Deb's Fibromyalgia Blog

I'M BACK!!!!

2012-01-22T17:59:00.000-08:00

Three months is a long time to be away from my blog. I thought about writing several times a day but could not muster the strength to put one more in my day.

Since my last post, we went to Vancouver, Washington to volunteer at Fort Vancouver Historical Site for the months of October, November and half of December. The pace as difficult, as we also had concentrated time with Adam, Carrie and Lyla. Miss Lyla is an amazing little women.

On December 13, we traveled to the Oregon Coast and stayed at Dwain's family homestead to prepare for our kids and grand kids to arrive for Christmas.Well, they arrived. We had lots of food and good times. Then they left. It took me the next week to undue every preparation I made. I gave Lucy a good haircut and I got a haircut too! On to Arizona...

We took a couple of days in Nevada at The Valley of Fire State Park. It's a great place to camp...quiet. Then on to Quartzsite, Arizona. Planning to be in Quartzsite through the end of January.

Since we arrived in Arizona, I have been sleeping 9 to 10 hours a night. I'm so thankful. I've also been able to rest when my body tells me during the day. The weather has been sunny (most days) and I remember why we come to Arizona. :-D

You can ..... recognize when to take care of your body ... just listen.

You can .....reach out to a friend for support.

2011-09-04T21:28:00.000-07:00

My Achilles Tendons have "yelled" at me all day. What those who do not have Fibromyalgia don't understand, is that because of Fibromyalgia, my pain is magnified. My abundance of Substance P seems to be working overtime. My next appointment with the Physical Therapist is Tuesday afternoon.

Dr. Emily put me on Tramodol 3x a day. I have not noticed a difference. I may need a higher dose.

We have had a quiet Sunday. I have done laundry, dishes and cooked meals. I did a lot of reorganization yesterday and cleaning. I feel good about what I accomplished.

We have nearly 160 sites in the park to clean tomorrow. Needless to say, not much will be accomplished at home. Dwain cooked a beef roast Saturday in the dutch oven. We have enough left over for hot beef sandwiches for dinner tomorrow.

You can .... smile in the face of pain.

You can .... forgive those who cannot understand Chronic Illness.
For we understand it is unseen.

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

2011-09-03T20:50:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe we are in the month of September. There is approximately 3 months and a couple of weeks until Christmas!!!

Our schedule in the park has changed. We will be cleaning sites, five days a week through September 15. Our next destination is Wallowa for a week before heading to Fort Vancouver National Park.

I've had pain and a throbbing sensation with both of my Achilles Tendons for a couple of months. I spoke to my medical doctor and she arranged for me to receive Physical Therapy. I had my first appointment last week. He worked on relaxing my tendons and muscles. The Physical Therapist thinks my A. Tendons are painful because of a fall when I was 9 years old. A little hard to grasp the possibility. Here's a thought...could that fall from a barn hay loft, triggered my Fibromyalgia? I have another appointment on Tuesday.

I have good news from the medical doctor. My blood pressure was the best it has been in years and I had a clear pap. I need to call and schedule my Mammogram. Also an appointment for a test at OHSU. I have been having trouble with my hearing. This test will let us know if it is hearing or cognitive problem. I will have the test done while we are in Vancouver this fall.

I very much appreciate my readers taking the time to leave a comment about my post. However, if you are unable to empathize or leave a positive comment, please do not leave a post. I recently read a comment that was negative. Negativity is not what this blog is about. This blog is to help me and others converse about living with Fibromyalgia and other chronic diseases.

You can .... be positive when you don't feel positive.

You can .... make time to be with family and good friends.

You can .... share your day, warts and all, with those who have open ears.

A relaxful Saturday

2011-08-13T21:26:00.000-07:00

I have enjoyed my Saturday. Dwain and I are staying home this weekend. We are both in need of "down time."

Dwain played his Dulcimer almost all day. I did a couple loads of laundry, gave Lucy a haircut, around her face and washed the dishes. Boy do I miss my dishwasher! :-D

By 11:00 I was ready to lay down. I reclined in my chair and checked email and Facebook. By 1:00 I was in bed. I took an hour nap. Lucy woke me because she heard a dog barking outside. I laid back down and slept for another hour. We had a good fish dinner with a salad of carrots, apples and raisins. Also fresh peaches! I read after dinner. "You're Late Again Lord" by Karon Phillips Goodman is an interesting read about how we ask God for things then become impatient while we wait. We forget that we are on God's journey and how to use the waiting time. God always answers us, but it may not be as we anticipate. We must listen when God speaks to us.

