What a fibromyalgia episode feels like for me

I don’t intend this to be a whiny post, but the fact that I would need to clarify that lets you know it’s probably going to sound whiny. I’m experiencing the most severe symptoms I’ve had in a long time. Thank God. It’s actually been one of my longest breaks between serious flare ups. My goal is to document what it’s like for one person, though we know it varies, not just from person to person but even in an individual. Not your thing? See you next time maybe. Fibromyalgia skeptic? I was.

Yesterday I went to the dentist and unnecessarily got myself so anxious and tense because the last go-round had been very painful. After it went smoothly and the angst had been for naught, my muscles needed time now to release the cortisol created. Those muscles got a work out whatever the cause.

Later in the evening, my mid back started to cramp and ache a little.i used my small therapy ball up and down each side of my spine. No big deal. Took a muscle relaxer and put up my feet. I think I slept pretty well.

This a.m., I felt okay. As I walked around and was on my feet most of the day at work, the pain steadily increased. I tried to tighten my core muscles but then my rib cage started aching. By 4:00 this afternoon, my back and ribs felt like they were about to seize up, which is really awful.

I let my manager know and clocked out after I finished what I was doing. I am so grateful to have a great boss.

I’m lying down with my feet elevated in a wedge. My therapy ball is going to be helping release tension. The tension is up the sides of my neck, the base of my head and up the sides through my jaws and temples, twitching on the left.

I’ve been diagnosed by two primary care doctors and a rheumatologist. It’s not all in my head. I’m not a hypochondriac, not just a big baby. I recommend getting checked and receive whatever diagnosis is appropriate. Having a doctor explain what’s happening is very helpful and you may get access to PT, massage, chiropractic care, etc.

Have to stop writing. Time to relax. Full shift tomorrow. Chiropractor Thursday.