New Chapter…

I think I’m gonna start blogging again. =)

Seriously though, I have a lot going on, and Facebook just doesn’t seem the venue. This year has been super on the homefront. The problems and drama of just 2 years ago have been resolved and really, life is wonderful. I am very blessed.
Healthwise, on the other hand, life has been…eventful. Earlier in the year I was diagnosed with Hereditary Angioedema (type III) triggered by gluten (and probably stress). That in itself has been an adventure. In February and the beginning of March I was so sick I had to take a few weeks off from school and had to quit working at the preschool, which was really hard. It affects me everyday, and although I’ve gotten used to it, sometimes it’s a really big hassle. The good news is I’m feeling better staying away from gluten. When I got that diagnosis and went gluten free, I thought that would be the end of it–all would be well, and life would go back to normal. Well, it didn’t. The stomach issues didn’t completely go away. The joint and muscle pain was still there in full force. The fatigue, while slightly better, was still present. I was frustrated, to say the least, and we had to keep plugging to figure out what my stinkin’ problem was. Thankfully, I work for a wonderful doctor who has not given up on me and this process.
This week I went to see an internist with my crazy file in hand. At the end of the appointment, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. As serious as that sounds from the outside, all I could feel at the end of my doctor’s appointment was sheer relief. A name to go with all the pain and fatigue I’ve been feeling. I also feel validation. I just wanted to know what the heck was wrong with me. Why can’t I just do the things I need to do without feeling rundown, or in excruciating pain, or somedays, not being able to get out of bed at all? Now I know why. And I have not only an answer, but a plan. It’s going to be a lifestyle, just like the gluten free diet. I’m actually thankful that I started that part of the journey–this is just an extension.
With the Fibro, I have to watch what I eat, and gluten is on that list anyway. I have to exercise regularly staying away from high impact activities–I’ve already gravitated to water aerobics and yoga just from being in constant pain. I’ll just have to be more consistent. Another factor will be “budgeting my energy”. I always felt guilty because I get so tired so easily. I have friends who have more kids than I do, more activities, and they go and go and go and never seem to feel it. Yeah, they say they’re tired, but the next day they are up and going and doing it all over again. If I have a crazy nonstop schedule, I’m laid out for the next 24+ hours. Now I know that it’s just the nature of the beast–no reason to feel guilty. I just need to be aware and plan accordingly. I have a tendency to overdo it, and I really just can’t do that to myself. If I know I’m going to have to be busy, or things are going to be hectic, I need to plan some down time.
I’ve started a medication called Lyrica. It’s supposed to help with the pain, which I am seriously seriously looking forward to. I can’t remember the last day I went without some type of pain. The only down side is that it causes weight gain. The last 3 years I have gained due to anti-anxiety meds (anxiety very likely related to the fibromyalgia) and regular steroid shots (angioedema related). Medication weight is so frustrating and hard to lose… I recently lost 25 pounds, and I’m sooooo worried that’s in jeopardy with taking the Lyrica, but I’m also soooo sick of hurting. I am going to see a rheumatologist to rule out lupus, rheumatoid arthritis (and a few other things) and I had some other labs drawn. When all that is taken care of my doctor is likely to put me on a fibro medicine called Savella, and I can stop taking the Lyrica. Hopefully I can get through this next month with little damage done. I’m also hoping the dietary changes and more consistent exercise will also combat that. Time will tell, but I’m choosing to be optimistic.
This should be an adventure. While part of me is a little scared and a tiny bit overwhelmed I’m also thankful that I have such an awesome support group and resources. Fibromyalgia sucks, and I know I’ll have good days and bad days, but it’s not degenerative–I’m not going to die from it. I’ve been living with it for 5ish years–it just has a name for me now. And the shift in focus and changes that need to be made are things that I should be doing anyway right? Healthy diet and regular exercise. It’s a win-win.
Best of all? I have a medical excuse NOT to run.