My Promo-Mentors Writing Challenge -- Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

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What was the experience that changed me?

People always said I was independent, strong, capable, the type of person that can cope with anything. I used to believe that too. I suppose I did everything to maintain this image. My mantra was You can do this! And I did. I was determined to make sure my family would be okay. I worked hard, paid all the bills, raised my kids, continued studying, got promotions at work.

So, I worked. And I worked. In the early days, I was getting by on about 4-5 hours sleep per night if I was lucky. There never seemed to be any time to just sit down and relax. There was always something that had to be done.

When was it?

A few years ago, I noticed the first signs that something wasn't right. I was getting pains in my neck, shoulders and back for no good reason. I noticed I was tired all of the time too. Not just tiredness, but an unworldly exhaustion. I put this down to overdoing it a bit and tried to catch up with relaxation at weekends. This didn't work though; I never felt replenished.

What happened?

The symptoms got worse. After work, I would fall dead asleep in my chair, overwhelmed with pain and tiredness. Chores were being 'postponed' and I started responding to friends' requests with a 'maybe' rather than my usual 'hell yeah!', knowing I would later find an excuse to cancel. I was exhausted. There was nothing left in the tank for extras such as fun.

I went to the doctor to ask if there was some sort of tonic I could take to help fix the problem. Over a series of months, I was prescribed an arsenal of painkillers and brain zappers. I became a Big Pharma zombie. There were tests and back-and-forths to the hospital.

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Eventually, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I was told there was no cure, only symptom management. I didn't like this answer, so I continued for a while as normal, thinking I would get through it somehow, on my own, like I always did.

I researched everything online until my eyeballs were raw. It seemed hopeless at first but I worked on rationing my energy and learned how to optimise my diet.

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After a while, I started to see an improvement in my symptoms and gradually came off all the meds.

What did I learn?

The most important lesson, for me, was learning how to ask for help. I never liked to burden anyone, so asking them to spend time on me was a great discomfort. I just didn't want to do it. It made me feel selfish. Then I learned that my friends and family actually love me and wanted to help.

They'd provide distractions for my youngest son so that I could get a bit of 'me time'. My youngest son even asked for more chores – such as helping to put the clean clothes away – to help share some of the burden.

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My oldest son would walk my dogs when my pain was too much.

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My daughter would make delicious meals and we'd have pamper days. Sometimes they'd even pick up the dog poo in the garden for me.

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I was ashamed of having an illness and kept it secret for a long time. It made me feel like a failure. Eventually, though, people noticed I was forgetful (brain fog), which was very embarrassing. In the end, I decided to just 'come out' so that they'd understand why I was forgetful, not in the mood or just plain reclusive.

I asked my friends to text me instead of phoning because talking was too much sometimes. They also reassured me that they wouldn't take it personally if I bowed-out of social events early or had to cancel. Everything was going to be okay; different, but okay.

I took early retirement from work and concentrated on managing my new life. I adjusted my diet and managed my energy more efficiently. Even if I'm feeling energetic, I don't run my battery down too much. I leave a little in the tank because I've learned I recharge quicker that way.

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Rediscovering old hobbies was a great joy. I never had time before. Now I can do my crochet, sculpting, carving, jewellery-making, reading and writing. This works better than any medication.

I learned that it is possible to have a high quality life with these conditions and that people are so kind. I learned that we're all in this together.

None of us are unbreakable. Listen to your body.

And you don't have to do the dishes straight away.

Thanks for reading.
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Love
Anj x

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