One Woman's Observations

Recently while chatting with women who have fibromyalgia, I listened as each woman discussed her symptoms of fibromyalgia, the medications she used to control her symptoms, and how her life has been changed.  One had fibro rear it's ugly head in her late 30"s, while the other two had noticed the symptoms later in life.  While many of the symptoms were the same, the treatment  differed according to the pre-exhisting medical conditions of each one, and other medications they were using. There was the usual problems of misdiagnosis that many people experience such as chronic fatigue, and the like.

The women discussed how many people in their lives don't understand how fibromyalgia affects them, and why the symptoms don't just disappear with medications.  While some can hold a job, others can't.  While some can volunteer, others can't.  And, dear reader, the worst thing I learned was how  some women with fibromyalgia mistreat one another.  Phrases like, "You are just pitying youself."  or "Suck it up and go ahead with your life. I did, and you should, too!"  Some women in their lives thought they were trying to get attention.  Can you imagine?  The point that we discussed in depth were that our bodies are different, and each one experienced fibromyalgia differently. 

They took me into their confidence describing support groups that were pity parties, but at least they knew they were not suffering alone.  They discussed how some doctors wanted to place them on experimental drugs.  While that was ok with some, others didn't welcome any additional symptoms, and we can understand both sides of the coin.  But never should one  put another woman down for her decisions.

My daughter's doctor has rheumetoid arthritis,  (RA) and fibromyalgia and while I would not wish these on anyone, I feel blessed that this doctor understands what my daughter deals with on a daily basis.   It's taken a while, but slowly with patience, support, physical therapy, and a great physician, my daughter is working toward a goal of being able to exercise and possible run again.  Exercise helps everyone, with or without fibromyalgia.

From a Mother's Prospective, as I travel down the road of fibromyalgia with my daughter, I have learned many good things.  The best thing I've learned is that all it takes to make your life better  is one woman supporting another!