A lot of people these days know someone who suffers from it, or have at least heard that word that all sufferers wish they had never heard as a diagnosis. I am one of those who, when told that I have fibromyalgia, told the doctor, “I don’t want that.” Plainly and simply. I was well acquainted with it since a few people I love had suffered for years with it at that time. It is something that, as the saying goes, I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.

I have visited several fibrolyalgia web sites and realized that as much as I’m bothered by it, I don’t suffer as badly as a lot of other people. They are in my prayers. There is a wide range of how many symptoms one has, as well as the degree of pain suffered. There are people who can’t function much of the time for symptoms of pain, dizziness, nausea, brain fog, fatigue, and other symptoms. Then there are those who can still function most of the time even if they are having active symptoms. Some people must rely on medications to relieve the symptoms to some degree; and then some, like me, manage to get by largely without that. All have one thing in common. In order to do things that need to be done, or do something just because, a certain push or drive is necessary in order to push through active symptoms, but there are times when even that is impossible. One of the best web sites I’ve found on fibromyalgia is www.prevention.com. I have found a wealth of valid information there, and highly recommend it.

Comparing notes with other people with fibromyalgia can help you find a good reputable doctor who is good for you also in personality. I go to a specialist who doesn’t prescribe medications, but set me up with a water physical therapy that works for me. My family doctor monitors any medications that I have. I prefer to use physical therapy instead of heavy medications as long as I possibly can. In practice and in personality, this specialist works for me.

There are those times when in life one must weigh the importance of doing something. It is even more so with fibromyalgia, or any other chronic ailment. I’ve learned that those things that seem less important are sometimes most important to my well-being. I need to pursue my relationship with my Heavenly Father God through His Son, Jesus Christ first, take care of the nurturing of my family, cleanliness of our home, and keeping up my exercises. I also need to spend time outside walking, weeding a flower bed, planting or tending flowers, writing, reading a book, or sitting in the glider listening to the breeze in the pine trees. I’ve learned to not feel guilty for taking time out for things that seem like they are just for “fun,” or just being “lazy.” Those are things I enjoy that help nurture me so that I can continue on in a positive and happy frame of mind.

Thankfully, I have very compassionate and loving family and friends. Several of our family members and some of our friends have fibromyalgia, so we all understand that it is real. I can’t say enough how much I appreciate my family and friends. Just knowing we have one another means so much. Hopefully, if you suffer from this monster you have a good support system, too. It can make the difference in your level of endurance and frame of mind. I welcome your comments, and experience. Hopefully this is a very good day for you.

Be blessed, my friends.