Preseason Football has started. We have enjoyed a couple games today.

I didn't sleep well last night. Other than hard cramping in my legs this morning, my Fibromyalgia has enjoyed the slower pace of my day.

I will wait for a more productive day .... on God's timing.

You can ... use your time wisely while you wait for your prayers to be answered.

You can ... give yourself permission to enjoy a relaxful day.

You can ... be patient.

One Hour At A Time

2011-07-31T14:52:00.000-07:00

It's been over a month since my last post. What a full month I have had. In the process, I'm in one of the worst flares I have had. However, the memories I have, are priceless. I have felt miserable for almost a week and have this weekend to rest as much as possible. I sure hope tomorrow brings a better day.

When I over exert my body, multiple things happen....I sweat excessively, my Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) kicks into full gear, my stomach gets sick, muscles cramp; become weak and my headache worsens. I suppose that is enough to list for now! To help ease symptoms, I must be in a reclined position, either in a recliner chair or bed. I take one-half of a Dramamine. Dramamine is an OTC medication for motion sickness and helps my upset tummy and Vertigo. If I take a whole tablet, I go to sleep. Sleep helps, but I can sleep without the additional medication.

I had a week off from my State Park duties. I played with my Granddaughter, Lyla, who is 2 1/2 years old. I spent Monday with Heather, traveling to Vancouver, Washington. It was a nice "Mommy and Me" day. We stayed with Adam, Carrie and Lyla for a couple of nights before picking Patrick up at the airport upon his return from visiting his Uncles, Seth and Steve in Chicago for two weeks. One more night all together, then we kidnapped Lyla for four days. While Lyla busied us all, we celebrated Grandson Josh's 13th birthday. By the time these activities were complete, I was a goner or maybe a groaner!! I've always said that it would be all worth the pain if I am able to participate. After this weekend, I may change my mind! For now, it's one hour at a time.

YOU CAN .... have humor when your body is betraying you.

YOU CAN .... accomplish a chore on the way to the bathroom.

All-Star Week!!!

2011-06-24T21:27:00.000-07:00

We are in Pendleton, Oregon in NE Oregon. Grandson Josh plays in the All-Star tournament this weekend. If they do well enough through Monday, they play in finals and championship game. Please cross your fingers and toes!!

We worked in the park this morning, gathered our things and headed for Josh's house. We hooked up to the little RV and headed for Pendleton. I'm pooped but excited to watch the ball games. The kids have worked hard for this honor. The coaches select a team from the top ball players in their area. The weather is supposed to be mid-70's with a breeze Saturday and Sunday. Monday it will be in the 80's. We have a canopy to have over our heads. I soooo thankful. Will let you know how I survive being outside all afternoon. No time to write further tonight.

10 Things "NOT" To Say To Someone Who Has Fibromyalgia

2011-06-22T14:34:00.000-07:00

The following was written by my Fibromyalgia friend, Pam Ryan. Those with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome will nod their head in agreement and a well-known understanding. Those who do not understand, will be wiser.

"10 THINGS "NOT" TO SAY TO SOMEONE WHO HAS FIBROMYALGIA...
by Pam Scott-Ryan on Wednesday, June 22, 2011

10. We all get more aches and pains as we get older.

The pain of fibromyalgia is much more severe than the normal aches and pains associated with aging. Little things that shouldn't hurt at all can be excruciatingly painful. Plus, most people develop FM long before they should be experiencing age-related aches and pains.

9. I think I have that, too – I'm always tired.

This statement shows a basic misunderstanding of the severity of the fatigue associated with FM. The fatigue of fibromyalgia is so much more than just being tired. It is an all-encompassing exhaustion. You are like someone pulled your plug, cutting of your source of power. It's kind of like taking the batteries out of the Energizer bunny.

8. My friend has fibromyalgia and still manages to work. Maybe you just need a job (hobby, etc.) to take your mind off the pain.

Translation – you must be lazy. The fact is, the severity of FM symptoms varies. Some people have fairly mild symptoms and are able to continue working. Some continue working longer than they probably should because they have no other choice, but they suffer tremendously. Others are so disabled they are confined to a wheelchair much of the time. While getting involved in a project can help to distract your mind from the pain for short periods of time, if you have a more severe case, it doesn't work well enough to allow you to consistently work a 40-hour week. And it doesn't help dispel the extreme fatigue that usually accompanies FM.

