This week I’m interviewing @Jaydubblah, a Methodist preacher from Suffolk UK. She will soon be 60 and has been married for 23 years. She was once a lawyer, then became a book-keeper and accounts manager. She gave up working six years ago to become a full-time caregiver for her husband, who is 25 years her senior, and is also disabled after suffering from Polio as a child. They have no children or pets. Jaydubblah enjoys crocheting, making cards, and stringing beads. She was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia just a couple of years ago.
What lead up to your diagnosis?
Finally deciding it couldn’t be anything else! I have had a lot of tests over the years. A few years ago I was told I had probably been suffering from IBS for more than 30 years, the symptoms of that began in my early 20s and I have had exams for appendicitis several times. I started to get very tired for no good reason and uncontrollable sweats which didn’t feel the same as hot flushes. Breathlessness which was made really bad when prescribed beta blockers (the current GP thinks I had an allergic reaction to those!) Finally had heart tests, lung tests, lots of blood and urine tests. Initially I was told it was all stress related to the caring role and was given a mild anti-depressant which worked wonders but then things went down hill again and eventually the GP said it must be Fibromyalgia because it wasn’t anything else. I was pleased that he had gone to the trouble to test for everything and not just write me off as menopausal, which I think was in the mind of previous GPs.
Do you have any other co-existing conditions? If so, what are they and how do they impact your Fibromyalgia?
A lot of other things that I have had are probably due to the underlying Fibromyalgia, including IBS, restless legs, general fatigue, trigger happy nerves that cause back spasms. I’ve had lots of root canal work that wouldn’t respond to anaesthetic. I have confirmed arthritis in my TMJ and feet, but experience arthritis like pains in a lot of other joints, as well. The fog is getting worse, but that might just be because I am getting older!
What do you feel is the most challenging aspect of Fibro?
Having to say no, or let people down at the last minute.
What (if anything) have you found/ done that has improved your symptoms?
Pacing myself and learning to say no! Getting involved in things that take my mind off it. Being thankful for the good days.
How open are you with friends & family about your illness & symptoms?
Not so much now, I don’t want to be always on about it, and everyone else has their own problems so I tend to listen rather than talk (I hope).
Do you blog about your illness? If so, what inspired you to do so?
I have a blog but don’t typically use it to share about my illness; however, Doing this interview inspired me to do so, http://jaydubblah.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/always-look-on-bright-side.html
Last year I did a positive post every day at http://jaysblessings.blogspot.co.uk/
So there will be some stuff mixed in there as well
What is the best advice you’ve received regarding Fibromyalgia?
Can’t say I have really had any advice as such, just pacing myself and live with it. My advice to myself is to try and not think about it all the time and be grateful for the positive side which is what I talk about in the blog post.
What was the worst advice that you followed?
Ignore it
Just ignore it is the worst advice you can get when it comes to dealing with chronic pain. via @Jaydubblah Share on X
What is your favorite way to cope with your life as a spoonie?
Haven’t really thought about it yet. At the moment I feel like I have almost enough spoons.
What is it that inspires you to keep going, despite your illness?
My faith and knowing that I can still be useful for others.
What is one thing you’ve learned about yourself since your diagnosis?
I’m not just a lazy old bag! It was such a relief to know that it wasn’t some fault in my character.
What is the most important piece of advice you would give to someone newly diagnosed with Fibro (or even still seeking a diagnosis)?
Be assertive with your GP but don’t get cross.
Is there anything else you’d like the readers to know?
I feel a bit embarrassed about filling this in because I know I am so much better off than so many people.
Be sure to visit @Jaydubblah on her blog and on twitter
Are you ready to share your story? If you are a Fibro Warrior and would like to share your story please contact me.
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