This is my life~Surviving with Fibromyalgia

Walk a mile in another mans shoes is a well known phrase.

It’s interpretation is that one can not really understand what difficulties one has faced or is facing until you face the same challenges.

I belong to 4 online support groups. I read them every day offering encouragement when I can. There are many posts explaining how they don’t leave their house or bed due to the pain. I always suggest they move, even if to mailbox, even if it’s baby-steps – as long as you step.

For me going to bed has always taken time to get the right position, the pillows placed and the ice or heat applied. I have always been sore getting out of bed but I could still get out of bed on my own. 

A month ago my work hours changed so that I no longer had the  opporutnity to swim 5 times a week.

I entered into my longest and most painful flare. This flare was different. I had to plan my workday around when I needed to stretch with when I needed to get my reports, faxes, etc. I needed help getting in and out of bed and assistance getting in and out of car. I found myself taking tramadol, trazadone, and even vicodin. It barely touched the pain.

One of the mornings while still in bed because my left leg wouldn’t work I began to cry. I had cried a lot during this flare due to frustration of the fog and that I couldn’t find the “it” to stop this one.

This time I was crying for others. This time I understood.  I realized I had judging those who said they would spend all day in bed and never leave the house.

I would comment to my family and friends that these  people were hurting theirselves.  Even tho as difficult and painful as it is to move if they would move they would feel better by doing so. 

I wanted to say I’m sorry for every time I thought “Why don’t they just get up and move?”   I never understood why they wouldn’t get out of bed, why they wouldn’t leave their homes.

I thought I’m in pain but I still get up and go to work, live my life with as a working wife and mom of a busy pre-teen. In my mind I felt that my pain is decreased because I keep moving -swimming is my savoiur : “Why can’t others?”

I’ve been so fortunate unlike many I have gone long times in-between flares, have found the opportunity to swim and the meds that work most of the time.

Although I still believe that in order to keep fighting Fibro from keeping us bed-ridden we need to move.

I will no longer be so quick to judge someone.

I will encourage and hope they have the support that I do that keeps me moving every day. 

Over the years I have not only heard the phrase “Don’t Assume anything” but I have spoken it to my Daughter already numerous times.

Assumption means; A thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen without proof.

I recently had two incidences within the past week that led me to do more thinking about how looks can be deceiving and why we shouldn’t assume anything based on appearances. I was in the changing room at the gym for my Monday a.m. swim.  I was already changed when another regular came in and started complaining about the benches being in her way.  She said, “Oh great, they moved them again”, “I don’t know why they don’t just move them out of here”. 

Prior to having health issues I would not have cared and if I had cared I never would have spoken my feelings out loud.

Fibro may have taken so much from me – pain-free days, sleep filled nights – but it did give me the courage to speak up and use my voice.

My reply to her was “I do, they need to be here for people like me who need to sit to get dressed”.

The second situation occurred the other night when my GF and I attended a girls night out spa event.  While standing at a vendors table she offered me a hand scrub.  I would never turn down a free spa treatment.  She applied the scrub lotion and asked that I rub it into my hands.  Then all of a sudden I felt this pain on my upper back across my shoulder blades.  She had without asking began to use one of those hand held massage tools across my back.

I hollered “Stop”, you can’t do that to me – I have Fibro and my nerves are on fire”.  She said she was sorry and then went onto attempt a lighter massage.  What part of stop do people not understand?  It hurts!!! Don’t touch me!!!

Within a few minutes my FG was standing at the same table with the hand scrub on her, making a sighing sound because it felt so good.

The same thing that caused her to be relaxed caused me to almost be drawn to tears.  Why don’t people ask someing if they want to be touched?  Don’t Assume!

I think our society still looks at people and believes unless you can physically see someone has an illness or disability that there is nothing wrong and they are healthy. 

I push through fighting each day to not let fibro take over my life.  There has not been a day in 2 1/2 years where I was pain free.  I can’t recall the last time I could go to or get out of bed without it taking mental and physical work.

I work at it so that isn’t so obvious what medical conditoins I battle each day.  I don’t use a walker or a wheelchair but at times I can’t stand up or walk without someone’s help or wall support.  I don’t have a handicap sign or use an electronic cart at the store but the simple task of parking and walking all the way through the lot or store will wear me out and take hours to recover.

Keep your eyes open to the unseen – the person you see walking and smiling might have just struggled an hour to get ready for work, cried her way there and is hiding a very real invisible illness.

