I know I have mentioned this in a previous blog, but it has come back to me after reading another Fibro blog recently and her words rung a bell within me... she, yet another person with Fibro, has also had an accident in the past resulting in whiplash.  I hunt high and low for information about Fibro, but again the percentage of articles and information is outstanding of those who have suffered with whiplash and now suffer with Fibro.

Have a read of this article I found, and prepare yourself... it is long and there are lots of big words but there are also lots of studies suggesting that whiplash has long lasting effects, long after the injury has even healed.  Once again I am not saying this is the answer, I am just saying it feels so consequential, and bloody interesting.

Food for thought:
http://www.doctorschierling.com/blog/chronic-neck-pain-only-one-of-the-many-consequences-of-whiplash

There is plenty to read out there about Fibro and current studies, I just hope and pray that one day it will all be clear!  Just don't read the one from the Irish Neurosurgeon who says whiplash and chronic pain are all made up... that was a boring and laughable article!

Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, trolling through the internet and found this:
http://www.drliptan.com/blog/2017/9/18/build-the-ultimate-fibromyalgia-pain-toolkit-part-2

I would take the time to also read through Dr Liptan's studies as well.  Sounds like she has put her whole heart and soul into studying Fibro.

It says a lot about someone when they take the time to recommend a PAIN TOOLKIT (see link above) and I for one am off to purchase and follow these instructions.  Thanks Dr Liptan!!

Well, this proves to be a very interesting read and something to think about:
https://mpkb.org/home/pathogenesis/th1spectrum#fn__1

It is a scientific study that really rings true to many of the varying symptoms ranging from one fibromyalgia sufferer to another... and why is there such a strong correlation to clusters of symptoms i.e. Irritable Bowel Syndrome etc.

I always feel like I am learning more and more about the possibilities of causes and reasons for Fibromyalgia, and the pain and suffering of this syndrome!  I hope that the scientists (such as these in this study) continue to try and put 2 and 2 together for chronic conditions.  It is not easy not knowing, and not easy when people have preconceived ideas about Fibro or any other condition that doesn't have a 'disease' branding (ie. therefore not real in the medical world). 

It just proves that we don't know as much as we think about our bodies, in this article it explains the hundreds of thousands of unknown bacteria we have in and on our bodies.  Some say we don't even know the life cycle of them.  Also that we didn't think they could transfer DNA to one another... there is so much more to learn!!

Pain on Christmas day.  Crappy!  I don't know what to think about having to feel crap on Christmas day, and having a brave face through it all.  It is difficult to slink away and rest, or be sore... I don't want the attention!  Do you?  I don't want to feel bad about it, but what the 'f' does one do?  Do you get tired of making excuses?  Everyone I was with knows I have fibro, but do you wanna be 'that person'?  I HATE having to feel sore, and then tired from being sore, and then tired because I can't sleep but still do the stuff of a mother and wife so everyone doesn't feel bad or worried... it is such a vicious crappy, sad cycle!  So my first base is to just go with the flow, second base, smile and nod, third base wince and maybe have an extra gin LOL!!  What else can you do?  Ha!

Everyone has their pain.  I guess I just feel like it could be worse right?  I'm really tired of being sore when I flare which has been pretty intense lately.  The weather, the energy when it is about to storm and you can feel it in every joint in your body... it is like when cat's and dog's know there is about to be an earthquake, they are the first to disappear and hide... well I know when a storm is coming because I hurt like hell.  It is not a fallacy that is for sure.  My sister is the same and she lives in a different country... it hurts more than ever!

I am sure that I have said in the past I don't want to whine while I blog, but today, today I have decided to have a whine.... and well, not to mention a few wine too!!  I don't know what to say to regular people... that don't know what it is like to hurt EVERY SINGLE DAY... in some way, shape or form.  What can you say?  No one gets it but you.  Other fibro and chronic pain sufferers... to feel pain of some level every day... it is like a story that you don't quite know how to explain, and can't remember if the main character turned right or left, or was it 2 months or 4 months, did they fight or make up... it is a bloody jumble after awhile because the pain seems to run the show... I am going to take time again to read more and try and be more mindful and beat the crap out of the flares, and the daggers of fibro!!!  

Today is Christmas day, and today I say F-you fibromyalgia!!!!

Go well readers and fellow fibro sufferers!  Happy holidays to you.

I came across this very interesting article, great for those newly diagnosed and those who just want all the cards on the table.

Once again, reference to pinched nerves in the spinal cord, which intrigues me, in particular the percent of sufferers that have spinal, neck and back pain history and have fibromyalgia:

https://www.painscience.com/articles/fibromyalgia.php

I find this link to spinal injury so very interesting...

https://www.our-arthritis.com/arthritis-blog/arthritis-treatments/contemporary-medicine/378-your-fibromyalgia-may-be-a-spine-disorder

and this...

https://fibromyalgianewstoday.com/2017/05/17/fibromyalgia-can-mask-spa-chronic-inflammatory-disease-study-suggests/

Life has been ever-changing for me at the moment, it has taken me from updating my blog regularly.  With the changes my symptoms have been very up and down as well.  I know that some have said stress is a related factor in flare ups for Fibro sufferers.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315646.php

I can't say that changing career is 100% stressful, it is also exciting and new.  So I haven't felt the severe flare ups I have had in the past but I still have moments, they usually are lasting 24-48 hours as opposed to a few days as they have in past.  So maybe I either have better management or I'm just learning to ignore ha ha!  Wouldn't that be fantastic to be able to ignore our pain.  

There are a few things I've noticed that have made a difference, one thing is I make sure I do my stretches every day (gentle stretching), not quite yoga but just stretching out those muscles and being mindful about it.  Another thing I've been doing is having a 'super green' smoothie every morning (I take a break on weekends)... if anything this is the biggest change for me and I would have to say I am certainly feeling better all over for it.  Don't get me wrong, I still hurt everyday - why wouldn't I??? Chronic pain is a b-tch we all know it!  But I am hurting on a lower scale 1,2,3 as opposed to 4-5 regularly.  Of course there is no scientific bases to these super greens but for me, it feels like they are working some sort of magic...  I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'll try anything to minimise the discomfort.

I've also started drinking a Tumeric latte, there is mounds of studies on Tumeric's ability to help with muscle and joint pain.  I know it all sounds very 'hippy' but like I said, I'm keen to try anything that may attribute to lessening the aches and pains.

On to other things...did you know that Lady Gaga has fibro?!!  I didn't, and imagine living that life with fibro... it's inspiring to know that someone who works so hard and entertains for a living can manage fibro and continue as she does.  If you are interested in reading here is an article I found:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/well-good/teach-me/97288462/fibromyalgia-the-misunderstood-chronic-illness
I love Lady Gaga more now than ever - not only does she inspire with her music and her grounded attitude, she suffers like the rest of us, and is obviously open and understanding to people with chronic pain and fibro.  

Once again, I always aim to get onto blogging and I will continue to try with my busy schedule, I sure miss it when I don't!!  Go well, sleep well, rest well, eat well, and take good care of you!