Fibro Doesn't Kill

I gotta say, I am pretty shocked and amazed by how many views my first post got. Even more, I am blessed and thankful to be loved by so many more than I realized.

Some what expected, was some of the reactions and feedback I got. A little sad that those I had hoped would read it and have a better understanding of what I am going through, haven't seen it yet or care enough to look at it. The emotions and hurt I feel for that, I guess, is another day's topic. However, I did have a couple people care enough to, not only read it, but reached out to me for clarification.

See, when you look up Fibromyalgia as these friends did, you'll see that though Fibro is chronic, lasting ones entire life and has no cure, Fibro doesn't kill. So I was asked, what's really going on? Well, what you may not know, as these friends didn't know and understand, is that Fibro often comes with other symptoms and complications due to it's attack on the whole body and immune system. If you were to see my medical records, you'd see my complete list of diagnoses;

• Fibromyalgia 
• PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome)
• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Pre-diabetes 
• Sleep Apnea
• ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)
• Depression
• Anxiety
• ARFID (Avoidance Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)
• and now being monitored for possible High Blood Pressure

Each one complicates another and together, compounded by stress, puts such a strain on my body, that I am in constant battle with myself. So if ever I was to have any or the perfect combination of  high pain, high blood pressure, and anything  out of whack, I can expect a stroke or heart attack.

Here is how I am fighting. For starters, I take all these prescriptions and supplements every day. For me, this is kind of the easy part. So long as everything is refilled on time and I don't miss any doses, this is a somewhat successful defense. But as I get older and my stress continues to rise, it's not enough. Which is why I have to add to it regular exercise (but not strenuous enough to put me in a flare) and eat better (so difficult to do with the eating disorder). It's ironic to me, however, that these actually cause me more stress and feels somewhat counterproductive. But my doctors insist that in the long run will be better for me and for my overall outcome. So in addition to all the meds, I am watching what I eat (as best I can with ARFID), exercising, seeing a therapist and looking for the best treatment for the eating disorder. 

This is my battle and what I need cheerleaders for. There is so much work and dedication to every aspect of my fight. A fight I did not think I could continue. But in recruiting help and putting myself out there, I am finding the strength. I am reminded that I am not only fighting for my life, but fighting to be here for my children. And because I AM worthy and loved, I deserve the opportunity to stick around a little longer. So I will fight and continue to put in the work, as best as I possibly can, because although Fibro Doesn't Kill, all of what comes with it Can.