Changes?

I'm thinking of making visual changes to my blog and I would appreciate your comments.


Would you like to see a rotation of quotes in my Something to Think About? I like this quote as it states that we need each other for support and that is so true with Fibromyalgia.

I am considering changing my Iris picture. Should I rotate a nature picture or something more personal?

Restful Day

Today was a quiet day. It rained buckets and the wind blew. Due to let up tomorrow. Got a few chores done, visited with Sonny and Mary. Also a telephone call with my very good friend Carol. So good to hear her voice. I miss her. She is always positive and makes me smile. I wish she and Bill could join us in Arizona if even for a week.

Tomorrow is errand and laundry day. Planning to leave Apple Valley on Saturday. We will drive to Quartzsite, Arizona, which is about a five hour drive, arriving in time to set up our dish and satellite..gotta be ready to watch the big football games!

My Fibromyalgia did well today. I had an hour and a half nap this afternoon. :D

I feel lucky...have you been lucky today? Maybe the cap came off the container easily. The door didn't hit you in the butt on your way out. Had the rain stopped when you needed to go outside? Your taxes are done. The baby slept through the night.

Fibronomics

Fibronomics? I learned this term by reading Mark J. Pellegrino, M. D.'s book. "Fibronomics is defined as the art of properly manipulating our fibromyalgia bodies in the environment to enable completion of an activity with minimal pain. Fibronomics can be applied to everything we do in life, no matter how simple it is. There are four easy rules of fibronomics, and once these are learned and applied, our bodies will automatically follow them."

Four Rules to Fibronomics:

1. Arms stay at home: The favorite position for our arms is at our side with our elbows touching on our sides...

2. Unload the back: Avoid bending forward at the waist; maintain a natural arched curvature; put your feet on a foot rest; lie on your side with a pillow between your knees; avoid picking up heavy objects, bend your knees and lift with your legs; wear sensible shoes, no heels.

3. Support always welcome: Use support items like pillows or footstools. Whatever works for you.

4. Be naturally shifty: Move or shift your muscles regularly.


Today has been a day of trying to remember my fibronomics. When I am able to accomplish multiple tasks in one day, I find that I push my body too far. When my body is DONE, I forget the basic rules that help to keep my Fibromyalgia in control.

A Warm Day

Most folks with Fibromyalgia have reactions to cold weather. I have more of a reaction to hot /warm weather. Unfortunately warm weather is anything over 65 degrees. My muscles hurt more and they cramp often. I drink alot of water, so it is not dehydration. I also have more of a headache.

Fibromyalgia Up Close and Personal

I want to recommend a GREAT book on Fibromyalgia. The title is Fibromyalgia Up Close and Personal. The author is Mark J. Pellegrino, MD. He has a writing style that will make you smile while reading and he writes in common language, not with big medical words. Dr. Pellegrino has Fibromyalgia himself. You feel he understands every symptom and he does. He practices medicine in Ohio. I have read this book several times. I often refer to the book when I have a new symptom to see if Dr. Pellegrino has written about the symptom. This book has given me a resource for reassurance.

A Nice Day

Spent the morning at my grandson, Josh's horse clinic. The judge was great! Josh did well. It was a 3 hour class so sitting on wooden bleachers was a challenge. I've learned to bring to bring along a soft blanket to sit on. I was able to stretch my legs a few times.

I fixed lunch after arriving home then took a long nap. Everything I'm able to read about Fibromyalgia says not to sleep in the afternoon so you will sleep better at night. Taking a nap has never stopped me from sleeping at night. Then again, I take 25 mg of Trazodone before bedtime so I CAN sleep. Dr. said that no one can take 25 mg and sleep. You need at least 50 mg and most people need alot more. Guess I'm a lucky dog not to need as much. Am I being thankful again? Why yes I am!!

We watched the last installment of Lonesome Dove this evening. Been nice to stretch out in my chair. It is 10 pm and I've got to get to bed. I usually don't stay up this late.

Welcome!

I invite you to join me on this blog. Together we can share our experiences with Fibromyalgia and related medical issues.

I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in February, 2003. I was on a leave of absence from my job as a legal secretary, unable to work due to fatigue and Fibromyalgia pain. My husband, Dwain and I made the decision to retire in the spring. We put our home for sale and decided to live in our 37'
Fifth Wheel full-time. Full-timing has been good for my Fibro. I have a smaller home to clean. The people we meet during our travels are happy, fun folks. I enjoy looking out my window in the morning to see what my new yard looks like with no worry about needing to mow or water the yard.

I have been experiencing a flare. I know the best medicine is rest, rest and more rest. Unfortunately like many Fibroites, I tend to push myself....sound familiar? I hate to miss fun experiences, because I have a chronic illness. Therefore, I pay the consequences. I try to balance fun with rest. It's about learning YOU and how YOU react to your daily activities, whether it be fun activities or housework.