena, thank you for your input. Yes, finding the trigger-event for a flare helps big time. I’m getting better at this, but sometime I do miss the signal due to fibro fogs. I’m on magnesium chloride which helps with pain n stiffness.
Thank you again as I feel I belong, I can share and it’s a great boost to my morale. Living in Thailand where most MDs are ignorant and suspicious of fibro makes me feel like a pariah.

By: Karine Frigon

Karine Frigon — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 20:51:27 +0000

Awesome! I just sent your post through Twitter. Finally, there’s some fibro fighter I can relate on.

I’ve been there. Procrastination, muscles pain, fatigue, feeling miserable. But one day, I’ve said to firbomyalgia she is not invited anymore in my house. I am now on a lot of raw food, nothing processed, just things you can find in nature: fruits, vegetables, nuts, rice, lentils, chickpeas. A vegan raw food lifestyle (with just a bit of cooked food), some walking, some weight training and voilà! I feel much much better than 3 years ago. Can you believe?

Congrats go to all who take care of their health with a proactive solution!

Karine

By: fibrohaven

fibrohaven — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 06:22:50 +0000

Usually when I am in a worse than normal flare, if I take some time to really think about it, I can pinpoint the cause – something I ate, an unusually stressful event, etc.. It helps to know the cause to try to avoid it in the future. It is encouraging to know you have such great medical support. You obviously took the time to find the doctors right for you. It can be an exhausting and discouraging search. Kudos to you for being so proactive!

P.S. Magnesium has really improved my sleep. You may have tried it, but if not I highly recommend it.

By: fibrohaven

fibrohaven — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 06:16:20 +0000

Exactly! Don’t ever give up. It helps to have the support of others who understand – even if we only ever meet in the comments section of a blog.

By: Elly Medan

Elly Medan — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 04:33:32 +0000

This is my worst ever fibro flare in over a decade. Yes, I went through denial, grieving and acceptance again and again as not all flares are the same.

I am on Cymbalta and Nexium. Although I haven’t gone glutten-free yet, I take care of my diet and am taking supplements.

I am so blessed that after doctor shopping for years, I found the current MD/Physiotherapist. Twice weekly, I go for aqua therapy, medical massage, accupuncture, etc. that the pain and stiffness are managable.

My main goal is to overcome the chronic insomnia.

Yes, I have changed a lot. I am very pro-active in my fibromyalgia treatment.

By: Sherrie Sisk

Sherrie Sisk — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 11:43:14 +0000

Great post. You’re so right -everyone’s path through to recovery is different, although there are common principles, like “don’t EVER give up” and “try and evaluate everything carefully” (within reason – I do hate those ‘detox your colon’ scams).

By: Book Review: Yoga for Fibromyalgia | Fibromyalgia Haven

Book Review: Yoga for Fibromyalgia | Fibromyalgia Haven — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:35:15 +0000

[...] may have mentioned it once or twice (like here, here, and here) – I am a huge proponent of yoga. If I had to list the things that have improved my life the [...]

By: fibrohaven

fibrohaven — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:07:28 +0000

Oh Dena, your comment really touches me. I understand completely how you are feeling. It took me over 12 years of grieving for my old self before I attained of level of acceptance and it was only then that I began progressing. It really is a grieving process you are going through. But you are already aware of your need to accept where you are now so you can move forward. Just know that you are not accepting that this will be your forever reality. It is only your current reality. Through your efforts, and unfortunately with a lot of trial and error, you can improve. You may never be the same person you were two years ago, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be equally fabulous.

I wish I could share the magic recipe of how I got here, but I can’t. The only thing I can share is encouragement and hope. Let your frustration fuel you. You are worth the effort it will take. Don’t accept that you have to be miserable. I wish you all the best!

By: Dena

Dena — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:23:45 +0000

I am glad I found your blog. I am so frustrated with my treatment. I tried the hollistic route for about 6 months with no relief. Then I went the traditional route and have had some reactions to different medications. I’m tired of the ER visits and I’m tired of getting shuffled from one doctor to the next. I have no idea what to do.

What I do know is that when I look at a picture of myself from two years ago, I cry. I see that lady with bright eyes and a big smile and I miss her. I miss her sense of humor and her bubbly happy disposition and her active lifestyle. How to get past missing her and accepting who I am now is my biggest challenge.