Fibromyalgia is a whole syndrome of symptoms. It is characterized by pain.
The Mayo Clinic says the symptoms are:
- Widespread pain. The pain associated with fibromyalgia often is described as a constant dull ache that has lasted for at least three months. To be considered widespread, the pain must occur on both sides of your body and above and below your waist.
- Fatigue. People with fibromyalgia often awaken tired, even though they report sleeping for long periods of time. Sleep is often disrupted by pain, and many patients with fibromyalgia have other sleep disorders, such as restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea.
- Cognitive difficulties. A symptom commonly referred to as “fibro fog” impairs the ability to focus, pay attention and concentrate on mental tasks.
Fibromyalgia often co-exists with other conditions, such as:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Migraine and other types of headaches
- Interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome
- Temporomandibular joint disorders
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Postural tachycardia syndrome
When mine was at its peak I felt like I had the flu. My tag line was I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.
Though I get flares now and then, I had forgotten that it made me feel like I had the flu. After a fun day at Disneyland, I woke Sunday feeling like I had the flu. I wanted to cut my entire head off. But with encouragement from my husband I dragged myself out of bed, took a shower so we could go to California Adventure. The more I moved, the less that flu feeling bothered me.
A smile hides the pain. My legs on other hand are still sore today. But I had fun. That’s the important thing. It’s a trade off. I will relax as much as possible now that I am back home.
I think this picture from the Incredicoaster is the most accurate about how I felt. I tend to hide this most of the time. This look was definitely from being slammed by the roller coaster, but fibromyalgia makes me feel much the same.
Love, Peace and Light! Rita
My Crazy Life 