Seeking Moms with Fibromyalgia or Chronic Pain

Updated on November 29, 2013
J.H. asks from Oklahoma City, OK
5 answers

Are there any moms on here with Fibromyalgia, chronic Migraines or just chronic pain or illness in general. I am in need of suggestions for balancing motherhood with chronic illness.

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M.O.

answers from Cleveland on

I have fibro and an extremely rare kidney disease called Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome (LPHS).

It's hard trying to balance being a mom and always being sick. Some days I just try to power through. Other days, like today, I can't do it. My kids are out of school this week, so we're just chilling on the couch watching TV together. My kids are older now, so they can help with meals and house chores. When they couldn't though, well, let's just say I learned how to live with some clutter. My husband is such a great guy. He steps up when I'm stuck on the couch.

You can do it hon. It's not going to be easy, but you can do it.

3 moms found this helpful

D.B.

answers from Boston on

My husband had chronic pain for decades, and I have many friends with fibromyalgia, several with migraines, and tons with general poor health. There's a whole science of immune system boosting that is getting a lot of attention, and the research into epigenetics is pretty exciting. That's the science that deals with the packaging around the genetic material which controls which genes switch on and off. Proper switching = healthy bodies and functioning cells. Improper switching = poor gene expression and malfunctioning cells. This can take the form of pain, inflammation and decreased immunity, and in very serious cases can take the form of cancer and rogue cells.

The bad news is that conditions such as the ones you mention on on the rise - that has to do with poor nutrient content in our foods (both processed and natural produce), growing techniques (fertilizers, genetically modified foods) and environmental influences that affect the epigenome.

The good news is that discoveries in epigenetics have shown that a non-GMO, mechanically separated (not chemically separated) natural peptide can offset this. I'm fortunate to be involved in this field and I'm fortunate to have found ways to effectively boost my immune system and that of others using this science. It's safe, it's well-researched, and it's a huge money saver because my family members and I never go to the doctor for anything but annual check-ups. We participate fully in life - I can't tell you what it's done for my husband in particular and many others with chronic illness and pain.

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A.L.

answers from Las Vegas on

hello
I used to suffer from severe tendonitis/mild depression. What's helped me is a few things. One, I started drinking more GREEN smoothie drinks that I make at home. The green veggies help to reduce inflammation in the body... (there s more on that on the net) also.. meditation has definitely helped with the depression and the biggest help, I now attend a 12 step program.. <<< the positive effects of that have been life changing.. I seldom have that blue feeling... and IF I do.. it quickly passes.. unlike before, where it could last for a week or so..
Exercise has also been helpful and drinking lots of water to help regulate the internal system.. these things sound simple, but they have definitely made a difference for me.. oh and I limit caffeine to about 4-6 oz a day and seldom ever drink...

I wish you all the best

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M.S.

answers from Seattle on

I'm not a mom myself, I'm helping my brother raise his two daughters, but I do have fibomyalgia and chronic migraines and I can sympathize with your situation.

My two nieces are old enough now (8 and 10) to understand when I am in pain and need some help. For example, when their dad is out of town, and I'm staying at their house, they have a chart of chores that need to be done before and after school. they're really good about doing them, because they know that it helps me, AND if they do all the chores quickly, they get down time on the sofa with me, playing a game or watching a movie.

I've also learned that when I make meals that I need to make extra so I have leftovers for later in the week or to freeze for later in the month. That way, when I'm having more pain than usual, I can pull out leftovers and not have to put a lot of energy into cooking. Again, the kids have learned how to help in the kitchen.

Sometimes, it's best to realize that you need to let some of the little things go so you can spend more time with your family. Your house doesn't really need to be perfectly clean...it's really more important to spend time with your family that to have a sparkling bathroom, right? :) Just do what you have the energy for and call it good. Remember, if your kids are old enough, have them help you as much as possible.

I know how hard it can be too live with chronic pain. I've had to learn over the years that I need to ask for help. Do you have friends, neighbors or a church community you can ask for support (chores, meals, errands, etc)? It can be humbling to ask for help, but sometimes when we have overwhelming long term pain we just need some help.

Another thought. I wonder if there are some agencies in your area that can provide you some support? I don't know your exact needs, but you might want to go online and see what is available.

Anyway, I don't know if this is the advice you were looking for, but I hope it helps. Feel free to PM me if you want to talk more. Good Luck!

A.G.

answers from Dallas on

I have chronic migraines and have two sons. It's gotten easier to manage now that they are older. My youngest is 9 and my oldest will be 16 right after Christmas. My husband is extremely helpful and supportive, too.

I never stop trying new things to try to manage the pain and hopefully banish the migraines. I take a daily medication that at least makes the migraines bearable. I still get them all the time, but I can function with them now. Before I couldn't. Botox helped me get fewer migraines, but insurance has stopped paying for it, so I'm back on the hunt for something else to help. Next on my list is acupuncture.

As bad as the pain is much of the time, I refuse to stop living. We are a very happy family, and I allow my family to help me when I need it. I'm a strong, independent woman, but sometimes I have to have help. That was hard for me to admit, but once I did, life became easier for all of us. I hope you find some help for the pain.

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