Inside One of My Fibromyalgia Flare-Ups
Fibromyalgia is a painful illness to have. It is different for everyone and we experience different symptoms. When I was first diagnosed, I didn’t want to accept it because I already suffer with scoliosis which is painful enough and I didn’t want more health problems.
- What is Fibromyalgia?
- What Are Common Fibromyalgia Symptoms?
At first it was mild and now it is so intense that I can’t even describe the pain. It is way beyond a level 10. My skin feels like it’s on fire and can’t tolerate anything that touches it. My bones hurt, and muscles go into completes spasms. I get so stiff from head to toe, and not to mention the incredibly horrific migraine that comes with it. These are just the some of the most intense symptoms that I get.
It made me break down a few days ago and I ended up sleeping on the floor and spending some days on the floor because I was no longer comfortable on the bed. As you see on the photo, my medical alert dog is alerting me to a migraine that comes with my fibro because they come, full force.
Being that May is Fibromyalgia Awareness Month, it is important we share our experiences. Especially the ones we would normally keep private because that is what would help researchers and doctors looking for a cure, because no, fibro does not have a cure.
I am also a runner and in honor of fibromyalgia, I am wearing my 26.2 purple shirt. The representing color for fibromyalgia. But I am wearing this particular shirt because after the hell I’ve been going through lately, this reminds me of my strengths. All the marathons I’ve done and the obstacles I have beaten. I may have let fibromyalgia beat me this time, but I will get back up and keep doing what I love. Fibromyalgia will always be there but I am hoping that running will also.
Fibromyalgia has a stigma of not being “real” but I will always keep fighting and being a voice for us fibro warriors. You can’t see fibro, you can’t feel it and you can’t test it, but when you see your loved ones on the floor hysterically crying and you feel helpless… and you witness that, it will break your heart. You’ll want to take action and want to create some awareness too. So make sure when someone tells you that they live with fibromyalgia, you’re supportive.
MORE ABOUT FIBROMYALGIA:
Fibromyalgia, a chronic illness with three main symptoms — widespread pain, chronic fatigue and cognitive trouble. Fibromyalgia is a complicated illness that’s not well understood. In the past, it was mischaracterized as a mental health disorder. Even today, some doctors wave off fibro symptoms as being “all in your head.” This isn’t the case. Read The Mighty’s comprehensive guide to fibromyalgia here. Click here to join our fibro community and connect with people who get it.
Gelcys is a mother to a gentleman and married to a military vet. She lives life in a battle against scoliosis and fibromyalgia. She suffers daily from headaches and migraines due to a brain tumor. But above all her chronic illnesses, she is a runner and marathoner. She runs to prove nothing is impossible and that you have the strength to overcome any obstacle that gets in your way.
gelcys-castaneda