Archive for the 'My Own Experience' Category

Do you believe you can make a difference?

Published by
Fibro Viv
at January 21, 2009 in My Own Experience. 0 Comments

Hello Everyone,

I start off my post with a question because I was so moved by watching the inauguration and listening to our new President’s speech.  I believe everyone in society has a purpose and somehow makes a difference in one, two, maybe several lives. The key is to find that purpose and accept it, share it and stand by your work and word.

I feel good today and have accomplished some chores.  On Sunday I was able to make it to my church, Santa Barbara and attend mass.  I had prayed to my Lord to give me the strength to wake up on time, get dressed and attend.  Well, he answered my prayer.  It was interesting because I am not easily awoken.  I do not get restful sleep without some type of medication.  So, I am either tossing and turning or taking medications that help me sleep.  I have tried going without the medications and lasted for a short period of time.  Inevitably, I end up requiring the medications or end up experiencing extreme pain and fatigue.  Adrenaline can only take me so far.  I am still experimenting by trying to eliminate medications and it is not an easy road to take. I don’t apologize for requiring them, but want to someday be free of them.

I hope and pray that sharing my information helps someone today.

Fibro Viv

So how did your year start off?

Published by
Fibro Viv
at January 14, 2009 in My Own Experience. 0 Comments

Hello Everyone,

I hope your year started off great. Personally, mine has been a bit depressing. My husband’s breathing has not been good. I took him to the emergency room on January 8, and he has had a tough time of it. The good news is he comes home today!

As many of you know, I suffer from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. I know how to deal with those health challenges and pretty much have them under control. I personally do not like cold weather for many reasons, my pain is worse, I am cold, I do not like to wear long sleeves, sweaters or coats. So, I basically avoid getting out of the house and sleep in late. This is followed by ignoring shores, the budget, etc. I simply try to survive by ignoring what may be happening with me by focusing on my family. I did go visit my twin grandchildren and enjoyed the visits, when it was warmer. I grew up in Amarillo, Texas, the Panhandle area gets quite cold and I did enjoy the snow when I was younger. Here in Austin it does not get that cold, but I am just a big baby! LOL

After my husband was admitted to the hospital I went home and slept. The next morning I decided I needed to take control of not negative, rather an uninterested feeling I was experiencing. I woke up, took a hot bath and got dressed. I like to hang around the house in comfortable pajamas, T-shirts, pants or shorts. I then proceeded to go take care of the laundry and other household shores. Little did I know my youngest son had a nice surprise awaiting, the living area, dining area and kitchen were spotless, it brightened up my day! I cooked breakfast, started working on my long overdue laundry and even tackled my disorganized closet. I feel better when my house is clean and organized.

Somehow my bedroom, the bathroom counter top and closet had gotten disorganized. When I mention my bedroom, it specifically includes piles of bills and paperwork I put aside. I pulled one of those, I will do it tomorrow until it got out of hand, which in turn depressed me. The next day I continued on my laundry, created a “To Do List,” and started to prioritize it. The key is to create a “To Do List,” prioritize it and plan on only completing a few of the tasks per day or you will get overwhelmed. I had to call the dealership and take the car in for a diagnostic check (during cold weather), among other tasks.

Sometimes we just have to force ourselves to sit back, take a deep breath and realize it is not the end of the world. I tend to place all shores and challenges on myself, when indeed my son’s take care of their own laundry and are here to help. I place those pressures on myself. At least that is what happens to me, I get overwhelmed thinking about the piles of mail (mostly junk mail) and tasks. I create this giant monster that truly does not exist! Do not get stuck in that trap and if you do, step back, breathe and give yourself time to clear your mind of all the clutter you have created.

Sorry for the long post, I guess I am making up for lost time. I hope you learn from my experience and yes I feel better, accomplished a lot and my husband is coming home today! Oh Yeah!

I hope and pray you experience a peaceful pain and fatigue free day!

My Old Project - Starting Again!

Published by
Fibro Viv
at January 14, 2009 in My Book and My Own Experience. 0 Comments

Hello Everyone,

I have decided to continue on my book project. Many things have changed and I still have prior items to change. My book will include my own experience, tips, forms, tools and suggestions on how to stay comfortable. My dream is to complete it, publish it, and the whole ideal is to help me heal emotionally. I will share the beginning of my journey as well as the path I have walked with fibromyalgia and chronic illness. I will start categorizing posts I plan on incorporating into my book under “My Book.”

So what you do think about this? Any suggestions? Any comments? I welcome anyone’s feedback.

I hope you have a pain and fatigue free day!

Fibro Viv

What types of changes are necessary to feel better?

Published by
Fibro Viv
at September 14, 2008 in My Own Experience. 0 Comments

Hello Everyone,

I have had to change several things in my life since I became chronically ill. I have mentioned the need to change my life style, diet and taking supplement’s. I believe one way of taking control of your health is by making simple diet and supplement changes. I know I don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables to get all the nutrients my body requires. Nutrients have to go through the stomach first before they can be absorbed into the blood stream which is why I like taking LiquiVida combined with herbs.

