Last night I went to a meeting with some of my fellow nurses. The topic was Fibromyalgia and the presenter (a doctor) was sponsored by a pharmaceutical company. I was very impressed. There was actually surprisingly little talk of their drug and lots of talk regarding the care of the patient. It was great!
The doctor used a fictious example of a patient, Mrs. C. and from start to finish she discussed all the different aspects of Mrs. C's life that are effected when Mrs. C was discovered to have Fibromyalgia. This malady can cause aching/pain all over your body, fatigue, and the blues just to name a few of the more prominent symptoms. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out how that could effect your everyday life. What a drain, a constant drain to be exact. The impressive part was not only did this doctor acknowledge how this disease could effect more than just the patient's physical feelings, it could effect her relationships, mental status and ability to participate in life. She very clearly stated and backed up with research that we as caregivers need to acknowledge and help with the whole person. Medical science proves that we are multi-faceted beings and all of our "parts" are intertwined.
So this Wellness Wednesday I'd just like you to think about the area of your life that you are most concerned with. The most common concern I hear is weight and anxiety/stress. Whatever your concern is, name it. Then take a few minutes to sit down and think. Is this area of concern effecting your everyday life? Be honest. Ask yourself questions. Did you not go for a walk with your neighbor or co-worker because you were afraid you couldn't keep up? Did you ever go swimming this summer or were you afraid to be seen in your swimsuit? Do you ever do anything in the evenings or do you just sleep in front of the TV until you go to bed because you just don't have the energy? How do your answers to these questions effect your family?
If you have just identified the fact that some area of your life is adversely effecting your daily "living" then you just taken a step towards health. Here's the next step, realize there are many layers in getting stronger. Pick one layer to start with. People with Fibromyalgia often struggle with sleeping. If they can consistently get more restful sleep then they can deal with the other aspects of life better. What aspect would you like to start with? If you need help, ask for it. If you are not sure where to start or who to ask, ask your friends via this blog. We'd love to help plus your being honest might encourage someone else.
The doctor used a fictious example of a patient, Mrs. C. and from start to finish she discussed all the different aspects of Mrs. C's life that are effected when Mrs. C was discovered to have Fibromyalgia. This malady can cause aching/pain all over your body, fatigue, and the blues just to name a few of the more prominent symptoms. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out how that could effect your everyday life. What a drain, a constant drain to be exact. The impressive part was not only did this doctor acknowledge how this disease could effect more than just the patient's physical feelings, it could effect her relationships, mental status and ability to participate in life. She very clearly stated and backed up with research that we as caregivers need to acknowledge and help with the whole person. Medical science proves that we are multi-faceted beings and all of our "parts" are intertwined.
So this Wellness Wednesday I'd just like you to think about the area of your life that you are most concerned with. The most common concern I hear is weight and anxiety/stress. Whatever your concern is, name it. Then take a few minutes to sit down and think. Is this area of concern effecting your everyday life? Be honest. Ask yourself questions. Did you not go for a walk with your neighbor or co-worker because you were afraid you couldn't keep up? Did you ever go swimming this summer or were you afraid to be seen in your swimsuit? Do you ever do anything in the evenings or do you just sleep in front of the TV until you go to bed because you just don't have the energy? How do your answers to these questions effect your family?
If you have just identified the fact that some area of your life is adversely effecting your daily "living" then you just taken a step towards health. Here's the next step, realize there are many layers in getting stronger. Pick one layer to start with. People with Fibromyalgia often struggle with sleeping. If they can consistently get more restful sleep then they can deal with the other aspects of life better. What aspect would you like to start with? If you need help, ask for it. If you are not sure where to start or who to ask, ask your friends via this blog. We'd love to help plus your being honest might encourage someone else.
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