7. My doctor says fibromyalgia isn't a real disease; it's just a wastebasket diagnosis.

First of all, this doctor obviously hasn't kept up with the latest research, which clearly demonstrates that FM is a very real, physical disease. Also, to date the FDA has approved three medications to treat fibromyalgia and they generally don't approve medications for imaginary illnesses. There are a few doctors who will tell patients they have fibromyalgia if they can't figure out what is causing their symptoms and just want to get the patients off their back, but I have to question the ethics of a doctor who would do that.

6. If you got more sleep, you'd feel better.

Well, duh! One of the major problems with fibromyalgia is that something prevents the body from going into the deepest stage of sleep, when the body naturally restores and replenishes itself. Even if you manage to stay asleep for several hours, you're most likely not going to awaken feeling refreshed. And most sleep medications do little to help you achieve that deep sleep. They may help you get more hours of sleep, but probably will still not give you the deep sleep you need.

5. I read about this new product that cures fibromyalgia.

This can be one of the toughest comments to deal with because it is usually said by well-meaning friends or relatives who genuinely want you to feel better. The products are frequently some kind of “natural” supplement being sold through a multi-level marketing plan and are very expensive. If those making the suggestions are casual acquaintances, I generally just tell them I appreciate their concern and will look into the product. However, if it's someone closer to me who is likely to keep asking if I've tried the product, I go on to explain that there are dozens of products out there claiming to cure or at least improve FM and I just can't afford to try them all. Read Let the Buyer Beware for tips on how to evaluate product claims.

4. At least it's not fatal.

My first thought in response to this comment is always, “Yeah, but sometimes I wish it was. At least then I'd know there was an end to the pain.” I rarely say that, though. Of course I'm glad it's not fatal. But that doesn't help reduce the level of my pain or the depth of my fatigue. Nor does it help to raise research funding or bring attention to the needs of FM patients. Understandably, people tend to be more interested in preventing death than in improving the quality of life. Maybe I should start actually saying what I'm thinking when someone makes this comment. At least it might get their attention.

3. You just need to exercise more.

Often this is another way of insinuating that you're lazy. This comment in particular has always bugged me. Perhaps it's because I used to be a dancer and aerobics instructor. If more exercise were the answer, I'd be all over it. Yes, exercise is an important component of any fibromyalgia treatment plan, but it's only one part and it has to be approached slowly and carefully to avoid triggering a flare. Read Fibromyalgia and Exercise for more information on how to incorporate exercise into your FM treatment plan.

2. But you don't look sick.

This comment puts the FM patient between the proverbial rock and hard place. If we let ourselves go and show how we actually feel, people are uncomfortable and don't want to be around us. On the other hand, if we manage to fix ourselves up and put on a brave face, no one realizes we're sick. If you think about it, most chronic illnesses are invisible. My dad had heart disease but looked great until the moment he died from a massive heart attack. My mom had pancreatic cancer but looked fine. She didn't even know anything was wrong until it was too far gone to treat. She didn't “look sick” until the last couple of weeks of her life when she was confined to bed. Just because someone doesn't have visible sores or a crippling deformity doesn't mean there's not a serious illness just under the surface.

Ta Daaa...... Here it is - the number one thing you should NOT say to a fibromyalgia patient:

1. It's all in your head.

This is the all-time worst and most insulting thing you can say to someone with fibromyalgia. I used to launch into an explanation of how FM is a very real physical illness, complete with symptoms, etc. Now I simply say, “You're right, it is in my head. Researchers have found that there is a problem with how my brain processes pain signals.” Enough said."

I hope this article allows you to think before you comment. Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are real diseases. Although the person looks like there is nothing wrong, if you watch, you will notice how they gingerly stand from a sitting position or lower themselves into a chair. You will notice periodically that they substitute a word for another. Their cognitive process works as if the electricity can't get through the line without interruption. Their balance is not as good as it once was. They have trouble lifting a ten pound bag of potatoes. They are always physically and mentally tired. Be observant of your friends with Chronic Diseases, including Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Your friendship with be better for it.

You can .... be of help to those with Chronic Diseases, ask how

You can .... explain your Chronic symptoms to your friends. If you are like me, you will cry while explaining.

You can .... take a nap today .... do it!

