“Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain around the body. The pain stems from a problem in the way the nervous system processes pain signals.

Fibromyalgia also causes symptoms like tiredness, depression, and mental fog……

Fibromyalgia is a long-term, or chronic, condition. It causes symptoms such as:

• musculoskeletal pain, or pain in the muscles and bones
• tenderness
• general fatigue
• sleep and cognitive disturbances” ~ https://www.healthline.com/health/fibromyalgia/signs-of-fibromyalgia

I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia on September 29, 2020. At first the diagnosis felt like a slap in the face. I was kind of in denial because to accept it was to know that what I have is something that I would have to deal with for the rest of my life, and it terrified me. Initially I went to the doctor for my chronic pain and was hoping for a quick cure, but unfortunately that wasn’t the case.

Months of testing… Blood work…. X-rays…. MRIs… Specialists…. Physical therapy….. Chiropractor care…

Now, I look at Fibromyalgia differently. It has taught me acceptance and patience, as weird as that sounds. It has forced me to acknowledge that which I cannot control and to respect my body’s limits. I no longer push myself to do things, because if I do, I will greatly pay the price for it and my body will hurt a lot more the next day.

I still try to make the best of life and enjoy things, but at a much different level now.

Along with my Fibromyalgia, the doctors have discovered that I also have, degenerative disc disease and foraminal stenosis in my neck and lower spine, along with several other issues including bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, depression and anxiety.

Each day is different. It’s hard to make plans at times, because chronic pain with fibro flares can happen so unexpectedly. And then there’s the nausea that can come at random. Even while out running errands I’ve had to pull the car over to the side of the road because the nausea associated with fibromyalgia has been so intense that it would make me vomit.

So many crazy things that make me appreciate the good moments in life all the more. Life is what we make it and no matter what…. Life is beautiful and it is a blessing. ❤️

My rheumatologist once made a comment about my positive attitude. He was like, “if you’re in pain, it’s ok to let people know about it.” My response was… “I know, but coming into your office with a negative attitude could bring others down and I don’t want to do that. I’d rather make people smile. ” My chiropractor and physical therapist have also made similar comments…. Yet, that doesn’t mean that I don’t get cranky… But I refuse to let my body get the best of me. I have all these conditions that I’ve told you about, but they don’t have me! Inner strength and my faith help keep me strong.

We are all blessed. We just have to see the light from the brighter days.

Much love to you all!!

~ Sheila 💋