The Two Sufferers

Greetings,

First a little update. Nothing has been found by X-ray, ultra-sound or blood test that gives any definitive explanation for the long-term pain in my chest. The result of this is that it has been a little difficult to deal with the particular problem. Most recently the options were lined up for me by the doctor: 1) injection of cortisone and local anesthetic into the area; 2) physiotherapy in order to possibly strengthen the area; 3) quitting fencing as it may be a repetitive strain injury; and 4) doing nothing and just hoping it will go away with time. I am happy to tell you that options 3 and 4 have been taken off the table by both of us. Needless to say I have a referral for physiotherapy. Anyway, on to the blog.

I have found in my travels there are two types of sufferers of fibromyalgia and how they deal with the condition does directly affect their lives and the quality of it. I am going to present these two types of sufferers and describe how they deal with having fibromyalgia. I am hoping that this may give some people some idea about how to deal with the condition or possibly help a friend or loved one about how to deal with the condition. You will also find that this is closely related to the previous blog.

The first type of sufferer of fibromyalgia is afraid of pain simply put. What this means is that they will do all in their control in order to avoid putting themselves into a situation where pain may happen. For these individuals, pain and fatigue associated with doing things is very scary for them so they tend to not do very much or go out very much. They bundle themselves up and hide from the world in order that it cannot hurt them. These people don't tend to do very much with themselves, and in some situations they do less and less.

The second type of sufferer of fibromyalgia is not afraid of pain. They know it makes them uncomfortable, but they can put themselves in a situation where pain may happen. These individuals go out and do things. These individuals do not allow the condition to rule what they will or will not do just because of the result if they do it. These are the individuals who you may not know even have the condition because of the things that they go out and do and are seen doing. They know that the result of activity may be a period of inactivity, but feel that the activity is worth it.

Of course there are grades of both. There are some who have a little of both in them, or more of one than the other. There are also extreme examples of both. The extreme example of the first type is the one who does not leave their home unless they have to and does the absolute minimum required in order to survive. The extreme example of the second one is the individual who constantly pushes and pushes their body to the breaking point and beyond. This often results in a high activity and crash style of existence.

It is important that the person with fibromyalgia understands that pain and fatigue will be a part of their life, but are not scared of it. In my personal opinion it is much better to be one of the second type rather than the first type as you will get to see and do a great deal more. Of course, this must be balanced with periods of rest in order to be able to continue to do things and this is important. What also needs to be realised is that if you do an activity and push it to 5% more than you did last time you can only improve.

For those who have the first type of sufferer as friends or loved ones, encourage them to do things. Remind them that maximum activity is not expected to start with, get them to find things that they can do and then do a little more and a little more. I feel that this will eventually improve their quality of life. Get them to look at what they have achieved when they have improved, this may spur them to do more, and thus get motivation in order to gain a better quality of life.

Cheers,

Henry.