My Life - My Fibro

Wasn't it John Lennon who said "Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans"? Well, for me, it could be Life; it could be Fibro'; or in the case of today-the dreaded IBS! Wouldn't you know!  Sun was shining this morning and you could feel the promise of a warm summer's day - lovely! I had hoped to be out by ten o'clock, as I needed to catch the post office with a parcel and some letters. It's only a twenty minute drive away and I had psyched myself up to being "ok" and was looking forward to leaving the house, especially as it doesn't happen too often.  Unfortunately, my body had other ideas and I didn't make it out until four o'clock and only then feeling very tentative. It was beautiful out and had warmed up since this morning, but a stroll was out of the question, however the views on the road to the post office are amazing! IBS is so unpredictable and it does make it very difficult to make plans - and to keep ...

I ask myself often, 'how does anyone have the right to judge me when they haven't walked a day in my shoes?', and I have to admit that I have selfishly wished someone could, just for a few hours on a bad flare day, so they might understand a little of what we go through.   It is difficult to feel someone else's pain, but it shouldn't be so hard to care, especially if it's a loved one. It feels very lonely, living with a chronic illness, especially when we're unable to do the things that people expect of us. My life was very full before the fibro' hit and I've had to let go, bit by bit, of all the things I loved to do, including my work. When I was first diagnosed, it was a shock to realize that this illness could change my whole life. I lived alone, had two children at university, a mortgage. It was an epic year in other ways for me, as my mum had a massive heart attack and I was told that I needed a serious operation. Life or Death, I was told. How...

How do we cope with the daily trials of dealing with fibromyalgia? It is a very complex illness and very individual, as it's different for each of us. I've tried to manage mine as I have the other traumas in my life - we all have them don't we? As a child, my 'escape' was to lose myself in nature, or in music and it still is to this day.  I feel complete when I'm outdoors - in the garden or walking, but I can't do what I used to do before the fibro', As a young mum, my doctor suggested I take up Yoga and I shall be ever grateful, as it was during these classes that I discovered the wonder and the peace of meditation. That was over forty years ago and it still serves me well. I also practice mindfulness, which helps me to fall asleep. Unfortunately, it doesn't help me stay there! My day always begins slowly (with my impatient cat egging me on) and once dressed, I feed the garden birds. There are many and they are always waiting for me, with a beauti...