Fibro =pain, numbness, sleep problems, fatigue, bowel/bladder problems, swelling, ringing in the ears … So my question is: does fibro affect ones emotions too or is the depression, anxiety, nervousness I experience because of having fibro for so long? I’ve so much to be thankful for, yet I am miserable.
I need hope! Will this fibro settle down soon so I can get on with life? Or will I just have to learn to live with being miserable?
Hi Kim,
I am sorry it is so tough right now. I can relate to all of these feelings and it is so easy to feel overwhelmed and depressed. I just try to keep moving forward even when I feel I can't. I know I have so much to be thankful for as well but I know for me as well it is so hard to remember that when I am going through a flare. I know for me reading this blog and seeing everyone else has similar challenges gives me comfort and I don't feel so alone. I also try to remember that I do have times when I feel better. So hang in there and keep fighting. Brighter days are ahead.
Gentle hugs.
Hi Kim!!!
You are not alone in your emotions. I’m sorry you’re hurting right now. When in the middle of a flare, I too become quite blue. My husband is the BEST in taking care of me and my friends are there when I need them. Try to surround yourself with people who love you bunches…then your flare won’t be nearly as bad as when you’re alone.
Blessings,
Bevie
hi kim. i hear you.. i have cfids(cfs/me) in addition to the fm so the list of symptoms goes much longer. one thing i can say is this:
savor the good moments. :-)
much love and hugggggs
suzie
Thank you, thank you! My husband pulls back when the flares are this bad. We did talk about it today and I told him days like these are when I most need his encouragement and gratitude for the things I am able to still do.
I didn’t realize that fibro IS progressive until recently. Seems each flare gets worse and I don’t have the energy or the tools to combat these really bad ones without whining and complaining. Thanks again!
Hi Kim,
Yes, there seems to be a real tie-in between having fibromyalgia and depression and anxiety. Substance P (SP) is a common link to all:
http://www.patient.co.uk/health/fibromyalgia
Research studies have also shown that people with fibromyalgia tend to have an increased amount of a chemical called substance P in the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord (the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)). This substance may be involved in the way pain messages are transmitted.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Substance_P
Substance P is an important element in pain perception. The sensory function of substance P is thought to be related to the transmission of pain information into the central nervous system. Substance P coexists with the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate in primary afferents that respond to painful stimulation.[14] Substance P has been associated with the regulation of mood disorders, anxiety, stress,[15] reinforcement,[16] neurogenesis,[17] respiratory rhythm,[18] neurotoxicity, nausea/emesis,[19] pain and nociception.[20] Substance P and other sensory neuropeptides can be released from the peripheral terminals of sensory nerve fibers in the skin, muscle and joints. It is proposed that this release is involved in neurogenic inflammation, which is a local inflammatory response to certain types of infection or injury.[21] The regulatory function of SP also involves the regulation of its high-affinity receptor, NK-1. Substance P receptor antagonists may have important therapeutic applications in the treatment of a variety of stress-related illnesses, in addition to their potential as analgesics.
Hi Kim,
I am sorry to hear that you are going through a tough flare. I too, like so many here, can relate to those feelings. I am usually a very up-beat person, but with fibro and flares, I have days when I really struggle to see the positive. Suddenly everything feels very overwhelming. But the good times, the ease off of symptoms and their intensity does come. You need to have hope that relief will come. Fibro changes our lives in ways we never anticipated, however, we still can and do have rich rewarding lives. Have you spoke to your doctor about the depression, anxiety and nervousness you mentioned? Perhaps they might have some guidance to help to deal with these feelings. Sending you hugs and hoping that you find some relief very soon.
I am better today. Thank you for asking. I’m just still so tired… Trying to take better care of myself, but find I go back to my regular routine of doing too much and crashing later. Maybe someday I’ll figure it all out.
Thanks again for helping me through one of the worst flares ever!
You're not alone. Putting up with this sort of pain/flare other misery is a vicious cycle into the emotions. I'm concentrating on breathing deeply to oxygenate tissues and detox when I have depression/anxiety/anger/negativity and I do the Bruno Goerning meditation which helps me a lot. I think when I feel the fibro acting up, the best response for me has been to get off my back and lay down, and breathe thru it. Time consuming, but fighting it, I find is a loosing battle. I've learned to surrender when the pain comes and feel gratitude for the fact that I can lay down and don't have to push any more. I think if it was necessary for me to push with all this going on, I'd have a heart attack.
Thanks for the science!