Sunny Day

2011-06-21T21:07:00.000-07:00

I had a good day today. The sun shinned all day. The temperature reached 76 degrees with a slight breeze. My cousin Tim and family were staying in the park. We had a last visit before they headed home. I accomplished chores this morning and took a nap this afternoon before working in the park this evening.

Our grandson Josh spent two days with us. Josh and Dwain cooked a yummy meal with dutch ovens. We had pork roast and potatoes with peach cobbler for dessert. I'm sure his favorite activity was fishing! He caught several trout. The coming weekend will find us in Pendleton, Oregon at Josh's All Star Baseball games. Can't wait!!!

Before beginning my post today, I read comments left on my Fibromyalgia Blog. I am disappointed that individuals choose to post advertisement on my blog for prescription medication without permission. I am asking those individuals to cease their advertisement.

You can .... see the best in everyone

You can .... take time to enjoy the sunshine

You can .... sweeten your ice tea, if you must

A Nice Day

2011-06-12T19:23:00.000-07:00

We have had two days off. I've accomplished a little. Mostly, I've rested. Dwain was gone Saturday until mid-afternoon. He watched our grandson, Patrick's shooting competition. I wanted to go, but I felt like I needed to stay home. Between working in the park and going to baseball games, I can't keep up my housework, I'm exhausted. This month's park duties are lighter, so I'm hoping each day I will work my way out of this flare.

Saturday afternoon a high school classmate came by for a visit. While he was here, my Aunt stopped by. Both were good visits.

Today, was an easy-going day. Dwain fixed a yummy pot roast in the dutch oven for dinner. As I write, we are sitting next to a nice campfire. Dwain is off to get a hot dog! Myself, I'm waiting for the wood to burn down to fix a smore!!!

You can .... take time to visit with your spouse.

You can .... stretch your muscles multiple times a day.

You can .... smile often, it's better than frowning.

I'm Healing

2011-06-08T21:49:00.000-07:00

My body is healing from exerting it the last few weeks. We have a lighter schedule in the park this month. Our supervisor has been kind to me, even though she doesn't know it. :-D

My combination washer and dryer quit a couple of days ago. Dwain thought it was the heating element and we ordered one. Come to find out, it was a wiring problem. I have been using the machine since it was fixed!

Our Lucy is in training not to bark when someone knocks on our door. She is showing improvement. She has an appointment with the Vet next week to update her shots...rabies, etc

You Can .... allow yourself to rest when your body needs the rest.

You Can .... remember to prepare part of your dinner meal in the morning.

You Can .... help one in need.

2011-05-31T15:47:00.000-07:00

Today is our last day of cleaning campsites. I'm so relieved. Tomorrow being the first of June, our duties change. Yesterday there was only Dwain and I to cleaning 129 campsites. Once we found out that there was only two reservations for that night, we left the rest for today, in addition today's sites. We worked seven hours and my body is screaming at me!

We find things that people leave behind, besides dirty campsites. Today I found a blow gun dart. I found out that there are blow guns that shoot small animals. I can't think of any small animal that should to be shot with a sharp dart. :-(

We were busy over the weekend visiting with friends from out of town. I did not catch up my home chores. Now it is all staring at me. I'm hoping tomorrow I can accomplishing something in my house. :-D

My pain level increased this week. I know I've overworked my body. I regret it because of the increased pain. I've tried so hard to have the park be perfect when campers come in and I have not accomplished my goal. Therefore, I find myself working more than my required four hours a day. In a way, I feel I've failed at this volunteer job and I've also failed keeping my house tidy. I'm afraid my Type A personality is to blame for this failure.

Tomorrow, Dwain will take Josh to his ball game. I'm going with Heather to an academic dinner and program. Patrick will receive an academic award, but we don't know for what class. Their Dad will miss both as his job will take him out of town. I hate missing Josh's game, but sometimes I must chose.

Have You Ever?

2011-05-25T06:04:00.000-07:00

Have you ever ....

Heard of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Had to ask a loved one not to hug you?

Slept an hour and a half, then awake the rest of the night?

Had to get out of bed because you were so stiff and sore?

Been so physically exhausted that you couldn't be on your feet long enough to shower?

Had your head throbbing and aching all day long?

Had excessive migraines headaches?

Felt like your neck was in pain could no longer hold up your head?

Had your arms and legs tingle and loose feeling?

