Hey everyone, my name is Renata and I wanted to talk to you today about what it's like living with fibromyalgia.
I’m diagnosed with more than one chronic condition but today I’m bringing awareness to Fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia affects an estimated 10 million people in the US, and 3-6% of the world's population.
It's a chronic pain disorder that can cause widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties.
Living with fibromyalgia can be a challenge. Some days, it feels like my body is constantly working against me.
I wake up feeling like I've been hit by a truck, and it's a struggle just to get out of bed.
Daily symptoms include:
- Full body pain
- Intense Fatigue
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Muscle pain and weakness
- And cognitive “Brain Fog”
It's not just physical symptoms that make fibromyalgia challenging.
There's also the emotional toll that comes with it.
It gets extremely frustrating not being able to do the regular healthy things I used to do.
I have so much motivation to be an active member of society, but then I get stuck in bed for days at a time.
It becomes isolating to live with a chronic condition that not everyone understands.
You can’t see pain, so I face a lot of backlash from ignorant people. Hearing over and over from people that I should do yoga or exercise will cure you.
Like no, I have an incurable illness. I listen to my doctors and do everything to manage my pain, but no random person I just met- you do not have the answer to an incurable disease that doctors haven't even found answers to.
It just gets so annoying. I know it comes from a good heart, but when they hear my response they don't like it.
I get that. It took me 5 years to accept the fact I have to live like this. I don't expect a stranger to understand in a 1 minute conversation.
And sure Karen, I do yoga, on the days I can even walk well enough, but most of the time I am just trying to get through the day struggling with regular activities like showering, walking, etc.
The anxiety, depression and isolation can be debilitating in itself.
It’s hard not having a good old fashioned mental breakdown on the reg. Because what you cannot comprehend, is very real for me.
Time spent in bed can range from 10-26 hours. Think about how mad ya’ll with the covid lockdown. My life didn’t change at all.
We are warriors living like this daily.
But despite all of this, there are still good days.
I can mostly manage making it out of the house, as long as I can sit down when I’m out. My back pain doesn't allow me to stand for more than an hour before becoming unbearable.
Days where the pain is manageable, and I can do things that I love I appreciate dearly. I’m taking life one day at a time, and that’s all I can do.
If you or someone you know is living with fibromyalgia, know that you're not alone. There are people out there who understand what you're going through, and there are resources available to help you manage your symptoms.
Resources for people with fibromyalgia include:
- National Fibromyalgia Association
- Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Center at Stanford University
- Mayo Clinic Fibromyalgia Treatment Center
Thank you for reading, and remember to take care of yourself.
How I manage my chronic pain is with the herbal teas I make available on this website. Click here to read about the herbs we use! Thanks
**These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. If you are utilizing dietary supplements or introducing new foods to your diet, always get medical counsel.