Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Pt 4. The earlier years cont'd.

Yes, I know... I've been lazy and not written for 2 weeks. Kids are out of school which makes life hectic.
Anyway back to my story.  About 2 years into the start of my getting sick, (about 9 years ago) I read the book 'What Your Doctor May Not Tell You  About Fibromyalgia' by Dr. St. Amand. We just moved to Marin County in Northern California after a year in Laguna Hills, Orange County for that horrible dreaded year.Keep in mind that back then, the majority of people had never heard of fibro and I went through the stupid questions and comments from people like "You're still sick?" or "Just get up and go out, you will feel better." and dozens of similar comments that just make you want to smash your (or their) head against the wall.
I felt so so alone and misunderstood. When I read this book, I was in tears as I flipped pages. I felt as if it was written about me, perfectly describing things that seemed impossible to describe. Describing my symptoms and telling me I'm not alone. It made me feel as if I wasn't losing my mind with these crazy out of control symptoms.
Back then I was practically in my sick bed 75% of the time.   We bought a brand new condo, temporarily until we figured out what house we wanted. Again, back then I didn't know what havoc new carpet and paint did to my system.
So anyway, I really recommend anyone read Dr. St Amand's book. It's really theraputic and well written. Basically he is the one that started the Guaifenisin Protocol. He believes Guaifenesin clears out the body and helps with fibro pain. I haven't read it in years so my fibro fog prevents me from giving details.
 I was so inspired when I read his book that I made an appointment to go see him about 7 or 8 months later.  He has an office in the L.A. area. He is such a sweet and gentle doctor (opposite of his quite curt assistant.)  He felt the muscles on my legs and arms and told me I was full of little bumps in my muscles (it is better described here in this article http://www.fibrotalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=1479.)  And prescribed guaifenesin for me.
Now at this same time, I had decided to try for another baby. My first daughter was 8 years old  and this damned illness had kept me from even thinking about having another baby. At this time we bought a house in Novato.Believe it or not, some crazy person had put carpet in the kitchen  besides the rest of the house. So this time we didn't replace the carpets with new ones. We tore them out and replaced them with hardwood floors and stone floors. We repainted the house with low or non V.O.C. paints.   The constant bombardment of horrible symptoms seemed to slow down a pace. So I thought to myself, this disease, whatever it is has controlled me for the last 3 years. If I want a baby, I have to make it happen. Take control and do it.
Dr. St. Amand when hearing this, told me to hold off. Do the guaifenesin protocol and then when I am better, get pregnant. He was too late though. When I got home, I found I was already pregnant and couldn't take the guai.
Now my pregnancy deserves an entire chapter in itself and takes a lot of energy to write. So I will leave you all here for now.
Please leave any thoughts or comments.

4 comments:

Zanetta said...

I'm 38 years old and found out 3 years ago I had fibromylgia. I got to give it to you In the last 6 years of feeling like crap there is no way I could have another kid! I'm glad you feel well enough to have another one...good luck!

foggy said...

Hi Zanetta,
Stay tuned for the pregnancy story. It can also be called the horror story. fortunately it has a happy ending but it was 9 months of hell (not to scare you further, lol)
Thanks for reading and commenting.

Unknown said...

Hi, I'm Amee from Florida. My Aunt shared this site with me & I've started "following" you.
I too have Fibro & Chronic Fatigue. It's a battle to not let it control you! I can't wait to read the next part of your story.
God Bless You and hope you're having a good day!

foggy said...

Hi Amee from Florida :-). Thank you so much for reading. If you are on Facebook, you may also want to join my page Awarness & Support against Fibromyalgia, Fatigue (cfids), & Chronic Pain. (yup awareness is spelled wrong and FB won't let me correct it)
Wishing you energy and less pain, gentle hugs, Sheri.