Had your body ache continuously?

Felt like you had a sunburn on your skin .... but you don't?

Had shooting pains??

Experienced Irritable Bowel Syndrome or constipation as an ongoing issue?

Had an Irritable Bladder?

Stumbled or fell because you couldn't pick your leg up from total exhaustion?

Fallen upon rising from a sitting position or passed out?

Experienced Restless Leg Syndrome?

Felt like you had bugs crawling on you ... commonly called "The Creepy Crawlies?"

Had such a dry mouth that you couldn't get your tongue off the roof of your mouth to form your words?

Had such dry lips that they hurt?

Tried to swallow food and have it stick in your throat?

Had muscles that feel like ropes in your body?

Had excess mucus in your throat?

Been out of control with your cognitive function?

Had depression or an anxiety attack?

I hope not!

New Symptom?

2011-05-21T09:48:00.000-07:00

I have a new symptom with my body. I'm not sure if it is a Fibromyalgia symptom or just something my body is going to do. You know how you get "sleepy seeds" in the inside corner of your eye while you sleep? Periodically over the last couple of weeks, I've gotten the matter during the day. I don't realize it is there, rub my eye and the matter is spread under my eye. It then becomes brittle and flakes. It doesn't hurt or feel odd, just is different than I've experienced in my nearly 60 years. Maybe it's an "old age" thing?

A second day in a row I have woke to sunshine. I believe it is SPRING! It sure raises my spirit to have the sun shinning on my world. When the summer weather is hot, I feel worse. I move slower and think at a slower pace. Most with Fibromyalgia have less pain and fatigue during the warmer season. I feel best between 65 and 72. Dwain said if he could put me in a weather controlled living space, the temp would be 70. :-D

I hope everyone has a nice weekend. We are off to Josh's double-header baseball games. An fun time. :-D

A Springtime Sunday

2011-05-15T14:17:00.000-07:00

It's been two weeks since I've posted. I had a hard time making the time to write, mostly to tired and then our modem died. Just back up and running and my battery cord died. Then....

We got our call to move up to Wallowa Lake State Park to begin our park hosting duties. We enjoy being in this park. It is beautiful. By coming the month of May, the park is coming out from under the snow. We spend our work days raking sites and picking up blown down tree limbs. Combine the physical work and the stress of Dwain and I not communicating well during the week, equals a Fibromyalgia High Alert!!! Oh and grandson Josh's 2 to 3 baseball games a week! Needless to say my favorite part of last week were Josh's ball games.

Gave Lucy a haircut yesterday and a bath this morning. She is a fun little dog and I'm so glad we have her. I found her a sweatshirt and coat last week at a local farm store. They were on sale, which made me happy. Now she doesn't look like she had outgrown her clothes (which she had).

One other thing I enjoy is blogging and keeping up with Fibromyalgia Friends on Facebook. The comments I receive from both are encouraging and helpful. We are a community of friends brought together as a family and we all truly understand what the other is describing.

My newest symptom are my Achilles Tendons on both feet. It has bothered me for about three months. I've tried exercises and that is not relieving the soreness. Although, the more I'm on my feet the less it hurts. However, when I do sit to rest my body then get up....it is much worse. Can't win!!!

I wish you all a wonderful Sunday. Spring is showing up at Wallowa Lake. The fishing boats can now be on the Lake, little flowers are carpeting the landscape. Children are playing in the park, but probably the biggest sign of spring is that we have a bear in camp. He tends to come into camp at night and tries to raid the dumpsters. I hope the sun is shining where you live. Being springtime, it rains one day and sunshines the next in NE Oregon. Today it has been raining. At least it is not snowing like on Mother's Day!

