5 Replies From a Fibromyalgia Warrior to the Dreaded Question
Sometimes I have very colorful replies to this ever-present conversation starter, “Hey, Angie! How are you?” on the tip of my tongue but I hold them in. So, I thought I’d share a few with my fellow spoonies to get them off my chest:
- What is Fibromyalgia?
- What Are Common Fibromyalgia Symptoms?
“How are you?”
1. I’m good. I mean, I feel like I jumped on a trampoline for three hours then did a cannonball onto a bed of rocks with a piccolo constantly playing off-key in my ear, but it’s been a good day.
“How are you?”
2. Pretty good — sort of feel like an overworked voodoo doll that’s been trapped in a heating blanket with the setting on high for the past six hours, but I’m good.
“How are you?”
3. Well, besides the sun being too bright, your voice being too loud, your handshake being too firm, and this sweatshirt being too scratchy, I’m fine. Thanks for asking.
“How are you?”
4. I’m great! 30 minutes ago I thought I was having a heart attack and about an hour ago, I was pretty sure my head was going to explode. Yesterday, it felt like every joint I have was on fire, but right now, I’m great!
“How are you?”
5. What? Oh, I’m good — I just couldn’t hear you over the ringing in my ears. Am I yelling?
More than likely, I’ll just stick with my go-to reply, “I’m fine, you?”
But I would love to hear the replies you sometimes wish you could use!
Getty image by Oatawa.
Hello, I’m Angie. I’m 40. I have Fibromyalgia. And, Hashimoto’s. And, Raynaud’s. And, I enjoy walks on the beach. Seriously, I do. I can’t walk far without shoes on, and if it’s too cold, I have to wear gloves, and if it’s too hot, I’d prefer a short walk. But I do, seriously, enjoy a walk on the beach. I also enjoy climbing into bed at 8:30 on a Saturday night with my hubby and our three dogs, just in time for the latest episode of 20/20. I’ve changed a lot in the last few years. For the better, in many ways, but I’m sure it is confusing for people that I am not close to. Confusing as to how this girl that was such an involved teacher at our local high school and so involved throughout the community, has sort of disappeared. Divorce changed me. Burying my dad changed me. Switching careers and, now, working for myself has changed me. Living alone with just my kids definitely changed me. Becoming a wife and a step-mom has changed everything. Being a caregiver for my grandma changed me. Chronic pain & fatigue have changed everything about me. Having teenagers has changed me. And, losing my mom has probably changed me more than anything. I was once defined by my work; I was a damn good teacher, and I am proud of the things my students and I were able to accomplish in my ten years. I was a successful marketing manager, although I had a lot left to learn. But, now, I’m not sure who I am or where I am supposed to be. And, so I have decided to start writing; blogging, if you will. If nothing else, I seem to be finding myself again through my writing; sort of, redefining myself in a way. I don’t want divorce or disease or grief to define me; I want to define me. And, if you are so intrigued, you can join me on my journey on my blog, www.definingangie.com. Let’s do this..
angie-howard