Feeling Fortunate

I belong to Facebook Fibromyalgia support sites. I have learned a few things from getting to know the ladies and gentlemen who frequent the sites.

Many are troubled with deep depression. Depression shows up in my life regularly but not deep like I see on the sites. Mine will last a day then I move on. I need a pity party for the day. Dealing with constant pain over your entire body 24/7 and a list of symptoms as long as your arm, your physical abilities deminished, will send anyone into depression. The ones with deep depression tend to voice issues of others not understanding or not being supportive. Some will not go for counseling to learn how to cope with their depression and pain. There have been many reasons why..they don't want to be known as someone who needs counseling, their husband doesn't want people to know his wife is seeking counseling, they don't have insurance or enough money.

Because Fibromyalgia is a silent disease, meaning there are no visible signs, they have trouble with family members and friends who think they are lazy. When my Fibromyalgia came to stay with me full time, I told Dwain that I should paint little red dots on my face so he would know I didn't feel good. Another comment often given to Fibromyalgia sufferers is, "You must be feeling better. You look good." If someone spent enough time with a Fibromyalgia sufferer, they would see physical signs of the disease, slow gate, a wince, sigh, trouble swallowing, anxiety issues, exhaustion.

Many can't find a medication that relieves their symptoms. They go from one medication to another. Others can't find a sleep aide, so they are not sleeping, which increases their pain level. I have been fortunate that every medication given to me has worked. I would like them to work better, but at least they work. I understand that until there is a cure, I will always have symptoms. To the degree the medication works, is how I will feel.

Finding a balance of Fibromyalgia symptoms is a personal journey. Every one is affected by Fibro differently, we require different levels of medication. We must find a balance of the amount of energy we can expend. My Fibromyalgia is balanced between my pain, medication and rest periods.

I am saddened by the posts that are written. I pray for these ladies and gentlemen daily. I am more fortunate than many.