According to http://www.watsu.org.nz/  Watsu is a gentle form of body therapy performed in warm water.  It combines elements of massage, joint mobilisation, shiatsu, muscle stretching and dance. The receiver is continuously supported while being floated, cradled, rocked and stretched. The deeply relaxing effects of warm water and nurturing support, combine with Watsu’s movements, stretches, massage and point work, to create a bodywork with a range of therapeutic benefits and potential healing on many levels.

Moments of stillness alternate with rhythmical flowing movements, which free the body in ways impossible on land. The warm water relaxes the muscles and supports the spine. With this support and without the weight of the body, the spine, joints and muscles can be manipulated and freed in a way unique to water work. The effects include a very gentle, yet deep stretching and a release of muscular and joint restrictions, along with a state of deep relaxation, which encourages the release of stress and tensions.

I belong to several online support groups and every time I see someone trying something new whether it is a new medication or therapy - I try it.  Recently I read about a person who had attended a session of Watsu.  I did my normal thing – research, research and more research.  I found that the rehabilitation center that I had attended for Fibrocize offered Watsu. The therapy pool is set at 85 degrees, has a ramp or stairs for entry and benches along the side to sit.  The hot tub is a part of the pool so is easily accessible.  

I had been on my longest flare that I have experienced.  It seems that when I get them they are stronger and last longer.  I decided to make an appointment with Holly one of the three therapists that perform Watsu at the Courage Center. 

Even though I had done my reading I still did not really understand what I was going to be doing.   She explained that I would be using floating devices attached to my ankles to help me from sinking.  I would also have another floatation device under my knees and that  my neck would either be supported by  her or a floatation device.   She told me that I would lay back and that everything but my face would be in the water and that for the next hour I was just to lay back, close my eyes, relax and just let my body go limp. .  She would be moving my body and wouldn’t push it too far since it was my first time. 

Basically – I was being told that for an entire hour I was supposed to do nothing, relax and give up all control of my body.

Ok – for those who know me personally – you can stop laughing now.  I can do those things – really I can.  Seriously – you can stop laughing. 

What happened the next hour?  I laid back, eyes closed and let the water take over. 

I can honestly say that for that hour I felt relaxed and more importantly I felt no pain.  How is that possible?  I can’t even flip from one side of my body to the other side in bed without major pain.  Even while during my treatments at my wonderful Chiropractor I experience pain. When the hour was over I was placed on the bench in the water.  She said that I should keep my eyes closed and take my time to come back.  

Afterwards,  she asked what I thought of it and how it felt.  She could tell that I had let my body “go” or relax.  She then told me that even though I had been relaxed – she could tell I was in a flare.  She could feel my nerves pushing almost fighting back.  It has been almost a week since my session.  I am out of the flare.   I wish I could say I knew it was the reason.   I don’t think I will ever know what the exact cause of the flare to start or the end.  I just need to keep trying to find out how to keep them further apart.

I’m not sure whether I believe entirely in all of the astrological signs.  However, the more I read about earth, water, and organic/natural remedies – I am changing my mind. 

I no longer think its a coincidence that my birth sign is a water sign. One site stated that Cancers health issues generally have a strong emotional component. Water sign people easily pick up negativity from others. They tend to be stiff and dehydrated and have difficulty sleeping.

For me,  it may be the perfect astrological sign;  I belong in water – it’s been my pain saviour.

Synonyms: groggy, befuddled, blear, blear-eyed, fogged, woolly, blurred, logy, woolly-headed, wooly,brumous, addled, fuzzy, fuzzed, misty, blurry, muzzy, muddled, bleary, stuporous, hazy, dazed, bleary-eyed, clouded, wooly-minded

Hands are numbs, arms and legs on fire (nerves are on high alert), mind is spinning, mouth is dry, eyes are burning, fog has moved in and taken over.

Does the Weather Affect Fibromyalgia Symptoms?      HECK YA!

How can people not see how it affects everyone not just the Fibromites?

Every article you read – gives totally different replies.  Does the weather affect moods? Health? Pain? Of course they do. 

There are so many studies that prove that temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, precipitation and wind affect Fibromyalgia symptoms. Studies do show that Fibromites tend to have more symptoms flare during December and January due to cold temperature & low barometric pressure.

Barometric Pressure: Sunny days create a high barometric pressure while storms result in a sudden drop. These changes can trigger muscle aches in FM patients.

