Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Where Oh Where to Start
After three years of questions, I finally have an answer to why my body seemingly betrayed me after having Hannah. One week ago my doctor told me she thinks I have fibromyalgia. I have been living with the idea that it was an under active thyroid since my Doc suggested it around Hannah's first birthday. Many of the symptoms were there and when you hear hoofbeats, think horses. However after three years of testing and retesting and then doing a few more tests, my blood continued to say there was nothing wrong with me. So why did I hurt all over? Why could I not lose weight? Why was I suddenly suffering from depression? Why was I exhausted even after sleeping 10 hours at night? Why was my once incredible memory now barely able to remember where I left the keys? Why did I get blinding headaches that started halfway down my back? And on and on. Answer: Fibromyalgia.
So what now? Education. What I know is only what I have witnessed watching my Grandma and cousin live with this illness. I have watched my grandma pace herself and care for herself and thus, be able to do nearly anything she wants. My cousin, has let her body dictate her life. I am going to be like my grandma I am naturally blessed with strength and a fairly high pain tolerance. These things will, I hope, help me tremendously. I also have the benefits of youth and time on my side. having a diagnosis does not change anything about how I feel today. I am no less able today than I was yesterday or last week before I had a name for my symptoms. What does change, is the future. And I am hoping to be able to make a strong foundation so as my body ages and symptoms worsen, I am in a better position to fight back.
So far I am learning that eating and exercise are the most important tools to managing the symptoms. Thus, Healthy Habits. Like Danielle, I am going to start cutting out the bad stuff and stocking up on the good. getting the rest of my family on board is going to be a bit of a challenge but I am hoping that in time, everyone will feel the benefits and want to continue for their own sakes. I have been reading about many foods that have anti-inflamatory properties and I am going to start trying to include these in my daily meals. I am also going to try to walk each day and get into a good routine of exercise while the weather is accommodating. Come winter I will hopefully be in a good enough routine that I am able to battle the elements and continue on. If not, I have the treadmill and can walk in the comfort of the dry shop.
So this is my starting point. I am really grateful to have my family behind me and look forward to seeing the changes that come into our lives.
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Way to go Genny! You can do this. You are one of the strongest women I know (and not just physically, though that too). I often get myself to do things I would usually wait for Kristian to do by saying, Genny would just do this herself, you can do it too. I'm not kidding, I've done that for some years now. Watching you has helped me be more self sufficient and motivated. If anyone can do this, it's you. Let's keep each other motivated and on the right track. We're bound to get discouraged and slip here and there, but as long as we don't do it at the same time, and remember to hold each other accountable, we'll be an asset to one another. I know we can do this. And, I typed it out for all to see, so it must be true.
ReplyDeleteI'm just now catching up on posts. I don't think I was around for this one but I'm grateful we had the chance to talk about it in person (though it was also while enduring hours at the ER...hehe). Your attitude is going to make ALL the difference in this new journey of yours, and you've definately got the right one! I love you and I'm grateful that all us sisters can be so close. I don't know how I survived so many years with young kids without being this close (physically)! It's good to know we always have each other's backs.
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