What’s Up Doc?
So if you’re wondering why I suddenly disappeared, it’s because I went away for a few days, and unexpectedly had no internet! I obviously have internet again, but I’m visiting with family, so my posts may be a bit sporadic for a while.
If you’ll remember my post from other day, my regular doctor left the office, so on Friday I went to see a new doctor. I was quite apprehensive, but it actually ended up working out really well. In addition to be being very nice, she has a number of patients with various chronic illnesses, and so was very understanding and sympathetic about my situation. She was also more informed and helpful than any doctor I have been to thus far.
One interesting thing that she told me was that I shouldn’t be pushing through the pain as much as I am. Apparently, the more you do that, the more you strengthen the pain pathways in your brain. Think of a path in a forest, the more times you travel that path, the more defined it gets. (Please note, that my advice should not be taken as anything but my opinion – I am not a doctor. I only wish to share my personal experiences with you in hopes that you may benefit from it somehow.)
Another thing she told me was that my diagnosis of fibromyalgia may eventually be changed to something else. I’ve had other doctors tell me similar things – that as they learn more about the illness, they might change the name and definition. In addition to this, she said that there were other signs that I may eventually develop different symptoms that signal a different illness. However, as I was tested recently for those illnesses that she was concerned about, she said that there was nothing we needed to do now.
I have managed my fibromyalgia thus far by paying close attention to how my body feels, and using that information as best I can. I plan to continue doing this, but am happy that I now have an ally in the medical field.
So despite my worries, it turned out to be a positive experience :) If you’re reading from Canada, I hope you have a nice long weekend!
