New car

I can't believe after only two days of taking Quinine my tinitus is much worse, so bad that even the radio didn't drown it out. I have had a lot of pain in my calf muscles too, they feel hard and its like their burning.

We collected our new car this lunchtime, and I was relieved the seats didn't hurt my back. We ruled out so many based on uncomfortable seats, it was a relief to actually find one. Our old car is too low, which means its very hard to get in and out. Almost impossible if my back muscles are bad, so at least this new car is the right level. You would not realise they are so many things to think about until you have these issues.

Interesting article

I was reading an interesting article about different types of pain, apparently FMS sufferers suffer from seven different types of pain. It was good to know that I'm not alone in having to cope with these strange pains, Which change constantly, in different parts of your body, or all over when really bad. I could relate to the voodoo doll pain, as you never know where or when it will happen, but you know it will hurt.

Here is a link to the article http://chronicfatigue.about.com/od/whatisfibromyalgia/a/fibromyalgiapain.htm 

My feet & calf muscles were much better this morning, so I did some ironing while I could. But after lunch I had too much pain in my hips and feet so had to sit down. I did manage to help Tom cook tea, but let him use the cooker after my last near disaster!

Doctors again

Finally got my blood test results today, my doctor told me my vitamin D level was 40. Last years result was 50, so slightly lower this time and below the recommended level of 75. So I've got to keep taking my Adcal tablets, and she told me to spend 15 mins outside at least five times a week. The good news was all my other results were normal, although my cholesterol was borderline.

She also gave me some more medication to help with my muscle cramps. Last time it increased my tinnitius, but she gave me a lower dose this time. So it might take a few weeks to notice an improvement, without making the tinnitus worse.

She also told me I can't take Tramadol, as she has increased the Amitriptyline as it could cause fits etc. So I've a new tablet called Nefopam to try, when the pain gets bad enough.

Thankfully it has cooled down today, so managed to get a bit of ironing done. I also went to the library with my son and daughter, we weren't there long but my muscles were sore when we got back. My feet are also painful, they feel like the are full of broken bones. Fingers crossed they feel better tomorrow, not easy to get around like this.

Hot hot hot

Another really hot and humid day, so I decided rather than stop at home, to go to Asda with Tom. I haven't felt like going since Easter, but it was nice looking round at the new things. We did stop to chat to my sister in law, which didn't help my back muscles or my hips. That's one of the hard things, when the condition interfers with daily life. I didn't like say I couldn't stand and chat, but paid the price afterwards.

It was too hot to stay indoors, so we sat in the shade which was cooler if not ideal. I hope we get some rain tonight to cool things down a bit,

Hot weather

The walk yesterday resulted in a lot of hard painful muscles in my calves mainly. I have had quite a bit of cramp today too, but the heat has been the worst thing to cope with.

I sat outside this afternoon so got plenty of vitamin D, but its been so hot its given me a splitting headache. I like sunshine but not when its humid so you don't get any relief indoors or in the shade. Not sure how I'll sleep unless it cools down soon, especially with our dog barking at every sound when the windows are open.

My cold has been a lot better finally, but still got a tickly cough but so far it hasn't kept me awake.

A lovely walk

I've had a lovely day for a change, despite still feeling rough with my cold. I have slept better the last few nights, which helps but still feel rather drained.

After lunch we went for a lovely walk, we drove to the village church as its too far for me to walk from here. Next to the church is a cricket field and there was a match, which is a very British summer scene. Our dog loves going a walk in the fields, but he got tired quicker than me. I enjoyed the sunshine, peace and quiet, spending time with my husband Paul, so it was worth feeling tired when we got home.

Weekend

I didn't feel too bad first thing, so decided not to take some paracetamol. I soon regretted it though, sore throat, earache and now my cough is getting worse.

Luckily the pain in elbow has been better today, which after six months of constant pain due to tendonitis, it was a relief.

I am really hoping this weekend might be dry and sunny, as I haven't been out of the house this week. Well this month I've only been out three times so far, and two of those were to my doctors surgery! I don't plan to go far, just a gentle walk with my husband and our dog. Hopefully it will help my cold, get some exercise and might get a bit of vitamin D if its sunny.

