Some observations and maybe hints

[Guest guest]

Hi Folks,

If I had a staff or a stick or a wand that I could touch each of you with and

the fibro would be gone forever, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Alas, no such remedy

exists. But here are some things I've learned over the past 40 some years.

1. Not everything works for everyone. So, morphine (short acting --SA) may

work well for some but not others. However, don't despair because that is new

meds and supplements coming on the scene nearly every month.

2. Do not count on everyone acting sympathetic to your problems. Realize that

most people haven't a single idea just how nasty this disease syndrome is. You

can make all sorts of analogies, but not everyone is going to understand. Why?

Because you don't appear to be ill. A lot of people won't be sympathetic nor

empathetic

3. DO NOT let this beastie beat you!! Yes, I know that there are going to be

days when all you want to do is to lay down and blow away, DON'T let it win.

4. Spend time with others who have fibro, but don't dwell on negatives. Having

a " pity-party " (oh woe is me -- what me oh Lord) is okay but it should not rule

the roost! Once in a while, the garbage gets deep, but don't let it drive your

life!! You drive it (and in my case, God is my Commander and I seek His Face,

His countenance, His wisdom, and the future that He has in mind for me.). It is

too bad that I can't find someone else who has fibro here and is willing to

workout with me. I think having a partner who shares my faith and difficulties

and who will help me rise above the painful life.

5. On those days when the pain gets sharp, the fatigue swells, and all you

want to do is curl up into a ball and blow away, don't give up! Don't let the

negatives take control. Find someone on this list or another list out there.

Moan and complain -- go all negative -- but then listen to those of us who are

with you on the site -- we'll walk with you, talk with you in the darkness, and

help you carry the load. If I'm online here, you know that I'll start talking

with you if no one else can. JUST DON'T GIVE UP!! Fibromyalgia will not kill

you, even if you desire death and release from the pain. And then, turn around

and help someone else who is on the edge of giving up. We'll even help you learn

to do that!!

6. Surround yourself with life affirming things. For me, this is my Faith. The

fact that I am an ordained minister does help though there still are days that

wear me down, I only have to look toward my Father and I find release and

comfort. I have beautiful and wonderful works of art -- paintings, sculpture,

wall hangings, etc. I also spend time reading good literature.

7. This is my last point for tonight: find yourself a good partner. That is

not always easy to do. God has really blessed me in this case since my wife

(Nathelle -- Nah Thell silent " e, " an ancient French word that is related to

Noel. When you say Noel, substitute Nath for No and then say the word. Her

nickname is Sammi, or Granny Sammi.) is an excellent wife, friend, and

counselor. We talk constantly and often kid each other about who has the biggest

mouth!

Often, Nathelle will spot the start of the fibro fog before I do. She knows

just what to do to help me. And on those days when I'm in real deep trouble, she

hides me away from the world (unless it is an emergency), provides me with

fluids, runs screen for others who want to talk to me or need me, and she

prepares meals for me. Most of all, she gives me the one thing that I absolutely

agree that every fibro patient needs in great supply -- love and understanding.

If this helps, let me know. I am thinking about putting together a booklet of

things like this. After all, I spent several years as a writer (made over $58K

in the 70s and 80s). I made money for corporations why shouldn't I make some for

me and my family!?

En agape tou Iesous,

Gene

[Guest guest]

Let me just say, Gene, you write beautifully. What you say is very true

as well. I say go for it. I am so glad you are blessed with an

understanding and loving partner. Yes, that is a huge part of it.

I had a particularly bad day today. Hurt so bad I could hardly see

straight. Wanted to be anywhere but at work. But, I made it through the

day. The weather is playing havoc with my fibro. We here in Mich. are

supposed to get snow I think tonight!! I'd like some warm weather.

Thank you for your words of wisdom and encouragement.

/Mi

[Guest guest]

Yes, I agree. You write very well, and it is inspirational as well. Thank you

for sharing and I certainly encourage you to write a book for those of us

dealing with chronic illness. You could go on Montel to promote it. LOL!

Jeanne in WI

Let me just say, Gene, you write beautifully. What you say is very true as

well. I say go for it.