Humidity: Humidity is associated with headaches, stiffness and widespread pain flare-ups in FM patients.

Precipitation: associated with a change in barometric pressure. This can result in increased pain and fatigue in FM patients

Temperature: especially rapid changes in temperature and cold tend to irritate while warm temperatures are less troublesome.

Wind: In general, wind usually causes a decrease in barometric pressure regardless of its force and therefore can trigger fatigue, headache, and muscle pain in FM patients.

One of my diagnosis is Seasonal Affective Disorder.

It is directly related or even caused by too little sunlight, which causes the body’s time clock to go out of sync, upsetting the body’s routine, and may even affect certain hormonal levels.

The symptoms of SAD are depression, sadness, lethargy, fatigue, excessive sleeping, difficulty getting up in the morning, loss of appetite or increased eating of carbohydrates, thus increase in weight, decreased activity and socialization, apathy, irritability. 

Your body operates using an internal clock known as the circadian rhythm. Changes in seasons and the amount of light that your body receives can throw off your circadian rhythm, causing you to feel fatigued and more achy then usual.

I read this in one study – But I am not going to pretend to understand it.  If you do – please comment on it for me.  The study said “There does appear to be a relationship between low temperature levels and an increase in the number of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body. These cytokines appear to be related to pain intensity.”

 So what can we do to combat the affects of weather?

We know that sleep cycles change during times of extreme temperature – either too hot or too cold.  I know that we need longer deep and restful sleep.

           I go to bed same time every night.  I added a heated mattress pad, lavender spray for pillows, a body pillow and ice too.

Cold temperatures are usually worse so they say to dress in layers on the chilly days.  

           Ok – sure and what do you do when you have allydonia along with it. Dress warm when you need to wear tank tops.

 Try to increase the amount of light you have inside of your house. Purchase halogen bulbs or a special light box to help improve your mood.

          Ok – here we go again~How do we do this when not only the sun streaming through the windows are too much to handle & we start wearing sunglasses indoors.

          I do have the special light bulbs next to my chair in the living room (thanks to my Mom) and a light box on my desk at work.

What do we know about the weather and Fibromyalgia?

Cold temperatures and low barometric pressures are not our friend!!!!

Find what makes you feel better – whether it’s like me and go for a swim.  I will go lay in the tanning bed for a quick warm up. (No lectures on Cancer – I’m killing myself slowly with all these pills – at least let me be warm and relaxed).   I really haven’t learned how to make my own sunshine. But I am trying. I usually will open the blinds (and wear shades in my house), light candles, put out some fresh flowers, open up the windows and let in some fresh air.

Wishing you a sun-filled day!!!   (and it’s hip to wear shades)

When writing my blogs I think about what has occurred or bothered me that maybe can make people who are non-Fibromites to understand if even for a moment some of the things we face.  It  have spoken about it previously that I had researched what would help me with the light sensitivity.  I had not only online but by calling optometrists to find what kind of non-prescription non-glare tinted glasses I could buy to wear instead of always wearing my dark sunglasses all the time. 

I thought that it didn’t bother me anymore.  The majority people that see me when I have to wear them indoors have known me long enough that they know why I have them on.  I get a few comments once in awhile – like “bad day?”, or “headache?”, “rough night?”.    Mostly I reply – Lights are just too bright today.

We went to get our daughter her eye exam today – perfect timing for me to get my glasses.   I knew what I needed.

They had to be brown tint – level 2, non-glare coating. I had lasik years ago and the thought of having to go back was killing me.  The torture part of having glasses was always picking them out.  However, my Daughter has great fashion sense and the pair that I would no way have picked out was the winner.  

I sit down to place the order. First, they tried to tell me they couldn’t sell them to me because my prescription had expired.  Prescription?  I don’t have need one. My vision is still perfect.  I almost had to argue with them and said I would go elsewhere then to buy them. Once the doctor told the tech that I was fine and they could order them with a zero prescription – we continued.  Then – it has to be plastic because they can’t tint the other stuff and then they can’t do the tinting and the non-glare together.  It could be UV but not non-glare. 

They said we have sunglasses here that you could get.  I HAVE SUNGLASSES!!!!  Lots of them.

