What do you say?

My 5 year old said "What is fibro?".  I think she is confusing it with fiber!  I didn't get a chance to answer her because she siad she was confused and couldn't think of the right word.  So, that buys me a little time to think about how I want to explain it to her.  I feel so grateful that I am explaining something that while unpleasant, isn't life threatening or scarey.  I feel so much pain for mothers who might have to explain something more serious to a child...such as a terminal illness.  I also don't want my daughter to dwell on it and so I am considering never saying the word "Fibro" in front of her again.  I think that it might become the forbidden word.

While at the chiropractor today, I was given some new exercises to do as part of my therapy.  I do them there at the office and while I was doing them, another women was there with me.  She asked me if I had suffered from a back injury.  I said "No" but felt the need to explain.  But, it was a wierd feeling.  I have never told a stranger that I have fibromyalgia.  I blurted it out, quickly.  She gasped and said "That's terrible!!!".  I didn't know what to say.  Yeah- it is terrible.  Yeah - I hate that I have it.  But, it could be a lot worse.  She then said that a friend of hers had it and all I could think to say was "Yeah, it isn't fun".  I wish I would have told her to offer her friend support, I am sure she needs it.  We all do.

Then I had to tell my Chiropractor that I was in pain from the "bad" Dr. last week.  I told her that the last adjustment hurt and that I did really like the Dr., but it was too rough and painful.  I told her that I knew it was "just me and because of the fibro."  I wish I didn't have to explain.  How can you even describe it to someone?  No wonder the Doctors took so long to diagnose me, I was unable to put it into words.

My flu shot is still sore and a red circle surrounds it, about the size of a silver dollar.  I think its normal though, for someone with such sensitive skin. 

Friends dropping by...

So, yesterday was a challenge for me.  A friend called around 11am and asked if her and her son could stop by and "Boo" us.  This is something new, the "Boo" thing.  They fill a goody bag and then they place it on the door and ring the bell and run away.  They hide on the side of the house and then pop out and "boo" us.  It's really cute.

So, she wanted to stop over at 4 and boo us.  Then, she said "and maybe we can hang out and the kids can play for a little while."  Her son has a few behavior problems and tends to destroy my house.  I was planning on using the day to get caught up on cleaning and laundry because my mom is coming into town on Wednesday.  I told my friend this, that normally that would be fine, but I was cleaning all day and I didn't want the kids to destroy the house after my efforts.  She said they could play outside.  She wasn't getting the hint, I just didn't feel like I had the energy for this. 

But, she said she was coming at 4pm.  I know it probably sounds rude that she just invited herself and her child over...and well, it was.  But, I am kind of glad because my kids really enjoyed being "boo'd" and it was nice to see my friend as well.

I cleaned most of the house, except the kids bedrooms.  I had to do this anyway- whether they were coming or not.  When they came, I just set the rule that no one could play in the kids bedrooms.  We don't have a playroom, so kids tend to play in their bedrooms.  I told them they could bring a few toys to the living room, but that is all.  It worked out pretty good.

They ended up staying for dinner and that was fine.  One thing my friend said to me that I thought was a strange perspective of fibro was that I must have a high pain tolerance.  She thought since I was in pain so much, I must be able to tolerate higher levels of pain.  I don't think this is true, but I thought it was interesting.

So, yesterday turned out to be a pretty good day.  I realize too that friends don't really care how clean your house is.  If they do, probably not worth keeping as a friend.  And, as much as I don't like talking about fibro, people need us to in order to understand. 

Talking about Fibro

I feel wierd talking about it.  I get the impression from the "listener" that this is something very mild. 
So, even if a conversation warrants a mention of fibro, I think I will avoid talking about it from now on.  Of course, my husband is the exception.  He lives with me everyday and sees how if impacts my life.  I hate to say that it interferes with my daily activities, but it does.  I try not to let it.  It doesn't stop me, but it does slow me down.  Who knows, maybe that isn't a bad thing.  But, I would like to be much more active than I am now and I know my body is holding back.

Let's hope for a good outcome at the Chriopractor today!