Raising my son while living with Fibromyalgia Part 1

When I was first diagnosed with Fibromyalgia I felt my whole world flip upside down. I was so scared of what it meant. It was really difficult when my Doctor said we don't know what causes it or how to make it better for you. Then she said lets try these medications to help relieve your pain as that is all we can do for you someday you may need to be put on Morphine.

I was devastated to me this meant that I would not be able to take care of my son who was not yet 2 years old. He was my whole world. My son could not even climb up on my lap to snuggle without it causing me extreme pain to the point I would cry. The whole situation felt hopeless. I let myself have a massive pity party; I would love to be able to say it only lasted a day but it was more like a whole month. Some of that I feel is because of the pain and the Fibro Fog I was in. If you don't have Fibromyalgia yourself it is really hard to truly explain what Fibro Fog is.

Once the medication started to really kick in it helped to lift my Fibro Fog some. Finally I stopped feeling sorry for myself and decided I was going to find answers on my own since my Doctor didn't really have them. One of the most important things I learned was that there are for many people with this certain foods that cause problems and make everything worse for someone like me. So I spent a few weeks trying to figure out what foods caused me the most problems, for me it was anything with caffeine that meant no more chocolate. I cried when I realized this. What my son said to me when he found me crying changed a lot of things for me. He said, "Mommy don't worry I will eat all the chocolate for you."

With just that one little phrase I knew he was on my team. That my loved ones would have my back and help me as much as the could. If my son caught me trying to eat chocolate he would yell BAD MOMMY NO CHOCOLATE FOR YOU! We also developed a phrase that let him know if I was having a better day (nice mommy) or a bad day (witch mommy).

The first few months were very difficult for everyone. Over time though we were able to start figuring out what my having Fibromyalgia meant for our small family. My son didn't fight holding my hand anymore in a parking lot because I told him it was for me not him. I told him how sometimes my legs would get wobbly and I was afraid of falling down. So he held my hand to make sure I didn't fall down. Most of the time I was fine but I knew trying to run after him would be really tough if I needed to.

Update on Last Week's Goals and this week's goals

Last week was a typical week. Nothing went exactly as planned. That is ok though, when you have Fibromyalgia you never know how you are going to feel from day to day. I am really glad though I was able to cross a few things off my list. Nathan has been struggling with his sinus's so that has been a challenge.

Mothering/Homemaking Goals
1. Read to Nathan every night (He just was not having a good week and did not want his mom reading to him)
2. Write one note of encouragement to Nathan
3. Clean the dinning room area (picked up a couple things)

Personal Goals
4. Work out 5 times this week (Did this 2 times so that was ok)
5. Read two books
6. Work on cross-stitch project for 30 minutes each day

Cub Scout Goals
7. Clean out supply closet
8. Organize a fundraiser sale for Saturday

Work Goals
9. Finish all shredding
10. Maintain all files for through May dates (I made it 2/3 of the way through this)


I believe I have learned my lesson from last week. This week I am putting down goals that are a lot more manageable for me. The main part of my Cub Scout year is going on break except for a couple of events once a month. So this week is going to be pretty busy plus I have a bridal shower to attend this weekend.

Mothering/Homemaking Goals
1. Read to Nathan every night
2. Write a note to Nathan
3. Make some carrot cake bread

Personal Goals
4. Finish one book
5. Work on cross stitch project for 30 minutes each day
6. Gather up and wrap Bridal Shower Gift

Cub Scouts Goals
7. Wrap up Spring Fundraiser
8. Pass out Summer Camp papers to those going

Work Goals
9. Finish the files through May dates
10. Look into CE courses

Set Backs & My 10 Goals for This Week

Life has been a bit hectic for me this past month. Dealing with health issues in your family is never fun and it is beyond exhausting. Lately I have been struggling with sleep again. That is ok though I know what to do and it will get better soon I hope.

Mothering/Homemaking Goals
1. Read to Nathan every night
2. Write one note of encouragement to Nathan
3. Clean the dinning room area

Personal Goals
4. Work out 5 times this week
5. Read two books
6. Work on cross-stitch project for 30 minutes each day

Cub Scout Goals
7. Clean out supply closet
8. Organize a fundraiser sale for Saturday

Work Goals
9. Finish all shredding
10. Maintain all files for through May dates