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Right now I would love to hear a doctor say that word.
F. Fibromyalgia.
As strange as that sounds, I am at a point where Fibro would be such a blessing to hear.
I was fairly certain going into all this that I would hear the doctor say the F word and I found myself struggling with it. Mostly because fibro is what they say when your body constantly feels like a truck ran you over or someone randomly lights your limbs on fire. But they cant REALLY find anything to explain it. It feels sort of fake. Like its a word used to pat you on the head and send you out the door. Cause there isn’t really a definitive test for fibro like there would be for so many other conditions. And I know that is part of the problem with diagnosing conditions like this.
Don’t get me wrong, I do understand that fibro is a very real thing and those living with it for years have faced such unfair stigmatizisms. And I do understand that I have all the tell tale signs and symptoms. Google diagnosed me long before the doctor did. I do understand that how I feel is summed up by the word fibromyalgia. And so I went in ready to hear the F world.
But it didn’t happen like that.
The doctor saw something unusual. A high reaction to an antibody test used to screen for lupus.
Within 24 hours I was visiting a Rheumatologist. She was very nice and explained things clearly and simply to me. She prepped me for and ran loads and loads of tests. Dracula probably would have taken less blood.
In two weeks Bob and I will go in to discuss these results. We will talk about the extent of any damage and what all these things mean. We will hopefully get some answers to our many, many questions. And make a plan for living with ‘this’.
In the meantime I am just laying low, resting to deal with the symptoms I have, making changes like eating gluten-free (may morph into low-gluten). It is helping me get a little more energy.
I have had a few days of wallowing in self pity and chocolate, and then a few more researching all I can.
This is part of me moving on to the next stage in acceptance. Changing my F word to a new one. One that I hope inspires all of us when facing oncoming struggles.
As a person whose mom has MS and a husband with a rare form of rheumatism that inhibits him daily, I hope it isn’t anything so serious for you. Hugs and prayers coming your way, Friend.
Seriously, the F word you need to keep in mind is Faith…Keep the faith sister. You’re one tough cookie and will get through this. Sending virtual hugs!!
I never wished for the F word. I did not know it existed. I was just wishing for someone, anyone to understand what I was going through and help me. Then there was the doctor explaining I had it. Not only Fibromyalgia, but it was coupled with Lupus. Oh how I unfortunately understand. May you have a doctor who helps you. There are many F words to focus on. Faith is my favorite F word. {{{HUGS}}}
I know we’re supposed to feel blessed when God throws so many challenges our way, but it definitely doesn’t feel that way when you’re in the thick of it. Somehow, down the road, this will be a blessing because of who you will meet, or where it will take you, or how you will bless others because of what you’ve been through. I think you are one of God’s warriors, and your strength is a testament to all of us that we can persevere through anything with grace, humility and humor. Love you!
*hugs* It was great to see you last night, we need to set up some girl time. Quiet, coffee or ice cream. OR loud with drinks and tons of people. Don’t care when, where, whatever… just need to find a way to follow this path with you.
That was such a perfect thing to say suzanne. How did I get so lucky to have such great friends?
I am there whenever you are ready for that girl time. 🙂 Please let us know how we can travel this road with you. Do drinks in ice chests from toilets and loud redneck music to tick off your neighbors sound appealing? Or pedicures and a ladies lunch? I’m up for either! Or just a movie night… whatever.
I hadn’t read this post.
I was kind of wishing for the F word for you too – because that one I know. But I’m here for you my friend. It’s a hard member to be a club of – the one where other people constantly forget or ignore your limits. But in one way? It makes it easier because your body *really* pays you back if you don’t stick to your limits. Negative reinforcement, but it works.
Much love my friend. We need bacon. Soon. Just let me get moved and I’m your girl!
found you via your follow on Twitter. I have forwarded this post to a dear friend who is traveling the same path as you. I hope you BOTH find what ails you… sendiing hugs and prayers
Kelly
Love when twitter makes great connections. So nice to meet you 🙂
Girl I didn’t know what the “F” word was when my Dr said it! I’ve done a lot of research, wallowing, more searching and am on the road to finding answers/treatment that works for me. No, Fibromyalgia doesn’t have any blood tests to diagnose it, however a standard “trigger point” test can determine if you have it. A lot of us have more than just Fibromyalgia and from what I’ve learned Lupus is very similar as are many other conditions.
A friend of mine found you and sent me to you, I’m in Parker CO and have attached my own blog for you to check out – who knows, some of the things I’ve found in my quest since being diagnosed at the end of last year will help you on your quest.
Much luck to you!
So nice to meet you. I will go check out your blog in a bit. They are both very similar and have so many of the same symptoms. Thankfully the steroids have really helped over the last week. I’m scared to go off them in two weeks