Photos

I was looking at some old photos recently, which made me realise how quick time goes by. This time last year our daughter Laura had gone to work in America at a summer camp near New York. It was my Mum's 70th birthday while she was away, and everyone had a wonderful day.



Me on far right of photo

 I was really surprised how well I looked, as it was after a few bad weeks.

Relief

I am getting fed up of this cold now, but it made me appreciate how lucky I am not to have to feel like this normally. People who suffer breathing problems must feel like this all the time, which is a frightening thought. The only thing that gives me any relief is breathing methol, or albas oil.

I have had to be careful how I moved today, my back muscles are still tender. I did try to do a few little jobs round the house, mainly tidying but my muscles ached. I finished reading my library book about Fibromyalgia and was surprised to learn swimming isn't recommended.

Resting

I decided as I didn't feel well to stop in bed this morning and just rest, I didn't sleep for long, then read for a bit. I got up at lunchtime as I wanted to be able to sleep tonight, but didn't do much. I kept going outside for a bit of fresh air, but it isn't very warm today.

Just hope I can get some sleep tonight, although taking regular pain medication has helped today.

20th June 2011

This awful cold made me feel so bad I couldn't even go on my laptop, so must be ill! I couldn't think at all, so went to bed early, had to get up in the night twice to make a hot drink as my throat was so sore. I did find a methol inhalation helped with my breathing, but it doesn't last long.

On a positive side it hasn't flared my Fibromyallgia like some viruses do, but my back is still tender.

Cold

I woke up unable to move, I tried to reach for my drink of water but it sent a spasm of pain though my back. I had to wake my husband who fetched me some tramadol, as well as a hot mug of tea to soothe my sore throat. I couldn't breathe either so he got me some albas oil, as I can't take most decongestants due to my medication.

The tramadol helped take the edge of my back pain, so did get back to sleep for a few hours. As it was Father's day I got up, but didn't feel up to going to the Dam where my Dad's ashes were scattered. But I know he would understand, and I don't have to go somewhere to think of him.

Our daughter cooked us a really tasty Sunday lunch, and despite feeling rough I enjoyed it. I resisted having some more of Tom's birthday cake, but did have some more fruit.

Just hoping for a better week.........

Back trouble

I was really hoping to feel a lot better when I got up this morning, as we were invited to a wedding. I could feel my back muscles were rather delicate, even moving slightly and after washing my hair my back went completely. I was in a lot of pain, the muscles were so tense and I could hardly move, so had some tramadol, and a heat pad stuck to the worse area. It's still painful but I've been walking around slowly so I didn't get too stiff.

I have had trouble getting upstairs to the bathroom, but had to take it one step at a time. I decided to soak my feet this afternoon, as I couldn't do much else. So Paul got me a bowl of hot water with some lavendar foot soak and it was really relaxing. He then dried them, and plastered them in E45 cream, as my skin is so dry these days. They feel so nice now, don't know how I'd manage though if I didn't have such a caring husband.

I did really well with my healthy eating today, cereals for breakfast, strawberry yoghurt with sliced banana for lunch, as I wasn't very hungry and a ham salad for tea. I have also had more decaf tea, rougly half and half with my normal tea, as it warns to wean yourself off slowly.

Just hope the pain in my back eases before bed, as its not easy laying down in this much pain.

Blood test

I went for a blood test this lunchtime, and remembered to mention last time how painful it had been. I realised the vein they used was where the tender point of my elbow is, so had a painful elbow joint for four weeks! Hopefully it will be easier this time, it already feels better than it did last time.

I really feel as though I'm getting Tom's cold, my eyes are really sore and I've got a really tickliy cough. Last time my cough was really annoying as it kept me awake, which just makes me even more tired.

I decided today I'm going to cut down on how much tea I drink, so will start drinking decaf teabags. I always end up with a dreadful headache when we go out, so it should help.

It's twenty years today since our wonderful son Tom was born, at 8.20pm after a very short labour. We have been really lucky  that we have had such healthy, clever and well behaved children, that have grown into two wonderful adults that we are so proud of.