Herbs help relieve and heal some gastrointestinal tract issues. For instance, while Chamomile induces relaxation and has a calming effect, (helps with anti-anxiety) it also helps relieve minor GI symptoms such as nausea, gas and stomach cramps. I have read that it provides relief to irritated tissues in the nose, throat, and mouth, thereby helping those who experience acid reflux in the throat. Do not ingest a high dose of Chamomile and if you are allergic to daisies, you might have a reaction. Definitely DO NOT take it if you are pregnant! Read up more on any herb before ingesting it for drug interactions. Please take precautions at all times. What works for me, may not work for you.

Changes in my diet have enabled me to take control of acid reflux. Try the following suggestions:

* Cut down or eliminate caffeine, sweet, and fried foods. I noticed a considerable change when I stopped drinking any type of soda. I do like soda, so I treat myself to one every now and then. I also lost weight with that simple change.

* During meals reduce the amount of fluid you drink (it helps prevent the dilution of stomach acids). Drink water throughout the day. Water is filling and good for you.

* Try eating small meals throughout the day or at least try snacking on something before and after lunch. (This helps stabilize stomach acids).

* Do not lay down or sleep at least 2-3 hours after meals. Food tends to back up into your esophagus when you lie down after a meal. Keep in mind that when you lie down, acid can move up into the esophagus more easily, so wait at least two to three hours after you eat to lie down. It also helps if you elevate your head while in bed.

Try changing your diet by reducing items that might trigger acid reflux. Triggers include sodas, onions, tomatoes, citrus fruits, alcoholic drinks (for those who drink), and high fat foods. Try reintroducing these items to find out what triggers your acid reflux. Keep a food diary or just jot it down on your calendar and note down changes in your health.

Stress seems to always cause some type of problem. Believe it or not, stress may increase stomach acid production or keep acid in the stomach longer. It depends on how you react to stress or manage your stress. Do you eat comfort foods, smoke cigarettes, or drink alcohol? Fortunately, there are things you can do to manage stress and the acid reflux disease symptoms it can cause. Practice stress management on an ongoing basis. Try the following:

* Breathe deeply from your abdomen not your chest.
* Exercise, stretch to release tension on various parts of your body.
* Stay positive, remember everything has a positive side, even if it is just a lesson to be learned.
* Quit smoking if you do. I never smoked, so it was not an issue.

I hope and pray my own experience will help someone today. Please remember to do your research.

Fibro Viv

Good Health should be your number one priority

Published by
Fibro Viv
at September 13, 2008 in My Own Experience and Viv's Tips. 0 Comments

Hello Folks,

I am feeling much better and want to share my thoughts. Good health was never the first thing on my mind before I was stricken by all those odd symptoms. It was not a priority to speak of, and I took it for granted. Think about it the vast majority of our life includes goals such as taking care of family, working, paying bills, entertaining, etc. I only went to visit my PCP when my asthma acted up or I had a bad viral infection. I did not take advantage of my annual doctor visits, did you? I did go on diets and exercise when I had time or it became a priority.

Maybe I am the only one that did not make good health a priority. My lesson was to make good health a priority. Take care of those annual visits, watch what you eat and drink and please do not over work. In the end, you lose what you took for granted. Do you know what good health and leading a normal life means? I don’t remember anymore, do you? Now that I have to pace myself and remind myself to take it slow, follow my tips, keep up a journal, etc., I start to lead a normal life. Maybe that is what we were all missing . . . what should be done to have a normal life? We all do a great job of making sure our loved ones eat right, exercise and rest. Were we too busy to think about ourselves? I was.

Today is the day to think about yourself, make sure you follow a good health regime. It might take longer than usual because of our fatigue and pain. However, unless you start to make yourself stretch, move, eat right, drink right and pace yourself, you will only continue that battle of fighting chronic illness, never seeing the window of opportunity or the light of inspiration.

Do yourself a favor, better yet, remember that when you take care of yourself, you are able to take care of your family. If you are where I was when I first had all sorts of bad unexplained symptoms and could not move, DO NOT let this stop you. Take that first step and ask for help. I am here for you and there are others willing to help. It just takes a little time to read, research and ask questions. If you are overwhelmed, then write to me and ask me for help.

I hope and pray my thoughts have helped someone today,

Fibro Viv

Improved Neck Pain

Published by
Fibro Viv
at September 6, 2008 in My Own Experience and Viv's Tips. 0 Comments

My last post noted my neck pain and the reason for it. Well, I took some much needed rest and feel better, still have a bit of pain trying to pop up now and then, but for the most part it is gone:)

Here is a list I created for myself:

- Start slow on my activity level, remember you just recovered from a flare-up.
- Time all activities, even if you feel like you can continue, stop and rest. Take it slow.
- I will not commit to more than I can handle.
- I will let others know what I can and cannot do.
- Be grateful for what you can do and remember to share your experience with others.

I hope and pray this information has helped someone today.

