What is Fibromyalgia? In a nutshell from sources like the Mayo Clinic: Widespread muscle pain and tenderness. More than 3 million cases in the US every year. Requires a medical diagnosis. Lab tests/imaging requirements are rare. Often accompanied by fatigue and altered sleep, memory, and mood. Treatment can help, but there’s no cure. Can last for years, or for life.
I was diagnosed with severe Fibromyalgia probably 2 decades ago, now. Most of the medications I was on have been recalled, and I remember having botox shots in my back for muscle spasms well before it was common for use on the face! Pain blocks and trips to the pain-management doctor were the norm. Times have certainly changed. This screaming/silent lurker has not. Do I know the benefit of constantly pouring in positive personal development? DAILY? Please know that I do! Each of us will find things that trigger flare ups, and things that help (supplements, etc.), and I am very aware of these.
We all see people with outward handicaps. Visible signs of struggle are obvious, and everywhere. We see wheelchairs, physical disabilities, and ramps. We notice canes, and handicap stickers, hearing aids, and rehab centers. Every scenario reminds us to be even more grateful for the gift of life… of movement. Of sight. And, of sound. I love to focus on the “happy.” Things that make us smile. Things that help us learn, and grow. Today, I want to be open with you. Vulnerable. It’s not always easy to be up-front about it, but I want to give special acknowledgement to those fighting with pain…inside. I’m not meaning when someone is unkind, or breaks your trust, or your heart. I am talking about chronic pain.
When a chronic illness takes up residence inside, others cannot always see proof that it’s there. It may be mild…it may be severe. Those close to you may see a smile that doesn’t quite reach the eyes. They may detect a squint around the eyes, or a wrinkled brow. They may(or may not) notice your absence at a(or many) social functions. Sometimes in person you’ll see a quiet but determined trigger movement, for example: pressing one’s index finger into the opposite palm as if to press “pause”, or “stop!” on a recorder. You may even see the glisten of tears hurriedly blinked away.
A person with chronic pain is never sure how they might feel from one day to the next. On a good day, they are tempted to play catch up, to make up for lost time, but…the following day their body will assure them that was not a smart idea, and the muscles will flare up in protest. So often, one simply has to live with the knowledge that there will be pain. Special occasion? Pain. Travel? Definite pain. Daily activities? Possible pain. Some choose to share their pain with everyone-all the time. Who really wants to hear that all the time?? No one I know! What benefit is a complaining spirit? No benefit at all. Those around you want to see & feel “good vibes” and “high energy” so though I have found it tempting to share, forcing myself to concentrate on someone or something else is what sometimes helps. This helps me know I am a champion. <3
This post is simply to say if you have chronic pain… “I see you.” “I feel you.” “I get you.” And…”I applaud you.” This fight is a silent one. A fight that wears you down, and tempts depression. A fight that your friends and family don’t truly understand-as sweet and caring as they might be, because we try so hard to show up POSITIVE. A positive mind makes ALL the difference, y’all. This fight reminds us that we are blessed. Very blessed. If there were no valleys, we wouldn’t ever know the joy of a mountaintop! 🙂 We are stronger every single day we make the decision to fight back! Wise choices today, mean tomorrow’s pain may not be worse. Happy thoughts-and our faith- enable us to live each day with a joyful spirit. Grateful hearts keep us grounded, and truly able to embrace the journey we’ve been given.
Know someone with chronic pain? Say an extra prayer for them today. They may need it more than you know. Silent? Usually. Hurting? Almost always. Grateful? Every day. Your acceptance, your flexibility when plans change, your undemanding friendship means more than you will ever know to someone in pain. If you have pain, I see you as a warrior. If you have Fibromyalgia, I know you’re a Fibro-warrior, and I applaud you!! Should we focus on how we feel? Absolutely not. Unless it’s a good day. 🙂 Easier said, than done. But, today? YOU CAN DO IT!! Have pain? Stay consistent with what you know works for you to feel better, and FIGHT-ON:)!!!! 
Pro. 17:22a “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” 🙂
Plus-sized faith today, 
Donnarae