Fibro Won Yesterday

2011-04-29T20:33:00.000-07:00

Fibromyalgia won yesterday. :-(

I lost my Godmother recently. She was also my Aunt. I was given the schedule for her multiple services. Dwain and I worked out how we could attend. This was a feat as our oldest Grandson's 15th birthday and our youngest Grandson's baseball tournament both fell on either side of her service. It would be a mega-full schedule, but could be done. By chance my brother called to see if I had received the service schedule. I told him I had and that we were leaving about 8 pm, after having Patrick's birthday dinner and cake with him. We would drive for several hours, stop for the night, then drive the rest of the way Friday morning, arriving in time for her graveside service. I had even made arrangements to pick our Granddaughter up on our way through Portland, keep her over night and return her on our way through Portland the next day. My brother was surprised we were leaving so early. This was a red flag and I questioned his comment. One of my cousins gave me the wrong schedule. The graveside service would not be until Sunday. Anxiety took over my being. I couldn't think. Emotion welled up and I couldn't figure out how to handle it. It was the most out of control feeling. It lasted for quite awhile. It slowed down when I made the decision not to attend the funeral. I was on the verge of tears all day. Sometimes they flowed. But there was always more. Today while I was reliving this situation, I had the realization that Fibro won. Ever feel the mixture of anger and sadness? What an over-whelming combination. My cognitive behavior has been worse, I'm very tired. I'm battling to keep depression at bay. I wish I could have over-powered my emotions and sat on them. I have had these emotions before, but this, by far, has been the worst. I've been able to handle them before. Not this time.

Yesterday, Fibro won.

2011-04-22T20:03:00.000-07:00

I couldn't get motivated this morning. When I tried to accomplish something, I couldn't focus. I'd start, then be distracted. Heather came over about noon. We had lunch together and a visit. Next we headed for Enterprise, which is about 30 minutes from Wallowa. She had to get her allergy shot and run a few errands. I was along for the ride. Later we did grocery shopping. Glad to have that done! Everyone was in the store, stocking up for the weekend.

I'm glad Easter weekend has arrived. I understand we are to have a nice weather. My Patrick and Joshua informed their Mom that they didn't want to have an egg hunt this Easter. Guess they have grown up. Dwain's Dad and his wife, Lenora are driving across the state on Saturday to spend Easter with us.

Heather shared information with me today that has drained my strength. Anyone with Fibromyalgia knows that emotional stress increases your pain. I hope that a good night sleep will help. I ask those that read my blog to say a prayer of strength for me.

Looking forward to Josh's opening day of baseball tomorrow. He has one game. I love watching his team play. They are learning and growing as players right before your eyes. I'm a proud Grandma!

Dwain, Lucy and I took a walk after dinner. It was nice to be outside although the sun was going down so the cool of the evening chilled us. I would prefer to take a daily walk earlier in the day, like late morning. By afternoon, my energy level is less. But I did it. :D

A Miscellaneous Day

2011-04-21T22:03:00.000-07:00

Had a slow day. Played on Facebook, twitter and email most of the morning. Did accomplish a large load of towels, washed and dried. Cooked chicken, mashed potatoes and salad for dinner. Watched American Idol.

It snowed most of the day. Didn't stick until this evening. Will be interesting to see what happens overnight. Grocery shopping with Heather tomorrow. Will enjoy her company. Also, will be nice to be out.

My Fibro has stayed in check today. Just a slight headache. Had an hour nap this afternoon.

Received a phone call from Seth this evening. It's been too long since we have talked. I miss him. I wish we lived closer. He is settled in his new home. Excited for him to have his first home.
ettled
Lucy will have a bath tomorrow. She is starting to smell like a dog!!

Back in Oregon

2011-04-20T21:55:00.000-07:00

My last post I mentioned that Dwain and I were going to hit the road. Well....we did! We were on the road for two weeks. Saw beautiful country. Most was covered in snow. We drove from the north Oregon coast to Rapid City, South Dakota. On our return to Oregon, we circled up to Fortine, Montana. Dwain's brother and his family live there. We planned to stay two days but got snowed in. That gave the brothers another day, which we all appreciated. It was nice to see that the community, which is small, love and support our family. They are in a place where everyone knows your business and helps when they can.

My Fibromyalgia did fine as long as I was able to stretch and walk every four hours. We had one day going to Rapid City and two days heading to NW Montana that we didn't stop as often. Boy did my body feel it and I felt my body! Only once took a pain medication. Otherwise I shifted alot. :D

We arrived in Wallowa, Oregon at 9:30 pm this Monday. It was a long drive from NW Montana. It feels good to be here. It's like returning home. We have spent many summers in this little NE corner of Oregon. We have almost two weeks until we return to Wallowa Lake State Park. We will be spending the summer at the Lake, park hosting.

My Chronic Fatigue continues to play havoc. I sat down about 11 am. I'd been on my feet for several hours and my body needed a rest. It wasn't two minutes and my eye lids were closing. I was able to battle the fatigue until 1:00. I then took a two hour nap. Exhaustion is not fun. You move in what feels like slow motion and you can't think straight.

