Coping With Fibromyalgia

I am in a period of coping poorly with my Fibro. I'm not resting as I should, pain has increased. My bulging lumbar disks in my lower back are acting up. A muscle or tendon near my elbow hurts as it does when I park host, from over use. AND my left shoulder is having the same issue as my right elbow. I'm a mess!

Because my physical self is so painful, my emotional self is suffering too. I know the remedy is to rest, but how will household chores get done? Dwain has never been helpful in that department. He did wash his breakfast plate this morning. He has been shampooing the carpet, one room at a time. I do appreciate him taking on that challenge. I just wish I could have the engery level I had prior to my diagnosis of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue. The sad part is that I never will have that wish. When I get emotional the depression starts to rear it's ugly head. I must fight to stay above it. Depression is one more thing I gotta do. I don't have time for it so I must work hard NOT to have it on my "To Do" list. OK, pitty party over!

Lucy has had two days of eating well and not throwing up. She is a happy puppy and I'm so glad we have her. She is a treasure. She is now 5.5 months old.

AWESOME Family Time!!!

Our trip to the Oregon Coast was AWESOME!!!!

I took the eight hour drive with my daughter, two grandsons and step-granddaughter. We shared a rental beach house with my cousins Cheryl and Jenn, their two kids plus another cousin. The kids were near the same age and got along well. It was a relaxing visit. I stayed up late a couple nights and paid for it later. But not as hard as I expected. I am so thankful.

Dwain held down the home front and our park duties. Our Lucy was sick while I was away. Today is the first day she has eaten normally. Dwain has had 10-12 people on his photography hikes. He enjoys the outdoors, hiking and sharing what he knows about photography. The hike is a major challenge for me. I've decided I will take the hikes for the exercise. I'm not much help in the photography department, but have found to be useful in other areas. My pace is slow, so I bring up the rear.

I have misplaced my camera. I took many photos while at the coast so hoping it shows up soon.

A Hard Day. :(

Been a hard day...increased Fibromyalgia pain, exhaustion. I took a nap this morning then again this afternoon. Today is our day off from doing park duties. I'm thankful for the timing. I've done very little. So hopeful that Sunday will be a better day.

This coming week I will be traveling to the coast for a visit with family from California. I'm excited to see my Aunt, two cousins and their two kids. Hoping to see granddaughter Lyla too.

OUCH!!!

Our weekly schedule has changed in the park. We will however be cleaning yurts a couple days a week. We also have two interpretive days and one evening selling wood. The interpretive will be combining photography, nature, hikes. Dwain is putting together the program. It is nice to have a variety in our day.


My Fibromyalgia is on high alert today. The hike yesterday was to much. Boy are my arms and legs sore. I don't have sore muscles, but the extra pain of Fibromyalgia. I did sleep like a log last night. I'm sure the hike helped me there.

I've had a hard time keeping up with the house work. You'd think that in a 37' Fifth Wheel, there wouldn't be much to clean...there isn't. I can't keep the table clear. It always has things I need to take care of on it. If I am too tired to wash the dishes, they set in the sink as a constant reminder that I have something that needs done. It may be time to have a serious talk with Dwain about needing his help.

Having Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome connect with every aspect of my life. I fight not to be depressed.

WOW! What a Day!

Dwain is putting together a program for the park. It will include a hike, nature, wildlife and photography. I am to be involved in some capacity. Right now, I don't know how I will fit. I may figure it out while I'm attending the program.

This morning Dwain said he wanted to take a hike. He wanted me to go with him. My heart sank. How can I? I remembered what he said when I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I was having a pity party thinking of all the activities I will no longer be able to participate in. When we were talking about hiking, he said, "Don't worry. We will stop when you need to and we will enjoy the scenery 'til you are ready to continue." I think of that conversation often. Dwain made it impossible for me to FAIL. So off we went for a mile and a quarter hike. It was tough, with alot of rocks and roots. There were many places on the trial where you had to be careful. If you weren't, you would end up falling in a canyon with a rushing river. We did stop several times while climbing. We crossed the river once and climbed switchbacks. Our destination was a beautiful waterfall. Every muscle hurt and I didn't think I would make it. Dwain said anytime I wanted to turn around and go back, we would. I knew that if I can feel the pain while doing the activity, I have over extended myself and will pay for it later. We still had the mile and a quarter return trip. :(

We arrived at the waterfall and it was gorgeous. We took Lucy. Initially she was afraid of the roar of the powerful water. She settled down and explored the area. I dunked her feet in the water hoping it would help with the heat. We gave her water often and she did well. As did I...

Trial and Error

Here is a post I wrote several days ago. Had to close it down before I was done...

My medical doctor agreed with me that the painful sensations in my left thigh could be a Fibromyalgia symptom. She prescribed Amitriptyline, 25 mg to start. After two doses, I haven't noticed a change in my leg pain. If the medication does not work, she wants to do an MRI from my knees to my waist.

