I've spent the last 2 days visiting doctors, and the good news is that all my test results have come back clear. This means there is nothing life-threatening wrong with me. But it puts me back at *square one*, in that I'm left to pick up the pieces and try to get myself well - again. But hey folks, I've been dealing with this chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia for 25 years, and mostly I can cope and live an almost normal life - or abnormal, depending on how you view my sense of humor, haha. And my DH is so good at looking after me, and never complains, and he is very good at making me laugh which keeps my morale intact. The really good news is that I now have proof (in the form of xrays/scans) that I actually have a *brain* and a *heart*, how's that folks, haha!!! Love, hugs and flowers to all my *Cute* friends here, thanks for all the love.

We knew you had a lovely heart and a sharp brain. We could have saved you some money!!! On the serious side, I'm sure glad that they did not find life threatening results. On the other hand you don't have a reason behind the way you feel. We did miss that humorous mind of yours! Lots of love and flowers.

Ruthie - glad to hear from you, and hope you can soon be feeling your "spunky" self. We are all glad it is nothing life threatening, but chronic fatigue can work so on your spirits. Keep your sense of humor - (())

Ruthie glad to hear your Good News. Sometimes we know our own bodies better that the doctors do. But it is good to have them there for us in the hard tomes. Keep your good attitude. A flower for you.

Oh dear Ruthie, is really good news that you don't have any life-threatening thing to deal with but I am sorry that they didn't give you a diagnosis for your suffering. At the same time I am happy because your husband is so lovely and supportive with you. I love your sense of humor and always smile when read your post (if not laugh) I will send you a little angel to watch over you. Flower and XoXo

1 images:[1]

What more can we ask for ... after the brain and the heart ... our dearest family members close to cheers us up and love us the way we are.
God bless you.
Mary Melbourne, AUSTRALIA

Here is a special flower just for you. Good luck

1 images:[1]

You have such a beautiful attitude! Blessings to you and your DH for his care of you. Take good care of yourself!
Hugs!!

I hope I did't up set you. Please keep us posted, because we care.

1 images:[1]

Oh we knew all along about the brain & heart ruthie, good to hear from U *4U

Ruthie, you're like a breath of fresh air - even though you are not up to par, your sense of humour is always there and there's always a laugh when you're around. My prayers are with you and that loving DH of yours. Keep your mind strong and hang in there. *4U

Ruthie, so glad nothing life threatening showed up in your tests. Please find yourself a local Curves and GO! I've seen a lot of women come to Curves with fibromyalgia pain and really do well. Apparently the same exercise, at approximately the same time, daily if possible relieves some of the pain. Give it a try. What have you got to lose? The staff should be very helpful and caring, and will help you get started feeling better!!! If you don't have a local Curves facility, find yourself a ladies gym of some type and see what they have to offer! Good Luck and God Bless You!

Dearest Ruthie, I think I have told you this before and I don't want to harp on the same thing over and over, but exercise has changed my life. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in the late 1970's when it was still called fibrositis. I have been through all the "normal" and regular treatments and when I started an aerobic exercise program in 1978 I could see an instant improvement. I mostly suffer in my neck and back. I try to avoid drafts, sitting under fans, and standing in long lines that don't move very fast as these things a pure torture to me. I hardly ever talk about fibromyalgia as others don't understand. You are so lucky to have a supportive husband. Maybe you could join a gym together. Start easy and work your way up. Sometimes I don't feel like going to work out, but I always feel better after I finish. I will pray for you.

1 images:[1]

I am glad to hear that they have not found anything life threatening but I can share your frustration with the lack of a diagnosis. I spent 15 years, before it was so common, diagnosed with CFS, RLS and Fibro. I saw so many doctors and specialists who told me there was no 'cure' I had had it. My life was really in a downward spiral. I had three small kids and life was a struggle every single day. Then I went to an Spinal Orthopedic surgeon and he did some MRIs only to find that I had Degenerative Disk Syndrome. Three surgeries later and almost all of the symptoms have abated. What was not caused by the collapsed disks, peripheral nerves that had become entrapped, spinal cord pressure was caused by the meds they were 'treating' me with. The worst culprits were SSRIs, meds for my IBS and 'nerve' medications like Lyrica. Not all people react the same way to meds, ask your doctor, ask you pharmacist and call the mfr and ask them too! (NEVER just quit any meds, some like Lyrica can make you very sick if you do so.) I have to live with a few limitations due to all the hardware and modifications to my spine and I choose to deal with nerve pain because I will never take things like Lyrica (it literally made me a zombie) again. I am now dealing with one more collapsed disk but before that became an issue, even tho I am middle aged, I am in better health than ever before. I was able to cross country bike ride over 35 miles, easily walk 8 miles, play tennis (as poorly as ever) shoot basketballs and hit a golf ball.
My point is that you should never give up hope. If you can find another doctor who an give you a new perspective do not mention the word Fibromyalgia which is often interpreted as 'incurable'. Mayo Clinic is a great place if you cannot find an individual doctor to help you. Symptoms always have a reason...Fibro is, by definition, a set of symptom (syndrome) not a disease... Hang in there! It's not just in your head. Somewhere someone will be able to help you!
hugs
Silver
ps If anyone out there has a different opinion that's okay... I am not wanting to argue.. I am just using what I have been through as an example of the fact that there is always hope!

1 comment

by jrob 09 Jul 2008

thank you for sharing Silver, another perspective always helps.;)

and all they can see in your brain are embroidery designs and embroidery projects...LOL

ruthie, dear - thank you for the update - we all knew your had a brain and a heart - wished they could have gotten more info for you & the doctors to work with - but I guess at this time - it is what it is - keep up your morale and check in with us - when you can - we have missed you - dearly.

1 images:[1]

hmmmmm, I'm happy for the non-life threatening part, but hate that you don't have a diagnosis. I do have an idea, if you can post your x-rays, all these gals who are learning to digitize can do us a design...we could choose whether to put "ruthie's heart" or "ruthies brain" on a t-shirt. I know it's not a "wet t-shirt" contest, but it might be fun! hahahaha love you and your sense of humor!You are my favorite "chick".;)

1 images:[1]

Am glad you've got good news, hope you'll feel better soon. Fighting CFS is not exactly a laugh, but I'm glad there's nothing more serious wrong with you. But we all knew you had a heart!!

So glad for you. I have a friend who suffers from CFS and she also tries to stay positive. Nice you have your DH to love & support you. Also that you are so positive. I also had a scan a while back and it was good to know that I had a Brain & a Heart with blood travelling between them. Love. hugs & *4u.

1 images:[1]

Hi Ruthie. you always give me a smile.And glad you are feeling ok at this time. Wow are you going to frame the xrays. Always knew you had a hart because you are sweet to all and always knew you had a brain because if you can make me laugh and smile you must be quick witted. ha ha and i am laughing and grinning right now.Miss your little lady though

Good to hear you are all right.But not good when the doctors can;t work out whats wrong with you.That seems to happen a lot with me. you know somethings wrong ,so do they, but who knows what?head up soldier on *4u

Ruthie, prayers are with you... I know what it's like living with FM...not fun. Some days are good and some aren't so good. Rest and take care of yourself. xoxo

Glad to hear the good news. Hang in there

Just had to send you these, folks. Love you all.

2 images:[1]
[2]

1 comment

by mops 09 Jul 2008

I like #2!