Living with Fibro

I woke up this morning at 6am, not because I wanted or needed to, but because of chronic pain. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia (pronounced fy-bro-my-AL-ja) in 2009. I also have degenerative disc disease. These two things sometimes control my life. As much as I try not to let it, some days I have no choice.

This morning pain in my hands and feet woke me up. The soreness and stiffness is followed by numbness. After tossing and turning, I gave up and got out of bed because no position is ever comfortable. For anyone who is not familiar with fibromyalgia here is information from the National Fibromyalgia Association. 

Fibro has affected my life physically, mentally, and socially. As much as you do not want it to, some days there's just no way around it. Today is one of those day. I am sore, cranky, and exhausted.

This is how I woke up. It is really hard to get through the day waking up this way. I am very fortunate to have a very understanding and supportive partner.

But with so much to do getting the house ready for the market, It's hard to allow myself to take a day off. The guilt something I've had to learn to deal with. Breaking plans with friends and not being as involved as an activist as I would like are just a few of this things fibro has caused in my life. 

It can be a very lonely living with chronic pain. You don't want to complain or be a burden to anyone, so most of us tend to just suck it up and put on the happy face. 

The effect fibro has had on my memory has been just as bad as the pain, if not worse. I tend to let it stop me from engaging socially some days. 

Just know someone can look completely "normal" but you never know what someone may be dealing with. We shall see how this plays out living in an RV full time. Until next time...