But there is hope! I experience this pain daily, the fibromyalgia pain- many times called " the hidden pain". Ironically it is not hidden from me but from the people I interact with daily- my family, friends, neighbors, coworkers and patients. I do look OK, don't I? How can people suspect it?
But I do...
Thankfully, after many trials , and getting help from different health professionals and my family, I have been able to maintain it to a very workable level. I exercise, take several supplements which I believe are as important as anything else, eat well (at least 80% of the time honestly) take a low dose of an FDA approved medication,rest, and pace myself daily (what an innovation for me!). I intentionally do all this so I can be productive and in less pain. I have gone through physical therapy and electro-acupuncture as well.
But besides all these physical steps, I have also worked at an emotional and spiritual level. One of the crucial steps I have come to practice is the ability to say NO and learn how to 'let go' of my self-reliance and autonomy. Fibromyalgia is worsened emotionally by taking projects the body can't undertake as it used to. To acquiesce it, I continue to learn how to trust God and ask for help. I used to try achieving perfection and be overtly responsible about almost everything I did, from the way I would clean my house to the raising of my kids. If I could not perform at my unrealistic level, I would feel guilty and bad about myself and I would rarely say NO to almost everyone. Pure type A personality . As for now I am content with a 'B' on this one. I have changed.
To top it all, being a doctor automatically lets me visualize the toxic physiological happenings inside me during bad days: cortisol, epinephrine and other hormones spiking, intoxicating my body and triggering the pain cascade in a disorderly fashion. I can see my overtly sensitive pain receptors and neurotransmitters aberrantly producing intense body pain, muscle pain, joint pain, and everywhere pain, (10 out of 10). I can picture that hidden neuro-hormonal cascade in charge of protecting me from insults rather producing the abnormal electrical signals shooting down my spine and else without a cease-fire; as if I was a WWII field, except that this "Hidden War" is only noticeable to me . Kind of a cruel data to sense.
So, I had to make a decision. Either change my thinking and my approach to my pain, admitting its existence and treating it, or continue to isolate myself and worsen affecting not only myself but the whole circle of people I love. The answer was a no brainer, and as a good consequence I have thankfully learned many lessons while accepting and walking through this valley.
Fibromyalgia is not a deadly disease with the potential of destroying your organs such as cancer, HIV, and even diabetes; but it can make you succumb to its dark desires if you don't learn how to manage it. Making a plan that includes multiple modalities- such as the ones I mentioned above- and following through will help to keep it under check. You will need to understand that your lifestyle will change, a bit or a lot, but with your determination, prayer and the help from your family you will be able to see your life in a different way and cherish wonderful moments.
Fibromyalgia is that "hidden pain" no one can see , but because you do, I implore you to surround yourself with the right people and start or continue creating an empowering team that will assist you reaching your healthier goal. Believe it or not, there are many people waiting to understand and help.
It is my prayer that those who suffer from this condition get strengthened and continue to look for ways to better themselves. There is a brighter side. My personal and medical experience can attest to this. There is HOPE, I am certain of what I am saying. Give yourself a chance. Schedule an appointment with us by calling 407-394-1336.
But I do...
Thankfully, after many trials , and getting help from different health professionals and my family, I have been able to maintain it to a very workable level. I exercise, take several supplements which I believe are as important as anything else, eat well (at least 80% of the time honestly) take a low dose of an FDA approved medication,rest, and pace myself daily (what an innovation for me!). I intentionally do all this so I can be productive and in less pain. I have gone through physical therapy and electro-acupuncture as well.
But besides all these physical steps, I have also worked at an emotional and spiritual level. One of the crucial steps I have come to practice is the ability to say NO and learn how to 'let go' of my self-reliance and autonomy. Fibromyalgia is worsened emotionally by taking projects the body can't undertake as it used to. To acquiesce it, I continue to learn how to trust God and ask for help. I used to try achieving perfection and be overtly responsible about almost everything I did, from the way I would clean my house to the raising of my kids. If I could not perform at my unrealistic level, I would feel guilty and bad about myself and I would rarely say NO to almost everyone. Pure type A personality . As for now I am content with a 'B' on this one. I have changed.
To top it all, being a doctor automatically lets me visualize the toxic physiological happenings inside me during bad days: cortisol, epinephrine and other hormones spiking, intoxicating my body and triggering the pain cascade in a disorderly fashion. I can see my overtly sensitive pain receptors and neurotransmitters aberrantly producing intense body pain, muscle pain, joint pain, and everywhere pain, (10 out of 10). I can picture that hidden neuro-hormonal cascade in charge of protecting me from insults rather producing the abnormal electrical signals shooting down my spine and else without a cease-fire; as if I was a WWII field, except that this "Hidden War" is only noticeable to me . Kind of a cruel data to sense.
So, I had to make a decision. Either change my thinking and my approach to my pain, admitting its existence and treating it, or continue to isolate myself and worsen affecting not only myself but the whole circle of people I love. The answer was a no brainer, and as a good consequence I have thankfully learned many lessons while accepting and walking through this valley.
Fibromyalgia is not a deadly disease with the potential of destroying your organs such as cancer, HIV, and even diabetes; but it can make you succumb to its dark desires if you don't learn how to manage it. Making a plan that includes multiple modalities- such as the ones I mentioned above- and following through will help to keep it under check. You will need to understand that your lifestyle will change, a bit or a lot, but with your determination, prayer and the help from your family you will be able to see your life in a different way and cherish wonderful moments.
Fibromyalgia is that "hidden pain" no one can see , but because you do, I implore you to surround yourself with the right people and start or continue creating an empowering team that will assist you reaching your healthier goal. Believe it or not, there are many people waiting to understand and help.
It is my prayer that those who suffer from this condition get strengthened and continue to look for ways to better themselves. There is a brighter side. My personal and medical experience can attest to this. There is HOPE, I am certain of what I am saying. Give yourself a chance. Schedule an appointment with us by calling 407-394-1336.
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