Coping with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

How I got Fibromyalgia and I survive day to day with the pain and muscle aches

In 1989, sophomore year of high school, I was in track and field and threw the shotput and discus. I was learning the turns for discus (for more throwing power) and overturned, resulting in landing on my butt sitting "Indian style". Later that night, Dad took me to the hospital for x-rays and was told I would have been better off breaking my left ankle than just severely spraining it. This was my first major injury! Over the next 6-7 years, I went to Orthopedic Surgeons, Pedotrists, Neurologiests, and anyone else who might have a clue as to why my left leg would ache terribly and then feel ice cold. No over the counter pain meds would help.

Finally, in around 1997, Dad suggested a chiropractor. He was seeing one for his hip (old injury while being a police officer). She took x-rays and found 3 subluxations in my spine. Well, now I found the reason why my right hip was higher than my left, and why my right shoulder was lower than my left. Imagine that! So, she snapped, crackled, and popped my back. My left leg stopped the aching and ice cold sensations. And also, I felt an improvement in my asthma. 2-for-1 deal. Not bad.

Unfortunately, shortly thereafter, my lower lumbar started acting up. And even though I've been to a chiropractor since (who did help), my back has gotten progressively worse. You can't touch my lumbar, it's too sensitive. It's like touching raw nerves. I also have a sciatica in my left leg. Also, I have not been able to do much in the way of exercise (less and less able to over the years), so now I've gained about 90 lbs overall since my ankle injury. About 50 of those pounds were in the last 4 years.

Slight backing up ... in late 1998, I contracted Epstein-Barr (mono) and strep throat at the same time. I was living alone, wasn't dating, and my life consisted of just work and home. So, we have no clue where those two came about, especially since that was the first and only time I've had either in my life. Go figure. I had the strep for about almost 2 months. It damaged my vocal cords a bit, so I won't be singing much anymore. But I've been told I know have a sexy voice. *grins* The mono I had for at least 8-9 months. I had the blood test each month and the last time I went in, the test was still showing I had it strong, but I moved (yet again) and I haven't had a test since.

So, I had the physical trauma - sprained ankle and landing on my butt which is more than likely the initial cause of my back problems, but the chiropractor brought it to the surface, and the viral infection - Epstein-Barr and strep throat. Those who events are typical triggers for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I've never been a great sleeper either. Even before my high school injury, I could easily sleep 10+ hours. I love sleeping. Well, I love dreaming, but that's another story. *grins*

Now you have an idea of how I contracted Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I fianlly got fed up with the pain and being tired all the time. So, I decided to do a lot of research and get ideas/suggestions on how to deal with the symptoms. Now, I am very interested in alternative medicines and living a more natural lifestyle. But I grew up with the microwave oven and fast foods, so I didn't know a thing about "natural living". As you can guess, I researched that also. I'm now learning about the powerful benefits of herbs, the mysterious world of crystals and gemstones, and other important things one can do - yoga, meditation, and spirituality.

With much love and blessings,
Barbara Eyre

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Disclaimer: Please understand that I am not medically trained, nor do I practice medicine. All information contained in this website is based either on my own personal research or on the research of others. Please take the time to do your own personal research and to speak with your physicians about your condition. Please consult with your physicians before starting any regiment described within this website or in any externally linked websites. Be pro-active in your own healing!