A Personal Post

I try to keep this blog mostly business, but sometimes I need to use it as another outlet too.

Wednesday afternoon I had an appointment with a Neurologist, in an effort to figure out what has been going on in my body the last few years. At only 33, I have felt that my health has been digressing since my first pregnancy 5 years ago. Since that pregnancy, I have had 3 surgeries, several procedures and have been diagnosed with multiple "itis's" gastritis, sacroiliitis....you get the idea. About a year ago I embarked on my mission to figure some things out. When a blood test for inflammatory markers my FP ordered came back normal, I thought I might never find out. I have suffered through chronic pain, fatigue, battled depression and weight gain....I feel like I am complaining, but it's just the truth. I do know how much worse it could be. Anyhow, after dealing with some pretty debilitating and rather odd leg pain for I don't know how long - with the most painful bouts coming earlier this year, I decided it was time once again to seek an answer.

I might finally have that answer. It was the answer I was prepared for, but am having a hard time with none the less. My doctor feels as though I have a pretty "severe" case of fibromyalgia and is concerned there could be some neuropathy issues as well. Of course I am unable to begin any treatment from him as it would involve heavy medication and with my pregnancy, that is not an option. I assume it won't be for quite a while as I do plan on nursing again.

Here is where I am hoping that you will come in. I know that this is not a rare condition and I am sure that other readers of my blog have probably dealt with or are dealing with this. I am hoping to try to cope with this as naturally as possible, and I was wondering if any of you have any suggestions. I want to return to "my" life. I want to feel normal again, have energy, and not cringe everytime a loved one comes to me to show their affection. I am hoping that there are some other ways to deal with this. If you have any advice to offer, please leave me a comment. If anything, it may just put my mind at ease a little.

Thank you so much for all of your continued readership of my blog, the comments, and friendships. I know you come to see what's happening with Stampin' Up! or to see new ideas, so I hope that you don't mind reading through this.

Jeanna

Comments

[StampinCathy]

Sorry to hear about all the problems you are going through. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
I have fibromyalgia too. I'm not on any meds, cuz I hate them. I do streching, and a hot tub really help. I have my DH find the knots in the area that is really bothering me and then put pressure on them for about 20 seconds and it really helps. I learn the pressure and hot pads(or hot tub or heating pad) from the treats I was getting. I hope this helps and also makes since.

[Jeanna]

Thanks Cathy.
I am really hoping to be able to get a handle on this during my pregnancy and post while nursing so that I don't have to do the meds. I appreciate your advice, and yes, it totally makes sense.

[Hilary]

yeah you need a hot tub.. sure I will keep you company...My kids did formula and they are not too mental. Ok Eric is mental.

[Cheryl]

My thoughts and prayers are with you. May I offer an insight - my daughter went through similar issues and was eventually diagnosed with Epstein-Barr, which one of the issues she deals with are fibromyalgia. She has learned the signs of a "flare up" and eats more fruit, stays extremely well hydrated, and takes her vitamins. She has not had a flare up in several years.

I pray for healing for you.

[Amanda]

It was good to talk to you at the meet and greet at convention. I have some info I would like to send you but when I click to e-mail you the address here doesn't work.

If you want to send me message on SA with your e-mail address I can get you the info I think it could really help you.

Hope you are doing well
Amanda

[Melanie]

I just happened upon your website and saw your post about FM. I am a physical therapist and have treated people with FM before. The typical treatments I have used are heat, massage (light or deep depending in each person) and gentle stretching and exercise. Recently a patient of mine told me that she had FM diagnosed years ago and most of her pain is now gone due to energy work that she had done fairly consistently at the beginning. She was skeptical of it to begin with but it ended up taking most of her pain away. I don't know much about it besides this one example, but it might be worth looking into. I'm pretty sure this treatment is fine to do with pregnancy as it does not involve anything invasive. Good luck!
Melanie

[Karen]

Something I really encourage you to try is chiropractic. My neighbor suffered from fm, and after a couple of visits to an awesome chiropractor, her symptoms are GONE! Try to find one certified in NUCCA, and if the first one can't help, find another, just like you would with any doctor. I go to the same chiropractor, and I am sure he could help you find someone in your area if you would like the help. Let me know - [email protected]. Good luck!

[Karen]

I should have mentioned that chiropractic can be done on pregnant women in case you weren't sure about that.

[Carol Matthews]

Just discovered (and Love!) your blog.I wish you well with your pregnancy and your FM!
Hugs
Carol

[Elaine]

My sister had FM and used food modifications that helped a lot. She stopped drinking milk and stopped eating things with sugar and flour. Seems like there was something else but I can't think of it right now. It was very difficult at first but she got used to soy milk and discovered alternate ways to sweeten things. BTW, spinach has probably more calcium than milk so don't fret about nursing, I hope you like spinach :~)

I have been undergoing energy work for my authritus and it is amazing to me how well it works. I was nearly ready for knee surgery and could barely walk some days before. Now I can walk fast which was impossible before and I can walk a mile or more with no problems. I can even go up and down stairs again. You should try to find someone who does energy work, try a health food store or ask at the chiropractor. Some of them actually do the energy work too.
Good luck with it and I wish you a healthy baby too!

[Elaine Wilson]

Hi! I took have FM, allergies, back, and neck problems, plus spinal stenosis. I would be happy to talk to you more about it. I had some really bad years but am doing pretty well now. Please email me your phone number and I will call you. I have unlimited long distance. Elaine
[email protected]
http://elainemwilson.blogspot.com

[Carol Hickman]

Hi!
I have cleared up 95% of my fibromyalgia pain by changing my eating. No dairy, preservatives, chemicals, beef, etc. For me, hot tubs make me worse. The problem with FM is that no 2 people have it the same! I didn't get off my couch for 5 years, then 36 hours after cutting the bad food, I was up and cleaning out cupboards! My family was amazed! Good Luck!
Carol Hickman