No better

Well so much for me saying last night I should have no problem getting to sleep as I was so tired! I couldn't get comfortable and was wide awake, I even considered getting up again. But decided not to disturb Paul, and our dog Izzy always follows me if I come back down.

I've had another day of wide spread pain, so not felt like getting anything done. I did sit outside briefly, but then it threatened to rain, so gave up and came indoors. Every time I moved it just flared the pain even worse, especially in my neck.

I am beginning to worry if I'll be well enough to go to a wedding this Saturday. I think it will depend on how I feel when I get up that morning, as its hard to guess during a flare.

Tired

Had a better day, I didn't need any more tramadol which was good, although did have some ibruprofen for a headache. I had more pain in my back this afternoon, especially down my spine, then after tea it felt like my ribs were been crushed.

The weather wasn't as nice today, it felt humid indoors but dull outside. I didn't sleep too well last night, so felt really tired all day so should sleep tonight.

Sunny day

I could tell when I got up this morning I would need to take some Tramadol, as the pain was every where and too much to cope with just my normal tablets. Luckily it did ease the pain, and I also went outside in the sunshine as it was a beautiful day.

We all decided to go for a walk, so Laura drove us up to our village church and went a walk up through the fields. It was flat and a pleasant walk, except I wish I had remembered to take a bottle of water. It tired me out but I felt good for getting some exercise as well as plenty of vitamin D.

I had a lot of pain in my hip at teatime, so struggled to prepare tea. As my daughter was out and my son had hurt his hand, my husband helped me cook it! He is a great help, despite him not doing any cooking himself, but is good at following instructions luckily.

Sore throat

I woke up with a sore throat this morning, so ended up with it causing a flare of my condition. I have had wide spread pain all over today, but worse in my hips, legs and elbow. I did increase my pain medication, but it hasn't helped that much. So another few days, weeks or even months of this to look forward to! My worse flare lasted four months, so fingers crossed it isn't that bad.

It was sunny briefly this morning so I had a walk around the garden, but it was too windy to sit outside. I would have liked to go for a little a walk with my daughter Laura and our dog Izzy, but the pain in my hips was too much. Hopefully I will feel better tomorrow and then will try to go a walk as its supposed to be nice, if my son or daughter will go with me. I can't take him on my own, as he pulls too much for me to hold his lead.

I had problems with my speech today, kept using the wrong words which is annoying. It isn't too bad if I'm talking to my family who are used to it, but wonder what strangers would think!

You have to laugh!

I had no energy this morning to get up, all I did was go and make a drink when I first woke up and it took all my energy. I got back to bed then that was it, so no hope of me going to the car boot with Paul & Laura. They were only going for a quick look round, so it would have made a change but had to admit defeat and stop in bed.

I got up when they got home about ten, but didn't feel much better even then. It's so frustrating to feel as tired as when you went to bed, but its beyond feeling tired really more like you're exhaused.

We did have a laugh earlier, I'd asked Paul if he would heat my wheat cushion for my neck. Then I totally forgot about it until I was sat thinking my neck is really painful, then realised it was still in the microwave! Which my daughter found very funny!

My abscess on my gum is still healing slowly, but when you have Fibromyalgia you don't heal as quick as normal. I finished my antibiotics in the week, but it does look as though its improving eventually.

It has rained all day, but it doesn't bother me as it keeps it quiet outside. Yesterday someone down our road was cleaning his car, with his radio on full blast. I can't understand why people have to be so inconsiderate, as it was too loud for me to have a window open.

I am supposed to sit out in the sun to get some natural Vitamin D but been unable to tolerate noise makes it difficult. We haven't had much sun recently though, well not warm enough to sit out in, even this coming week looks like more rain is forecast.

Dangerous situation

I was helping serve tea last night, only the small pan of peas and some how forgot to turn the ring off on the hob. We didn't notice until the tin Paul had put down on it, began to burn! I never remember doing anything these days, so will have to really concentrate on unplugging the iron etc.

I couldn't wake up this morning again, could have sleep forever and it took a while for me to get going when I did get up. I did try to empty the dishwasher, but my back muscles went into spasm again. It's so frustrating, but I sat down to finish empting it, which is usually how I fill and empty the washing machine.