I cancelled the order and left to go take a walk.  I went to the bathroom – and cried.  Afterwards, we did our shopping and as we were leaving I asked if they understood why it upset me so.  They said not really and that “didn’t think it cry-worthy”.   My reply – I don’t get to live any of my life “normal” any more.  Every part of my day whether awake or asleep has cause, effect, consequences.  I want to be able to sit in a room full of parents at 8 p.m. at night in a school room where the lights are too bright and still look like the others.  I know it is a petty small thing but it is one of the few things I can control now. 

I will go to another optical store next week and see if they can help me. 

If not, I know that it is one more thing I can add to the chart – Fibro gets another check – it wins another small battle – but I will win the war.

Fibro may win when it comes it’s symptoms against my body – but I intend to keep on fighting to win the biggest challenge of all – to win the battle of the  mind.  Yes, I want to win the challenge of thought – how I think about it, how I react, how I deal with it all – but more importantly – to continue on support groups, blogging and connecting with those who have Fibro and those who do not. 

Afterall, my wish today – is “I just want someone to understand”.

It so easy to tell someone what you think they should be doing.  I read posts from my fellow Fibromites all the time that are looking for advice on what to do.  I comment on quite a few of them.  I am proud of the fact that I have been researching so much on Fibro, it’s evil sidekicks and what to try to help during the times that they are acting up.  I know that most people have tried all of the things that I have read – but sometimes we forget especially when we are in a deep flare.

Perfect example;  Two weeks ago I had a flare.  The fog had hit hard.  I had really screwed things up.  I missed a volleyball practice and missed paying a bill. I started to notice that words were not coming to me and started to panic.  The first day – I was so sore and tired – I didn’t even make it to class.  I went back to sleep for a while – took a hot bath and went to work.  I cried the entire way there.  I wanted to stay home – and be under the covers.   I continued to do the normal activitites as painful as the day had been.  I went to bed and hoped to sleep.

I didn’t.  Instead the night was filled with trying to get comfortable. Trying to find a way to sleep. Trying to find a way to get the pain to subside – the migraine had come on with full strength.

That morning I got up – woke our daughter for
school – and instead of getting ready to go swim – crawled right back into bed. I called work and told them I would be late.

A 1/2 hour later when my husband came home from work he found me on the bed curled up in the fetal position hysterically crying. I couldn’t stop.  I took some more tylenol, applied ice to my back and my forehead – and cried myself to sleep.   I awoke 2 hours later – and was able to get out of bed and into a hot bath (with assistance).  I made it to work by 10:oo (of course I cried all the way there).

How did I let this happen?  I know that I can’t control when I get a flare but I know what to do when it arrives.  Heck, I remind my Fibromite friends what to do when it happens. 

• Keep your sleep routine (I had been staying up to 9:30 – or later)
• Excercise (I had been either busy or tired and had not been swimming)
• Meditation (for lack of a better word) – When the mind starts spinning and the migraine arrives – remember Ice (on the forehead) , Breathe, Music, Aroma Baths
• Talk to your fellow Fibromites – they can be the best shoulder in the world.
• Put yourself first.  (I tell others to do this – but really – how does a Mom do this?)

But, when it happens to you – you can’t think. Each person handles it differently – for me the Fog bothers me way more than the pain.  The pain overtakes the ability to use common sense.

The next time I feel a flare coming on – I will remember – “Practice – what you preach”.

When I attended the support group this past month - someone mentioned the side effect of the medications prescribed to Fibromites.  I know that when I first started taking some of the medications I actually read the list of side effects that the Pharmacist attaches to the prescription.  I stopped reading them – it was depressing.  Everything that I take has some kind of side effect. How do you know what the right thing is to do?  After listening to the lady at the support group question side effects – I thought I would look up the side effects.

Supplements – Fish Oil, D3, Magnesium, Malic Acid, Melatonin, Probiotic

Fish Oil:  High intake of toxins, small reduction in blood pressure. Allergic reactions — skin rashes, itching, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, swelling of   the throat. Stomach and gastrointestinal upset. diarrhea, Heartburn, bad breath, fishy aftertaste, burping, stomach pain and bloating, acid reflux, indigestion

 D3:  Mild effects noticed at the lowest overdose level above 100 mcg are constipation, nausea, vomiting, general weakness, mild dizziness, lethargy and weight loss.
 An overdose of vitamin D3 can also lead to frequent urination, extreme thirst, nervousness and itching. 
 Serious Effects: Creates high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease.  Calcium deposits from chronically high levels of vitamin D3 can produce kidney and bladder stones.    Calcium toxicity can also lead to both anorexia and kidney failure.

