Update and the Slippery Slope

Greetings,

Update on the chest: Went and saw the doctor after the ultrasound found nothing. The current theory is it may be reflux causing it. If not the next option is injections of cortisone into the areas of my chest. After that, who knows. With the update done we can move on to a more interesting and poignant subject.

One of the greatest issues with fibromyalgia (FM) is that there are three elements which conspire together to result in a slippery slope, the three are pain, depression and lethargy. It is a problem when the three of these are able to combine together to give the sufferer the full effects of the condition, and it can also lead to the condition becoming worse. This is a very slippery slope downward, and some will not find their way back up again.

Pain is an ever-present element of FM. It is something which is dealt with in various different ways. Medication is the most well-known of these methods. For some the best way to deal with pain is to avoid it altogether. There is a problem with this however, this restricts the activity level of the individual, and also makes them less inclined to do things. This can lead to lethargy.

Lethargy is an element of FM which is sometimes taken to be laziness on the part of the person with the condition. Some days the sufferer will simply feel drained and there will be nothing which can increase their negative feelings. This is especially the case where the individual is in pain. In some instances the person with the condition will examine their situation and just stay where they are this can lead to feelings of depression.

Depression is an element which is associated with FM. This is because the symptoms of the condition tend toward the individual feeling horrible on a regular basis. There has been a correlation demonstrated between this and the individual's pain levels. The more depressed a person gets the more pain the individual may feel.

What can be seen in what has been presented is that there is a very slippery slope between the three elements presented. One leading to the other and gradually the individual feels worse and worse, and is less and less inclined to do anything. This of course leads to increased depression and the cycle starting over again. This results in and individual who does very little at all, thus making their own condition worse. Is there a way out of this? Not without work.

The individuals with FM who are more active are usually those who feel better. This is simply because they do not allow the condition to rule their lives as much as it might. Sure, they have their bad days, but they also ensure that they do things as well. Acknowledging small achievements is a good way to start bringing an individual out of a state of depression. Doing things will also assist greatly, even if it is as simple as going for a walk somewhere. These three elements can be fought against in order that the individual can feel better. This will increase their ability and want to do other things and thus the cycle upward starts.

In all cases, assistance from others is always helpful. This may come in the simple form of encouragement from them. It is something which is small but helps a great deal. Help the individual with FM to see the positive things that they can do rather than focusing on those that they cannot. It is not easy and it does take time but it is possible.

Acknowledgement of pain is important, but fear of it or complete avoidance of it will not help. Do the little things that you can do now. Acknowledge the achievement. As you do more and more things, you will be able to do more and more. The increase in activity itself will also help you feel much better than if you did not do things. As soon as you feel yourself slipping downward, find something to help you fight your way upward and work at it. Increasing activity may cause some problems in the beginning but it will be worth it in the long run.

Cheers,

Henry.