Time to get to bed for the night. Hope you all have a good night sleep. Hugs

Getting out of Dodge!

2011-04-03T23:13:00.000-07:00

HITCH ITCH!!!

Yep, I have hitch itch. It does not cause a rash, upset tummy, diarrhea or hunger. Hitch itch is a term my husband Dwain and I use when we are ready to hit the road. In case you don't remember or you are a new reader, Dwain and I are full-time RVers. We have a 37' Fifth Wheel Montana. After being in an area for awhile, we get hitch itch to get out of Dodge. Well, we are itchin'! We are waiting for our mail to arrive from eastern Oregon then we will hitch up the RV and go! While traveling, we stop every two hours to stretch. We keep snacks and plenty of water in the truck.

I enjoy traveling, seeing new places. It also provides me with time to read or knit. We rarely eat out. The RV is our home so the fridge/freezer is full. Although I don't cook a large meal as we are never as hungry after sitting all day. Also my Fibromyalgia is height on. My butt gets tired and my pain increases. I'm thankful that the drive is not a long day. The drive is always interesting. Not only new scenery, but we always see wildlife...deer, elk, mountain goats ad lots of birds, to name a few.

I'm a lucky girl to be living as I like. It is easier on my body and for that, I am thankful.

2011-03-28T19:57:00.000-07:00

It has been so long since I've posted that I'm not sure if I remember how! I've had a rough winter. Park hosting, where I had duties that were a physical challenge. Then Christmas, which ran into tax season. I'm so tired, feeling run down. I have increased physical pain. Chronic Fatigue is rampid throughout my body. I need time not to worry about anything and to rest. I want to give up preparing three meals a day and washing dishes by hand. I want to read the two stacks of books sitting on my floor saying, "Read Me!" Read Me!" Does this sound like I'm lazy? I'm getting small projects done that have waited for five months. I'm not getting enough rest during the day. I hope to rest more this week. My cognative abilities have deminished. With rest, I'm hoping it will improve. I think this negative post must end....Sorry

"Always Get Back Up On The Horse" Author Unknown

2011-03-05T21:26:00.000-08:00

Each day when we woke, we had the opportunity to chose how our day would go. We ate anything we wished. We took a shower without assistance and we could stay in that shower 'til the hot water ran cold. We are wives and Mothers who took care of our home, raised our children and loved our husbands. Some worked outside of our home. We attended our children's sporting events and extra curricular activities. We paid the household bills, put gas in the car, did the grocery shopping, took the kids to doctor appointments and picked up prescriptions. We sewed on buttons and hemmed skirts. Family gatherings were our responsibility to plan and carry out. Did the bird feeder need filling? The garbage and recycling need to be put out? Don't forget to mail those bills. Family and friends received cards to celebrate their birthday, anniversary, a new baby or a life. Family pets must be fed, a drive to the Vet or to pick up their food, to mention a few.

Then one day we wake up and can't finish our shower because of the fatigue. Maybe the sensation of the water hitting our bodies feels like a million needles stabbing into our skin. Climbing upstairs is difficult to accomplish. We must climb half way, rest, then continue on. For some, different foods cause our pain to increase. We are unable to be on our feet long enough to make our kids' school lunches let alone make their breakfast. The dirty clothes are piling up. You rise from your chair and fall to the floor because of muscle weakness. You are afraid to drive for multiple reasons...you can't remember how to get to a location that you have driven to many, many times before. You are worried that your body will betray you before you can deliver your child to their football or play practice. Holidays are extremely difficult. It takes longer to accomplish tasks. Anxiety kicks in and confusion becomes evident. Cognitive issues are apparent to not only you, but to everyone you are in contact. You always remembered to acknowledge the birthday of others. It's on your calendar but you don't notice it until the day of, leaving your cards to be received late. You can't walk as far as you once did, leaving hikes with your family out of the question or a fun day of shopping. Volleyball games are to physical. To have a friend visit over a cup of tea is strenuous. Writing cripples your hand.

We must "always get back up on the horse" and put our best efforts forward. If we sit in pity, we can't ride.

2011-02-27T21:11:00.000-08:00

My writings have been far and few between. I wish I could write daily. It was my intent when I started blogging. We have been busy and I've found it difficult to accomplish everything. Then at the end of the day when I would usually blog, I'm exhausted. I do check Facebook before blogging and that must be my downfall.