We have had thunder and lightening the last few days, mostly from 4 - 6 pm. I am glad for the rain that accompanies the thunder and lightening as it helps keep the forest fires down.

We have three days off this week...feels good!


Grandson Josh got a clean bill of health from his medical doctor. His two ear infections are clear! Poor guy had dental work done yesterday. He threw up in the dental chair. He reacted to the laughing gas. Not the first time it has happened. They need to know that he is a tough one and do without the gas. Obviously it doesn't agree with him.

Today I Hate Having Fibromyalgia!!

I hate having Fibromyalgia today!! Blessings have come my way because of Fibro. But today my pain level is high and my cognitive function is at zero. I know this is because I cleaned sites in the park today. Half way through my legs were rubber. I could tell I was staggering a bit when I was on my feet. I tried napping once we were done, but my eyes felt as big as dinner plates. Couldn't sleep, but rested a couple hours with my Lucy. My body was continuously jerking. Not just my legs but my whole body. Maybe the jerks kept me awake.

I am looking forward to seeing my doctor tomorrow about the sensations and pain in my left thigh. I expect she will say it is something I need to get used to. This doctor does not believe in prescribing pain medication so I hope she has suggestions.

Lucy had a shower this afternoon! It's been 10 days since she was spayed. She looks so fluffy. After 10 days her fur was looking awful and she was beginning to smell like a dog. :D

We had BBQ'd pork ribs for dinner. They were soooo good. I put them in the crock pot this morning on low then Dwain grilled them with a little BBQ sauce. We also had corn on the cob and a good green salad. mmmmmmmmmmm

It's Saaaturrrrday!

Spent this morning watching for the eagles and their three fledglings. We saw only one adult and one fledgling. The young are moving further away from the nest. We may need to stop speaking about the eagles and move on to Dwain giving photography tips to the tourists. Wallowa Lake was beautiful as usual. Many boats, fishing and for pleasure. Canadian geese and Merganser ducks. Swallows and Kill Deer birds were busy looking for breakfast.

We came home for lunch then took a nap. Did laundry and dishes, fixed spaghetti for dinner. Not much happening today. The weather is hot so my body is resisting. My left thigh is intense tonight. I have an appointment with my medical doctor on Monday afternoon. I've tried ice and heat. Neither helps.

In October we will be hosting at Manhattan Beach Wayside. Then at Nehalem Bay State Park during November and December. I was worried about Christmas but the host coordinator said they can work around holiday-time.

Pardon my rambling tonight.

Hi Friends

It's been about a month since I've posted. Way to long! I've missed writing. I've had a tough month, Fibromyalgia-wise. Between a Fibromyalgia flare and working at the State Park, I haven't been able to keep up with my household chores. For those of you who don't know me or have not read my entire blog, Dwain and I live in a 37' Montana Fifth Wheel. I should not have trouble keeping up this small space, but I do. Dwain is no help in the housekeeping department. I did grocery shopping a week ago and there are still two bags sitting in the corner of the kitchen. I have only done what must be done. Can't give anymore.


The burning on my left thigh is worse. It has spread to the inside of my leg and up my hip to my butt. It burns, cramps and feels like something is stabbing me. It also hurts to have pants on. I am convinced it is a Fibromyalgia symptom. I went to the Chiropractor. She believes it might be Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). Apparently my leg would have been injured sometime back. Now the nerves are reacting to the injury in a delayed reaction. Sure could be Fibro related as it involves the nerves. Apparently Chiropractic adjustments will not help. I made an appointment with my medical doctor for Monday.


This week will be a busy camp week. Three of the park hosts will be leaving the end of the week and new hosts arriving. When there is a turn over, it is extra busy for those hosts staying until the new hosts have gone through their orientation and can begin their duties.

Our Josh turned 12 this week. He has a new bike! He has been battling his own health issues, but is feeling much better.

We had Lucy spayed last week. Can't give her a bath for 10-14 days. Her fur doesn't look right...she needs a bath, but must wait 'til Sunday at the earliest. Her incision looks good. She has a Kong I fill with treats. She must work to free the treats from inside the Kong. Most dogs lick to release the treats. Lucy works the traditional way periodically. Most of the time she picks up the Kong, puts her head back then drops the Kong. It's like she is throwing it. Treats fall out often enough for her to continue this practice. She's smart as well as cute!!!

I hope everyone has been well.

Summer Begins!

Today is the first day of summer. Fortunately we didn't have rain like we have had. Tomorrow is to be beautiful with thunder storms Wednesday afternoon. Such unusual weather patterns for this time of year.

I've been very tired today. Took an hour nap with Lucy, but still feels like I weight 20 pounds heavier. The burn in my leg continues. Between the two and the usual Fibromyalgia pain, it's been a rough day. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. I hadn't thought about the possibility of it being "spine" related until I received a comment about the possibility. I am overdue for my Chiropractic appointment. Guess I better make an appointment.

We have enjoyed the grandchildren of one of the other hosts. Tomorrow we will take the older two fishing and their grandparents will be cleaning campsites for us. Sounds like a good swap to me!!!