Christine’s Story (Fibromyalgia)

I tell ya, it seems like I can’t catch a break!

I’m 25, and I was just diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I saw it coming. My sister and my mother were diagnosed with it several years ago, and I had all the same symptoms.

I can’t remember not feeling the pain. It’s been this way for years. But like everyone else: I have good days and bad days. On my bad days, I can’t even stand; my legs will fall from under me.

But I’m active. I play softball, I swim, I go to the gym. But I still constantly feel that ache. I describe it like sleeping on the “wrong side of the bed” but only worse.

I wish that was it. Recently, I was also diagnosed with a gluten and dairy intolerance. I also suffer from migraines, asthma, and seasonal allergies.

On top of it (this is the other big ticket item), I’m on about 10 medications for bipolar disorder. It prevents me from working. It’s so hard to keep up a ”normal” life when you’re crying from pain and sadness.

So few people understand. They keep telling me to “push through.” I wish it were that easy. I would take an eraser and selectively erase the pain and the bipolar and the allergies and just keep the humor, the charm, and the intelligence. I think that would make everyone happy.…if only it was that easy.

So much is expected out of me that is way beyond my capability. And on bad days, my capability is lying on the couch, eating potato chips, and watching Iron Man. I’m sorry.

Christine
New Jersey
Submitted 7-24-2012

The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

This story is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.