My Chronic Fatigue (CF) has been more active than usual. Falling asleep before 11 am is not how life should be. My night sleep has been great so not trying to catch up on my sleep.

I am having trouble with remembering situations of family and friends. I've always kept up with their birthdays, anniversaries, family situations and their health. I haven't been remembering anything. I'm not sure if that is connected with the CF flaring and my cognitive issues. It is common for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue sufferers to have problems with names and dates. I've had a few problems in that area, but this has gotten worse. I read an article that said that dealing with our pain is all we can do. Therefore, we place everything on the back burner that happens in our day or to our body, except trying to control our pain. Where once we were multitaskers, now we must deal with the pain being racked through our body.

I leave you with this thought:

"Happiness is where you find it."

Author Unknown

Awesome Friday!

2011-02-11T13:41:00.001-08:00

My Friday, so far, has been awesome! My two grandsons are here for 3 days. It's an unexpected visit. There step-Dad's Mom is dying. Matt and Heather are with Matt's family spending time with Mom. She will pass soon. Matt is our grandsons' step-Dad, but he has raised them from a young age, so he is more like their Dad than their birth dad.

I enjoy these little men more than I can express. Patrick is 14, will be 15 in April. Josh is 12, his birthday is in July. They have been raised well. I know their parents are challenged by them at times, as it should be, but we are bless grandparents. We spent several hours on the beach yesterday. It was a beautiful day on the Oregon coast. Today we will attend a music night where many musicians gather for the love of music (Heather P you would enjoy Friday night music) and they play for two hours. Both boys are very musical. Patrick wants to play with them and he brought his guitar. Josh doesn't like to be looked at yet, so he will sit with me. They will see their great grandparents there and their great Aunt and Uncle. I'm excited to share them. :D

Saturday we will leave early and drive to Woodland, Washington. We will help move our youngest son and his family. They are moving to Vancouver, Washington. They have our 2 year old grandaughter, Lyla. So they will all have the day together. The boys live 8 hours across the state of Oregon from Adam and family so it's always a treat to get them together.

Will post photos when I get them transferred to my computer. I hope everyone has a good of day as I'm having. :-D I may not be worth a hoot on Monday, but that's ok!!!

Trying to Keep My Anxiety Controlled

2011-02-09T20:19:00.000-08:00

We have had a couple of emotional days. I try to keep my anxiety under control. Yesterday it got the best of me.

Dwain's Dad has a dominating personality. He has the need to constantly talk, all the while making no sense. He had some sourdough. I said I might make sourdough bread the next day. Well, I made sourdough biscuits the next day and they did not turn out. Now, it took an hour to prepare and cook the biscuits. After that I lost the desire for bread. My friend Marie came for an unexpected visit, so would not have had the time for bread preparation in time for dinner. The next day, while Dwain was talking to his Dad, he asked how the bread turned out. When Dwain told him that I did not make bread, he exploded and was angry. It upset Dwain. Because I have also experienced Dad's rath in the past, it upset me too. He cares about himself and does not consider others have opinions.

Our son-in-law, Matt's Mom is on life support. Matt and family will leave early Thursday morning to drive the eight hour trip to his parents. When they have said their goodbyes, she will be taken off life support. We will meet them and our grandsons will come home with us through the weekend. I feel guilty that I'm excited to see the boys when their Dad is loosing his Mom.

I know there are many more problems in the world, but right now these personal issues are increasing my stress level and in return my Fibro pain has increased. I'm hoping for a good night sleep. I haven't had problems sleeping since I've been on Trazodone to help me sleep....so thankful.

I have accomplished several projects in our home. Feels good to accomplish something. :-D

Solve Problems

2011-02-05T20:51:00.000-08:00

"Solve Problems Instead Of Making Them Worse"

For those of us with Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue (FM/CF), dealing with daily tasks are tricky. We must take each situation and make it easier, helping our body to cope. To follow are a few examples.

My sink is lower than is comfortable for me. I open the cabinet door and place my foot on the facing. The facing is about six inches higher than the floor. If I have a lot of dishes, I alternate feet, taking pressure off my lower back.

An Occupational Therapist suggested (if I had dishwasher), instead of bending over to close the dishwasher door, use my foot to bring the door closed. Here again helping the lower back.

Electric can openers will save your hands.

Adjustments to daily tasks can take pressure off your body. When we do not adjust, our pain increases. Quite often anxiety will then enter the picture.