Your Support System for Fibromyalgia

Discuss the support system you have to help face the challenges of Fibromyalgia

All of my life I have depended on God, my family, and church family. All of them have helped me to handle situations that have occurred in life. The good as well as the bad and devastating.

Of course there have been all of the regular occurrences, like growing up, being baptized, growing in the Lord, graduating from H.S. and college, getting married, and the births of my children. But, there has also been terrible events, like the death of our first-born. This was when my husband and I first discovered how much support we had from those we loved. I do not know how people make it through devastating events without God, family and friends.

I also suffered a cerebral hemorrhage from an arterial venous malformation, which was located on the surface of my brain near my brain stem. It left me visually impaired, mobility challenged, and poor motor skills. I basically had to learn how to do everything all over again, including walking and talking. I have more problems with my fibromyalgia because of these problems.

The main thing that I have noticed with my support system and fibromyalgia is that no one can see the problems of fibromyalgia. The other problems I have faced have been more evident. I also cannot recognize someone who suffers from the same thing unless they tell me.

I often find myself having to identify what the problem I am having is and what I think is causing it. Is it from the fibromyalgia or a result of one of the other major issues I have? This can make a difference in what treatment I need to solve the problem.

Where I live there is not a doctor who specializes in the treatment of fibromyalgia. My primary doctor, who has seen me through my bleeding, also has fibromyalgia. He and I discuss our treatments and what is available in this area. I do go to a chiropractor near me once in a while. He has suggested I find a massage therapist, but I have not done that yet.  

Who are the key members of your support team?

I depend a lot on my husband. He encourages me to get out and do things and occasionally tells me he won't take me somewhere because he knows that I would not be able to handle that situation. He also can tell when I need to rest or eat, as well as when I have done too much before I know. Mainly, he sticks with me. He really meant those wedding vows when he said 'for better or worse'.

Do you believe you receive adequate support?

I wonder about this sometimes. I do not have any knowledge of anyone or thing that I could get more support from. Usually, when I need the support or help, it is an immediate need and it is hard to get the assistance at that moment.

What do you wish family and friends would better understand about fibromyalgia?

I wish they understood that I cannot help it and I am not being lazy or unsociable. But then again, I have had that problem since before I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. 

Also, I want them to understand that not everything works all the time and that my dietary needs or medicines or whatever may change from time to time. And also, what works for them may not help me.