Melatonin:  Daytime sleepiness, Dizziness, Headaches, Abdominal discomfort, Mild anxiety, irritability, confusion and short-lasting feelings of depression.

Magnesium Malate Dosage and Side Effects:  Side effects may include headache, muscular pain, and mild gastrointestinal symptoms. The most common side effect is loose stools.

Probiotics:  Rarely, they lead to mild digestive problems like flatulence, bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If probiotics are taken in an increased dose, there are chances of developing headache and infections. may disturb the normal metabolic processes and autoimmune responses of the body.

Prescribed medications:  Nortriptyline, Gabapentin, Lexapro, Tramadol, Trazodone

Nortriptyline: Dizziness/lightheadedness, Drowsiness, Confusion, Constipation, Difficulty urinating, Dry mouth, Weight gain/weight loss, changes in libido, Changes in blood sugar levels, Increased sweating.

Gabapentin: Drowsiness, Weight gain, tremors, abnormal thinking,  nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision, headache, and runny nose.

Lexapro: Constipation; decreased sexual desire or ability; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; increased sweating; light-headedness when you stand or sit up; loss of appetite; nausea;  trouble sleeping.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bizarre behavior; black or bloody stools; chest pain; confusion; decreased concentration; decreased coordination; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; memory loss; menstrual period changes; new or worsening agitation, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, restlessness, or inability to sit still; persistent or severe ringing in the ears;persistent, painful erection; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe dizziness; severe or persistent anxiety or trouble sleeping; severe or persistent headache; shortness of breath; stomach pain; suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or severe mental or mood changes; unusual weakness; vision changes; worsening of depression.

Tramadol/Acetaminophen:  Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; increased sweating; loss of appetite; nausea.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, throat, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); chest pain; confusion; difficult or painful urination; disorientation; excessive sweating; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; hallucinations; loss of coordination; mental or mood changes (eg, agitation, depression); red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures (convulsions); severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; severe or persistent headache or dizziness; slow or shallow breathing; suicidal thoughts or behaviors; symptoms of liver problems (eg, yellowing of the eyes or skin, pale stools, dark urine, persistent loss of appetite); tremor; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision changes.

Trazodone:  Blurred vision; constipation; decreased sexual desire or ability; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; lightheadedness when sitting up or standing;      muscle aches or pains; nausea; nervousness; stomach pain; stuffy nose; tiredness.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry, or bloody stools; bloody or dark urine; chest pain; decreased coordination; fainting; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; irregular heartbeat; new or worsening agitation, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, restlessness, trouble sleeping, or inability to sit still; prolonged, inappropriate, or painful erections; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness or tiredness; shortness of breath; speech problems; suicidal thoughts or actions; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; symptoms of low blood sodium levels (eg, confusion, persistent headache, trouble concentrating, memory problems, weakness, unsteadiness, sluggishness, personality changes); tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual weight changes; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

After spending that last two weeks writing this blog – I started to think about the side effects and how many of them do I know that are affecting me.  I know that I have about a dozen of them that I can list but – How do I know if it’s the meds? the conditions? or something entirely different.

Later this month I am attending a meeting where a Nutritionist will discuss what is the right dosage for supplements.  I hope to get a better understanding of dosages and perhaps how they interact with each other. 

Until a Fibromites son or daughter grows up to become the Doctor that creates the Cure All – I’ll do my best to be on as little as possible to make each day as painless as possible.

Here I am…. 1:47 a.m. – Sleepless in Wisconsin – watching Sleepless in Seattle.

Flare began this week. 

It started on Tuesday with my Fog.  The usual stiffness and aches were getting more intense. Sleeping was getting more sporatic. 

Then came Wednesday night – I was up off and on – slight headache. 

The alarm went off at 6 a.m – it took all of my willpower to get out of bed and get my Daughter up for school. 

Thankfully she is a very responsible 11 year old. She went to get her breakfast and I went right back to bed.

When my husband got home he found me in the fetal position on my bed in uncontrollable tears. 

Full out Flare:  Migraine, Vision blurred, fever feeling flu like aches, allodynia, complete pain from head to toes.  

I realize now that I have really come a long ways in the past two years.  I would have been at a loss as to what to try to help myself.  I would have let the  panic and anxiety take over and it would have won.

