55. Pain in the...well everywhere!

So as well as dealing with all the cancer and perimenopause stuff, blah blah blah. I've also had to put up with something called fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia, also called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body. NHS website.

I was diagnosed over 10 years ago now so it is something I generally know how to deal with. But you get the odd flare up days that leave you feeling, well, in pain.

It's the type of pain you just can't quite pin point. As long as you don't move or breathe it doesn't hurt!

I had some areas that really stood out, when I did move and breathe. Those being my right lower back, my right calf into my achillies, my left elbow and my hands.

The most annoying thing with Fibro (for short) is that most painkillers don't really work.

The NHS website states exercise helps, which is fine if I could move. I can barely stand up straight and my body is really stiff (oh, that's another symptom!)

Also to take antidepressants. Tick, yep I do that. Still nothing.

I've done all the CBT bits they suggest with still no relief.

Tonight I decided that laying out on my heated blanket along with 60mg of codeine and 500mg of Naproxen might help.

Which in someway it did. I just managed to lay still enough to not feel any pain and fall asleep for a while.

Guess what, disturbed sleep is another symptom! Don't believe me, check it out....

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fibromyalgia/

So. Now you know all about Fibro! It just show you that you never know what someone might be dealing with on a daily basis.

There are many hidden illnesses that have a variety of different symptoms people have to deal with.

I've said it before, so I'll say it again, be kind people!

I don't want pity or someone to wait on me hand and foot....hang on, no, I do what the latter! But seriously, I'm happy to battle through my day with a smile on my face most days. If you do see me without a smile, beimg quiet, cancel plans or just not get out of my PJs for a day. Its not because I don't want to, its because I can't. Some days it's just too much.

Being in various levels of pain 24/7 is tiring. Which leads onto another symptom, fatigue! All I wanted to do this evening was to carry on sorting the spare room out. Instead I was in bed by 5pm. Its now 1am and I'm awake with my support kitty Puma next to me on the sofa!

I am thankful my symptoms aren't that bad and that I manage to work full time and have a (semi) normal life. Other people aren't ask lucky and can be bed bound.

Oh, this will make Fibro and Chronic Fatigue sufferers laugh. Since "Long Covid" has similar symptoms to Fibro and some high up people such as celebrities and MPs are suffering with it, more funding is going into researching it. Meaning in a few years they might have a better understanding on how to treat it! It's doesn't matter that 1 in 4 people had Fibro before covid, it's all to do with how important you are...arseholes! 😆😡

Anyway, I best try and get some more sleep as I've got work and the dentist tomorrow. Oh, I forgot to mention my tooth is also killing me and has been for weeks. Had to wait 2 weeks for an "emergency" appointment and had to pay for it up front! Takes the biscuit! Mmm...biscuits! 🙂

Night all and remember to be kind!

A bit of fun for invisible illness sufferers...