Paul went to the library and the other book I'd requested had arrived. I wasn't totally surprised to find I was the first person to get it out. It is writien by a Fibromylagia sufferer, so hopefully it will be interesting. The other one I'm currently reading is written by a doctor, but its very medical at times!

I did feel as though my head was a bit clearer, so did some research on my tree this afternoon. I tried to peel some mushrooms for tea, but ended up with cramp in my hands. I have also had a lot of pain in my neck and shoulder, so Paul rubbed some pain relieveing gel in, as well as taking more pain medication. Didn't really get much relief though, probably lasted an hour at most. It's a difficult area to use the heat pads, they work better on the lower back as its flatter. So I use my wheat bag as that wraps around my shoulders, but not much use if you go out.

So tired

I had a bad night, due to a lot of pain in my shoulder, elbow and hand so it wasn't easy getting comfortable. I also had a cramp in my calves, so probably should have got up but was too tired. Probably the increase in Amitriptyline, or just did too much yesterday, (only did a bit of ironing)  which is why I feel half asleep even now mid afternoon.

I hoped things would improve this morning when I got up, but my back went while getting dressed. So I've struggled to do anything today, just feel like I'm fighting to keep awake.

More known in America

 I requested some library books about Fibromyalgia from my local library, not surprisingly the one that arrived is American. The condition is much more known over there, we even saw adverts while we were over in Washington DC last year, for drugs available for sufferers.

My best friend lives in Florida and she can't believe how little is known of the condition over here. Or how little is done to help sufferers, its amazing to think that in the UK we only have one doctor Professor Davis who actually specialises in Fibromyalgia Syndrome. (With clinics in London & Bristol)

Even finding a GP that understand the condition isn't easy, which is why it takes some (well most) people years to finally get a diagnosis. But you don't have to give up hope, one day some one will listen to you.

A Walk

I went for a short walk with my son Tom and our dog Izzy this afternoon, which was the first for months. It was admittedly a slow walk compared to Tom's pace! Luckily the pain was mainly in my shoulder and neck today, so it didn't stop me walking, but my hip hurt by the time we got home.

I need to try to get more exercise, so might try the Wii Fit, if I can remember how to turn it on!

Doctors visit

I had a successful visit to see my doctor, although my BP was higher than normal. We discussed how I'm coping, and I explained some times it's hard to accept I need so much help. So she suggested I increase my Amitriptyline, so will probably find it even harder to wake up for a few days. I have an appointment for a blood test, and then have to back for the results in three weeks. 

I also told her I was considering applying for DLA, as someone had mentioned they thought I might qualify. She said she would support me, but warned there is no guarantee it would be successful. So will fill in the forms and see what happens, as I have to accept I do need help every day.

Doctors Appointment

Much to my relief my shoulder was much easier this morning, even though it wasn't easy getting comfortable last night. Pity the other one was painful though, as well as the back of my neck one of my common painful areas.

I made an appointment to see my GP tomorrow afternoon, so now have to write a list so don't forget why I'm going! I usually take someone in with me, but will have to go in alone, hence the list.  My son Tom has to go and fetch my daughter Laura home from work, as it was the only time she had available. (Its so hard getting through at half eight in a morning, then most of the time been told they have no appointments left!) So he will drop me off and come back for me later, just hope I'm not still waiting to go in!

I don't go to see my doctor as often as you might think, as there isn't much she can do that she hasn't already tried. We do discuss my medication, change the doses, and arrange blood tests etc if needed. I was prescribed Quinnine for muscle cramps last time, but they really increased my tinnitus so had to stop them. So wonder if she has any alternatives for me to try????

Needing help

Today I have had a really painful shoulder, caused my me shutting the window during the night as I felt cold. I woke up with a numb hand, so realised it hadn't gone off during the night and I couldn't move my arm without causing pain. So used some pain relieving gel to help directly on my shoulder, plus some heat, but struggled not to use it during the day. I forgot once when I reached to turn on the tap, but didn't do it again! So I had to let my daughter come home from work and cook our tea, instead of me who should have done it, but couldn't again!

