A: Sleepy (the first dwarf on the right) is our constant companion; and some would say Grumpy (the dwarf in the middle) is a regular visitor, too.
But, rumor has it, there was an eighth dwarf: Achey, a fellow Fibromite. Achey did not get out of the bed early. He did not sing: "Hi-ho. Hi-ho, its off to work we go." He was not able to go out and search for diamonds with his fellow dwarfs.
You never saw or heard of him because he was so fatigued and worn out from managing the pain of fibromyalgia (FMS) that he could never hang out with the rest of the crew.
If you asked Achey, he would tell you that FMS is a pain in the neck and in the butt...and in the occipitals, in the trapezius, head, chest, lower back, hips, gluteus, and knees. Literally.
Let's ask Achey.
YaYa: What are your common FMS symptoms?
Achey: I hurt all over and nothing seems to eliminate the pain. I have trouble going to sleep and I have touble staying asleep. And when I wake up, I have trouble going back to sleep. I pretty much feel like I have the achey part of the flu--all the time. My concentration and memory are severely affected by the lack of sleep. I hate not being as sharp and witty as I used to be.
YaYa: Oh, Achey, that must be stressful--mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Achey: It is. FMS is stressful and down-right frustrating. Many-a-day, I wake up with my clothes and pick axe right beside the bed. One part of me wants to jump out of bed and go mining with the other dwarfs, but my body feels like it has carried a ton of diamonds up a hill during the night. Its like my mother used to say: "The Spirit is willing, but the Flesh is weak."
YaYa: Does anyone know what causes FMS?
Achey: Its a mystery. That is a part of my frustration. Nobody knows for sure. But there are many theories. Researchers believe that the factors that cause or trigger FMS include:
* Injury or trauma that affects the musculoskeletal system
* Injury or trauma that affects the nervous system
* Early emotional trauma
* Neurological changes, such as disruption in the pain threshold response
* Changes in muscle metabolism that cause fatigue and decreased strength
* Profound sleep dysfunction
* Response to an infectious virus or bacteria
* Hypometabolism, an underactive thyroid, or thyroid hormone resistance
* Post-traumatic stress
* Lyme's disease
Some even believe fibromyalgia is hereditary.
YaYa: How was your fibromyalgia diagnosed?
Achey: I searched high and low for years for answers to my ailment. I've heard that it takes the average sufferer about five years to get an accurate diagnosis. One reason is because the symptoms of FMS mirror other illnesses like multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.YaYa: Are there tests for FMS?
Achey: Well, there aren't any laboratory tests to diagnose FMS; but tests are used to rule out the other conditions. The American College of Rheumatology has established criteria to use for diagnosing fibromyalgia, though.
First, you must have a long-term experience of widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body. That means you have to have pain above the waist on the left and right side; and, below the waist on the left and the right side for three months or more. The diagnosis includes pain at 11 of the 18 tender points.
YaYa: Is there a cure for fibromyalgia?
Achey: No, not yet. But just having a name for what I have been experiencing is helpful. There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but there are treatments which can help a Fibromite cope with the illness. I use several, including: medication to help with the non-restorative sleep, yoga, meditation, stress-reduction techniques, massage, chiropractics, and water exercise. You'd be surprised at the correlation between sleep and pain management.
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4 comments:
My Sweetheart.I have once aagin learned something from reading your postings.I had no idea that there was an eighth dwarf. After reading that he also suffers from FMS, it is no wonder he has remained low key. How sad that he couldn't earn a living.In my readings of how FMS can affect different people, I learned that FMS, in a severe state, can even take away away one's ability to function in the work place.
I am wondering what could have triggered Achey's FMS. It's a bit alarming as to taking 5 years to be diagnosed.How frustrating, on top of everything else.
I do commend you honey for giving Achey the opportunity to tell his story. Your questions were insightful and serves to help others who live with FMS. I admire both your fortitude, and that you listen to your body.
I Love You Sweetheart. Your one xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Yes, Buddy, many FMS sufferers are incapacitated by the illness and find that their world shrinks in proportion to the magnitude of the challenges of living with FMS. I am fortunate that I can still work. I have a flexible schedule, kind colleagues,compassionate friends and neighbors, and you, a loving mate who is willing to educate himself about FMS. Thank you for your comfort and support, My Heart.
I love the way you tell the story of Fibromyalgia. What talent you havew.
Fantastic interview! Finally, Achey has his say and explains it all.
I wonder if the others are supportive or if they accuse Achey of being lazy or a hypochondriac. It seems everyone is too busy having fun to worry about Achey most times. Maybe they visit him when no one is paying attention.
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