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Tuesday, August 3, 2010

What I've Learned So Far



I had a wonderful and educational weekend. Hubby checked out some books on FM from the library and what I learned has helped me see things in a whole different view. I already knew that FM is not a fatal disease (that I know of) and basically what is happening is that your body is in pain pretty much all the time. I have monitored my body over the past couple of months and have noticed what activities make my pain worse, what activities make my pain less and what activities I can't do without.
Standing or sitting for long periods of time does not work for me and my body is pretty faithful in letting me know when I have had enough. The same thing goes for walking, I am better if I am walking around somewhere other than just standing looking for things as in shopping - and my body sends off pain signals as soon as it has had enough.
As far as exercise goes - well FM is not fatal and so it is important that I incorporate exercise into my daily schedule. I know that I cannot do too much exercise but what I can do I must do for the overall health of my body as well as emotions. FM is a frustrating disease that could easily have me laying in bed all day everyday if I allowed it to, then I would gain weight and feel horrible and sink back into depression... WHO WANTS THAT????
So I have learned to find exercise that I can incorporate into my life such as swimming - using a paddle board and kicking back and forth down the lanes. The first day I started with 20 laps and I was hurting and weak but I was okay. The next time I tried 20 laps again (two days later) and I could barely get out of the pool and had to lean on my sons to help me to the car. What did I learn? That it is really important to monitor my pain levels before I go swimming (or any exercise). I was hurting before I went swimming the second time around so maybe I should have only swam 10 slow laps instead - I should have listened to my son Josh who actually told me this (but no, I am a stubborn Norweigian!-lol!)!
Everyday I monitor my activities by my pain levels and go forward. I am not a victim because I have FM - it's just a fact of life. I am still a healthy 39 year old woman with a wonderful loving supportive husband and two wonderful loving supportive boys and a great big loving supportive God who gives me wisdom and resources to manage every day.
As far as pain is concerned I am learning to manage it by sitting still, closing my eyes and listening to God's still small voice as it becomes a healing balm to my body.
Just filling you all in on my progress, and hoping this is helpful to others with this disease.
Happy Creating everyone!



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12 comments:

A'n'G Johnson said...

for someone who feels like she is in denial - you are doing AWESOME at recognizing what your body needs.
Keep up the positivity!
Hugs!

Heather said...

Hi
I did not realize how you were suffering. you seem positive and that is all that matters! Keep healthy and stay strong. Being in the moment, now more than ever. good for you - your story and voice are encouraging to all of those suffering.
hugs to you,
heather

Diane said...

Yes, great attitude!! I admire your will to live with this and accept it as a part of your life--you inspire me!

jgr said...

Hi Kelly,
Thank you for visiting my blog and for your comment. I'll be keeping you in my prayers and sending you positive energy. You have a good attitude and that is important.

Nancy said...

Thank you so much for explaing about this disease.....my knowledge has been lacking....

It sounds to me that you are really taking very postive steps in dealing with this disease and are learning what works for you and what doesn't....What an example you are to all of us....I am very proud of you for being proactive......

Red Cat Cards said...

Rooting for you, Kelly !!

Anna Rosa Designs said...

Hi Kelly,
I'm so sorry to learn you have FM!
You are a wonderful, creative, sharing woman and I wish you the best of luck with pain management!
It sounds like you have it all under control.
Happy creating,
Hugs,
Anna

Healing Woman said...

Yes. I too, love your very positive approach.

Rebecca Anthony said...

Sounds to me like you are facing this thing like a winner and going to do what it takes to feel good. I'm thinking about you Kelly!!

Debbie said...

I'm sorry you have FM and I'm praying for healing for you. It sounds like you have a wonderful positive attitude! hugs to you Kelly!

ArtfulLee Designed said...

Hi Kelly
Your strength in mind, body and spirit are inspirational.
Lee:)

Jo said...

*Hugs* Such a positive and authentic post, Kelly. Its takes real disapline (gosh that's a scary word lol)and bucket-loads of courage to be positive in all things: accepting limitations, listening to your body, and doing what it takes to stay as well as you can.
Thank you for sharing and for being such an inspiration too.
More hugs xxx