Now, it took me a good cry – but I got my ice pack to put on my forehead – learned that method from my Counselor – along with using my breathing techniques he taught me. I was able to slow the brain spinning down and to stop crying.  I put another ice pack on my lower back/hip right side.  My husband took over the morning routine with our Daughter and darkened my room – closed the door – and I fell asleep.

I awoke almost 3 hours later.  The only real improvement was that my headache wasn’t as bad (helps when your not in a hysterical cry).   Headed straight to a hot bath, more Tylenol, morning meds, breakfast – and off to work. I arrived 3 1/2 hours late for work. 

I managed to stay at work for 5 hours.  On days like this I can handle the pain but the Fog makes life so very difficult.  The stress alone of making sure that you are not causing any mistakes, to not let it get noticed by my boss or those at Corporate.  My mis-typed words were easily fixed without anyone knowing.  My mis-spoken words were caught – and there were a lot.  For no reason at all words that had nothing to do with what I was saying would replace the word that I had intended to say.

I wanted to go straight to the pool – swim – hot tub and return home to meds and bed.

I got to go to run from 2 girl scout homes (it’s cookie time – and I am cookie Mom) then a school function – then a town 20 minutes away (pick up cookies), return to school function (so proud of our Daughter – she gets to go to Regionals in a History Fair), then home to get ready for the next day.  I didn’t get to bed until an hour past my bedtime – took my “only take these on my worst flares ever meds”, and it still took me almost an hour to fall asleep.

and.. now – I gave up after trying to fall asleep – turned on the TV (how appropriate – Sleepless in Seattle was playing), and I started to read my Fibro group postings from today.

I am not going to try to sleep again – 4 hours until the alarm goes off for another long and busy day. 

I am hoping for a different sleep themed movie  – my choice … Somewhere in Dreamland

It’s hard enough having to deal with the fact that I am approaching the age that I have to even consider this topic.

That fact of the matter is an average age for a woman to enter menopause is 51.  NO – I AM NOT THERE!!!! -  yet.

But it does mean that we and our families are dealing with the PMS symptoms for approximatly 40 years.

PMS symptoms include: 

• bloating, water retention
• weight gain
• sleep disorder, fatigue
• lack of energy
• decreased sexual desire
• pain including headaches or migraines
• breast tenderness
• aching muscles and joints, cramps and low back pain prior to menustral bleeding
•  depression, irritability, anxiety, mood swings
• decreased alertness, and the inability to concentrate.

Sound familiar?  Is does to me.

When you look at the list of PMS symptoms it sounds as if you are starting a list of Fibro symptoms.

So what causes the PMS symptoms? Is it the same thing that causes the Fibromyalgia?

          It could possibly be  imbalance in calcium and magnesium levels that affect nerve cell communication.

          Other researchers believe that it occurs because progesterone and estrogen cause changes in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, which create and control signals.

          Each bodily function and emotion is linked to the specific neurotransmitters. Fibromyalgia symptoms have been linked with irregular levels of several neurotransmitters.

• Serotonin (the sleep cycle, pain processing, body temperature, appetite, sex drive, mood)
• Norepinephrine (“fight or flight” response, alertness, memory)           
• Dopamine (mental focus, movement disorders, motivation)
• GABA (calming the mind, sleep, relaxation, anxiety, muscle function)
• Glutamate (stimulating the mind, learning, forming memories
• Endorphins are important in the experience of pain and pleasure.

Well – those of us with Fibro deal with those symptoms daily  – and YEAH – lucky us -  during PMS and Menopause the symptoms become more intense.

Why does the Fibro symptoms (including IBS) worsen just before menstruation and during your period?  They haven’t figured that one out yet.

So what do they tell you to do during/after menopause?  Dealing with the lowered estrogen? the wacked out Neurotransmitters?

A lot of treatment research has focused on how to regulate these neurotransmitters in order to alleviate the symptoms of FMS and ME/CFS such as prescribled meds like (SSRIs), such as Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft or (SNRIs) such as Cymbalta and Savella.

• Dietary changes including adding supplements  (Extra calcium and magnesium)
• Strengthening exercises
• Heat Therapy
• Mediatation
• Yoga
• A massage
• Hydrotherapy
• Aromatherapy.
• Rest

I guess  – you can look at PMS and Menopause as Fibro on steroids.

The upside – Look out smart us with Fibro are – we are already doing everything we are supposed to do for ourselves.

The downside – What do we do when we do all of those things and they don’t work?