Tuesday, May 11, 2010

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.

11 comments:

  1. I know that feeling well! I feel sad for the people who have the deep depression too. I get every so often, but like you, then it is gone. What fb pages are they? I would like to join too, it would be good to talk with others who have fms like us. Are you on face book? I am. I have a picture of me with winnie the pooh and mom in it so you know which Heather I am. I just love face book.

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  2. I just looked you up. There are 5 Debbie vermilyea, please friend me. I have the same picture on my blog as I do in face book. Have a good afternoon!

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  3. I JUST WANT YOU KNOW YOU ARE LOVED BY MANY=) YOUR BLOG HELPS US NON-FIBRO, WHAT YOU GO THROUGH 24/7.

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  4. Heather, I will find you. The 2 sites are "Fibromyalgia" and "The Real Fibromyalgia Support Group." They are a great support. I probably get the most support from "The Real" group.

    Anonymous, I know who you are. Your smile gives you away!!! <3

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  5. Great post Deb! Thanks for sharing, oh how true this is! And I'm with you, I feel so fortunate compared to others with Fibro. I try to concentrate on being grateful for what I do have. Remembering how others have it worse always throws me back to the foot of the Cross, remembering the suffering & shame He endured for us, and it makes me praise Him all the more for what He's given me so that I can even get a glimpse into other people's suffering and hopefully help bring the light of Christ into their lives. Oh how blessed we truly are, and may we never forget someone always has it worse. And even though that also means someone always has it better than us, let's keep teaching those people what our lives are like so that they can hopefully learn more about chronic illnesses and what it means to live like this.

    Does that even make sense? Now I'm not sure. It's too early in the morning still for me, lol. ;)

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  6. I linked to you on my blog - hope that's cool :)

    http://rochelle-learning-to-trust.blogspot.com/2010/05/just-being-real-and-recommended-links.html

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  7. Rochelle, thank you for your comment..makes sense to me! I have followed your blog since starting my blog! Hope you had a good day.

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  8. Deb, what a powerful post. I copied it and saved it to my computer..mine seems to be getting worse and I don't know if that is normal or not..and not many people I can talk to about it besides my husband who is wonderfully understanding most of the time, and my good online friends like you and Heather. I just went over to Rochelle's page. I am also on Facebook.. Barbara Boyack..
    take care Deb..
    hugs..gently
    Barb

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  9. Rochelle, thank you for finding me on Facebook! today is the worst pain day i have had in a while. so so hard to explain this crappy diease to folks who just don't understand..Gee, if you think positive you will feel better, etc..it doesn't work that way does it.

    hugs to you all
    Barb

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  10. Hi Debbie, I just stumbled across your blog and was reading old entries when I came across this one, mentioning Fibromyalgia Blogs...is there one or two that you especially like? I was diagnosed in 1989 with my fibro, and am in a 6 months (so far) flare...My identical twin sister JUST got diagnosed officially last week with Fibro. I am an almost 60 yr old women living in lower eastern Michigan.` I would appreciate any info on a blog or two that you may like. Thanks...I definately am NOT interested in going to a web site to compare my symptoms and my sometime depressions...I have enough of my own, and I know you understand this. Today, everything hurts, BUT my eyelashes! you can reach me at PowersTwinB2 at att.net..thanks, Becci

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  11. This is a great post -- I have so many to share this with. Here's a good article I found on fibro --- maybe it was the upbeat message, but it made me feel better: http://www.womentowomen.com/fatigueandstress/fibromyalgia.aspx I'm sharing this, too!

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