Forgetting Fibromyalgia

Trudging through the day with fibromyalgia is laborious work.

Don’t be fooled.

Many sufferers might make it look all easy peasy because we don’t appear sick physically.

The reality is, aside from having to bear through physical pain and symptoms, many fibromyalgia sufferers also grapple with depression and anxiety. It’s like a vicious, unending cycle. Being in pain constantly with a slew of rotten symptoms exacerbates our depression, and depression makes us feel worse physically… and so it goes on.

Studies have shown that low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in fm sufferers make us more prone to depression and other physical and psychological symptoms like migraines, fatigue, insomnia and mood swings.

I mean, who wouldn’t feel crappy with those kind of symptoms most of the time?

Many of us however, do manage to sometimes feel better physically when we are doing well emotionally and in happier spirits. So it’s really important that we are in comfortable environments, and with people who we are happy and relaxed around.

On that note, I thought I would share some of the odd things that manage to add a little lift to my challenging days, and make me temporarily forget about fibromyalgia.

1. Finding money – recently I found that I’d stashed away £50 in a drawer and forgotten it there thanks to fibro fog. I was broke so finding it was like winning the lottery. Then of course there’s nothing like finding a crumpled £5 note in your jean’s pocket when it comes out the dryer!

2. Buying makeup – This one never fails to perk me up. I like exploring and discovering the pretty shades of lipstick, eyeshadow and nail polish that compliment my complexion. Sometimes it feels like finding a treasure. Until I get home and realise I already have four shades just like my new purchase.

3. Looking at ridiculously high stilettos – It’s a twisted kind of joy… examining the fine, delicate heel on the feminine shoes: so so pretty…and also knowing that thanks to feet issues, I will never have to put myself through the kind of physical torment and agony that some girls are willing to.

4. Watching repeat episodes of Sex and the City – I grew up in a fairly conservative family, so when I was first introduced to the old series years ago, it was so shocking to me that I got a high from watching it. I find it outrageously funny, and it still has the same effect on me.

5. Meeting charming gentlemen: I think this one is self explanatory especially in an age when one might think chivalry is dead.

6. Funky dance music (think Robyn Call Your Girlfriend or Dancing on Your Own)

7. Getting a fresh haircut – (nevermind I go for the same look everytime) there’s just something about the crisp ends of my freshly cut curls that make me feel like bouncing my hair while walking down the street.

8. Laughing with friends till my tummy hurts.

9. A perfectly cut, untouched slice of cheesecake just waiting to be eaten.

10. My little sister pulling a prank on me and then letting out her sinister ‘Muhahahah’ laugh :p

Gentle hugs 🙂

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