I was still tired from yesterday, so didn't achieve much today, except I now have smooth silky legs courtesy of my wonderful husband! I can't do them myself without causing more pain, even him doing them causes intense itching, with my skin sensitivity. (I forgot to take one of my tablets before we started, so paid for it when he used the shaving gel! Luckily using oil to calm the skin down afterwards, as well as taking a tablet did help.) He helps me with a lot of things that involves stretching, like washing my hair, or doing a pedicure on my toe nails etc.

It's not easy asking for help to do things that most people take for granted, but sometimes you don't have a choice. I feel sorry for sufferers who live alone, or have unsupportive partners as having a chronic pain condition makes you suffer enough. No one would chose to feel this way, but lack of understanding of this condition, even by some of the medical profession, can sometimes make you feel very alone.

Temperatures

I decided to sort my wardrobe out today with help from my husband Paul, so we packed away the winter clothes and unpacked my summer clothes. Its getting too warm now for jeans and sweat shirts, although I do feel cold more than I ever did before. I never had any socks, but now I have a drawer full, from trainer socks to thick house socks, as my feet are usually freezing. But in summer I really feel the heat, so prefer vest tops and shorts to keep cool and comfortable. They say when you have Fibromylagia, your thermostat is broken, so I probably shouldn't be surprised.

Recently the skin on my hands has felt as though its burning all the time, hope it goes away soon as its an annoying feeling. The electric shock pains have flared up again, they hurt even though they don't last long, so not good in a different way. Imagine someone sticking a pin in you, it makes you jump and hurts as well, and you never know where or when it will happen next!

I felt beyond  tired once we had finished, even though it took us all day, with breaks. I sat down for a rest and couldn't get up, as my muscles were so sore it felt like they had closed down. I felt about seventy five, not forty five when I slowly hobbled into the kitchen to help cook tea. Not that I was any help, as I could hardly move and when I did it hurt too much.

I really hope it will cool down a bit tonight, so I can sleep, pity we don't have A/C over here. I always dreaded going some where hot, but A/C makes so much difference and much easier to cope with the heat outdoors.

Lucky

23 years ago today I gave birth to a beautiful healthy baby girl, our first baby and it only seems like yesterday I was in that delivery room. Funny I can remember so much about that day, when I can't remember what I did last week!

I feel really feel lucky to have had two brilliant children, who have given us so much happiness, that no amount of money can buy. I might have health problems, but am so grateful to have had two healthy children, as no parent wants to see their child ill or in pain.

I do worry that I am becoming a burden on them which I don't want to be, but they know when I'm struggling to do something and take over.

Mixed emotions

It's been a mixed day of emotions, but not really sure why, part of me was happy that I felt well enough to do some ironing. But also felt a bit sad as I feel I don't do enough, as when I had done the ironing  and hung some washing out I'd no energy left.

I also felt a bit rough, but I am now taking the antibiotics, but not had many yet so some of how I'm feeling could be due to that. Or even because I didn't sleep very well last night, I was just too warm, so might need to get a fan out of the loft, if it doesn't cool down a bit.

I am a bit worried about my elbow, as its been rather painful the last few days, and it's only a few months since my tendonitis went away, after about six very painful months. I haven't done anything to aggravate it that I remember, but didn't last time either.

Dentist

I hate going to the dentist, but today I had to give in, as I have an abscess on my gum, so needed some antibitics. I am hoping they work, as it's uncertain what will happen next if not, as the tooth might have to be removed. Luckily its not too painful, probably due to all the pain medication I take, but it is sore.

I felt really stressed while waiting in the waiting room, and could feel my heart racing when it was my turn. I ached all over, but at least I got there and now the antibiotics can do their job hopefully.

I also went to buy some clothes on the way home, as my daughter had some discount vouchers.  It was a nice distraction for an hour, even for me who doesn't normally enjoy shopping. But by early evening I was completely drained, my back muscles were so sore, I just collapsed on the settee. I feel like someone unplugged my batteries, so don't know how I'll climb up the stairs to bed, oh I wish we lived in a bungalow, or even better a Florida villa!