Fibro Viv

Do you suffer from neck pain? Do you know why?

Published by
Fibro Viv
at August 29, 2008 in My Own Experience. 0 Comments

When I first started getting sick and had all kinds of symptoms, my neck was in pain and my natural instinct was to hold the front of my neck with my left hand. The pressure I placed on it helped the pain. However, I found that massaging the top of my head helped relieve the pain. I figured out that when I did not get enough rest I would end up with neck pain.

Well, I have been experiencing it for a few days and decided to share my thoughts. I always tell people to listen to their body, and I should have done that when I started to feel fatigued. I feel so great and believe I can keep working while forgetting that I am chronically ill and require a certain amount of rest. Yes, it is great that we feel good, but we have to remember to “PACE.”

I am thinking about posting signs on my refrigerator and bedroom door. Or maybe I will post a list of rules. What do you think? Any suggestions?

I hope someone will learn from my own experience how important it is to pace yourself. Slow down, even if you feel great.

Soft hugs and I pray and hope everyone has a pain and fatigue free day.

What is a healthy healing in reflection?

Published by
Fibro Viv
at July 24, 2008 in How to Help Yourself, Coping and Stress Management and My Own Experience. 0 Comments

Hello Everyone,

Today I found an interesting question on one of my community sites. Here is what was asked: In your opinion or basing from your experiences, what is healthy healing in reflection? I found myself thinking about the question and decided to share my answer on my site as well as on blogcatalog.com.

 

In my point of view the following techniques is a good way to reflect in a healthy way:

- an individual must first decide to choose a specific time to reflect,
- be specific about what you want to focus on,
- think about one challenge (issue) at a time,
- determine what you want and decide if it is realistic,
- be open and non-judgmental,
- realize the answer to your questions or issues may require sharing your feelings with another individual,
- if you have a difficult time expressing your feelings with another individual, write them down on paper,
- if you shared your feelings with someone, reaffirm your respect for their opinion and end on a positive tone.

This technique or strategies enables an individual to establish an atmosphere of cooperative problem-solving and/or reflection.

I hope and pray this post has helped someone today.

Fibro Viv

 


Dropping a Note to Say Hello

Published by
Fibro Viv
at June 24, 2008 in My Own Experience. 0 Comments

Hello My Dear Readers,

I have been very busy with my dear husband chronically ill with COPD. He has been in and out of the hospital and this last visit was from May 30, 2008, then transferring to another extended care hospital until yesterday. Thank you for your prayers and notes. It has been very touching and more importantly helpful. As I have always said, “People need some type of support, even if it is from strangers.” Thank you and God Bless You All!:) He is doing good for now and I pray he will continue to do so.

On another note, I have not been practicing my own tips…such as “PACING”, it is so important to pace and take time out for yourself. If you do not take care of yourself, you cannot help others. Please remember that. I have already slapped myself on the hand for not slowing down. I am going back to therapy.

One thing I always do is stay positive because that helps me survive every new challenge in my life. I feel stronger and better as a person each time I take time to pray, meditate, and most importantly forgiving myself for not being able to do everything perfectly. Small reminders from my youngest sister on saying no, plus not placing so much pressure on myself has helped me. I thank my God for my family, friends, other people that suffer from chronic illness, doctor’s, etc.

Take care and know that I want to continue posting, I have just been slowed down for awhile. Do not give up on me and please continue to read old tips, notes, etc.

I pray and hope you have a pain free day,

Fibro Viv

 


Hello Everyone!

Published by
Fibro Viv
at February 8, 2008 in My Own Experience. 0 Comments

Sorry I’ve been away, I have been dealing with the flu and when you have fms/cfs, the symptoms are a million times worse! You know what I mean. My husband had to find a ride home from the hospital, just to find me at home curled up in pain, running a fever, etc. Poor baby. He was still having difficulty breathing and he had to deal with taking care of me. I just came back to life today! Mind you, I am still in pain, dealing with fever, aches, you know the rest.

The fact is I have been running on adrenalin! I had just finished babysitting my nephew, then my twin grandchildren, then I took my youngest son to Best Buy and before you knew it, I had to run home and change. You can imagine why??? Then, I took a bath, got dressed and went back to pick him up and returned home just on time to hit that ladies room. That was close!! Then my oldest son came home sick, poor baby.

The good news is, I continue to loose weight! You see….something positive always happens.:) I guess I am not posting anything helpful today…just updating you and letting you know I am not giving up. However, I may have to quit this blogging for a few months:(

Please continue to review old tips and my experience. I honestly believe it will help you gals and guys that suffer from chronic illnesses. You are not alone. Keep the faith and know that things can only get better. Really:)

Let’s see…good news is I no longer have high blood pressure, I have lost weight, I am more active (exception, this week), and we have a new member in our family. Her name is Nadia. My oldest son had to have his own dog, so we gave in. I will have to take a picture of her, she is truly sweet and potty trained!:) So, you see, I have a reason to smile:)

I wish you no pain, send you soft hugs, a smile and God’s Blessings:)

Fibro Viv