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| This sweet guy is D.L’s grand-dog. |
A big welcome this week to my friend, D.L. Miller. Another of the wonderful women I consider myself lucky to have met through the local support group. We are really so lucky to have such a great active support group. So, let’s get to know D.L.
When were you diagnosed?
I was diagnosed in 1993, by Dr. Duelle our Family Practitioner. But there are memories in childhood that make me wonder if it was with me from a very early age.
What lead to your diagnoses?
Dr. Duelle noticed I was in his office every week for several months with flu like symptoms.
Were you working at the time?
Yes, I was part-time because of the fatigue and pain. I had worked full-time for several years but I was in the work, eat, sleep mode and life was depressing.
What was your family life like?
Stressful. I raised 3 kids and my husband’s job kept him away at lot. Most of the time we were not near family, but when we were the elder care began. The kid’s grew up, left home and only one boomeranged. Turns out he has mental health issues that need almost constant monitoring. It is truly like waiting for the other shoe to drop. Then my mom became ill and had to go into permanent care.
How did your family initially handle your illness?
At first, my oldest son accused me of being lazy! My daughter was too sweet, she would help any time she could. My youngest son was in a world of his own, we thought he was just an odd duck. My husband just wanted me to NOT have the pain and fatigue I was experiencing.
How has Your family/work situation changed since Fibromyalgia entered your life?
I had a hard time even accepting it would change my lifestyle because my doctor said it was NOT fatal and there was no treatment for it. He put me on Paxil and for 7 years that’s all I took besides Tylenol. In 2000 I could no longer work, so I put myself on a strict diet of only lean meats, fresh fruits and veggies. I slept a lot And I lost weight and in 3 months began to feel well enough to go back to work part-time.
My daughter went off to college, and my youngest son dropped out of high school. My husband was working out of state and I barely coped with life. In 2005 my husband had an epiphany and began to understand how limited I was. And that I was in a constant battle on a daily basis!
What do you feel is the most challenging aspect of Fibro?
All the time I was in and out of different dr. offices, taking any and all tests that were available, and no one could find anything wrong with me…physically ! Things are getting better slowly in the medical field but I can’t say I feel any better! I am back to a diet of ONLY fresh natural foods. The closer to the farm the better! That in itself is a lot Of WORK. Making good choices in all areas of my life are what allows me some health; My time, my emotions, my physical activities, my family’s needs and so forth.
Do you have any other co-existing conditions? If so, what are they and how do they impact your Fibro?
I have Hypo-thyroidism. I have weak muscles and back injuries, Asthma and food allergies. As a child I had pain often and I remember my parents medicated me with aspirin. As a teen I took lots of aspirin. At age 35 my thyroid slowed down and I started gaining weight. After that it seems I was a guinea pig. All different meds and exercises and so on. The side effects of most meds are horrible and not worth the stress and strain on the body for me! But I still take too many! Fibro has now become the number one factor to consider in everything I do in my life.
What have you found/done that has improved your symptoms?
Eating right, exercising appropriately for me, letting go of stress, finding ways to sleep better and reworking my self-care plan as often as it is needed! Because every day is different and meds only work so long.
What is the best advice you’ve received regarding Fibro?
My original doctor said “Don’t ever give up!” and I haven’t. My husband said “Honey take care of yourself and let us know what we can do to help.” And my friend Dawn said,” We are here for you!”
What is the worst advice that you followed?
Taking 3 anti-depressants at one time along with Lyrica.
That doesn’t sound good, what happened?
I was on Elavil, Buspar and Paxil. The goal was to relieve the muscle aching and spasms. Then Lyrica became available. I had mental and emotional issues caused by the meds that interfered with my daily activities and caused me to sleep through a lot of things. It felt like sleepwalking. I had to be slowly worked off the anti-depressants while starting Lyrica. I gained weight and became very depressed. I had good support from my husband and friends or I might have gone off the deep end! My oldest son had left home and joined the Army. He was doing well so that helped with my depression.
What is one thing you’ve learned about yourself since your diagnosis?
I am stronger than I ever imagined !
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