Working with Fibro

It's definitely not easy but it helps that I have a meaningful job. I work at a day program for disabled adults. It is great because I get to go to movies and different awesome places and get paid for it.

 

Passion: it feels good to know that I am making a difference, especially through social connections. The participants have limitations too. They worry about being judged and being treated differently. The participants form bonds with the staff, change is hard for everyone, especially them. Even if someone misses a day, they notice. They notice the little things. They need stability in their life. That makes me feel needed and makes it worth it!

The Struggle is Real: Working with fibro sucks. It is hard. So what I do to get through it?

1. Remind myself I am a badass:
   Every fibro fighter is a badass, whether you have a job or not. Living with chronic pain is hard and it takes its toll on you. It's not only the physical toll it takes. It drains you emotionally. It makes you feel alone, isolated, and scared. Some days, it takes everything out of you.
2. Block it out
   Unfortunately, I am a pro at this. I have dissociation, more specifically depersonalization/derealization. The short explanation is depersonalization is a disconnect from my body. Derealization is a disconnect between reality and the world around me. It is horrible but it does help when I want to block out the pain to get through the day.
3. Crash!
   Every second of free time I have I spend it relaxing. I typically watch Netflix, work on my blog, or play a game on my tablet. I let my body recover from the long day. Even though sleep is a challenge with fibro, I go to bed early. Thankfully, my husband helps me with this. He knows I used to stay up late because getting to sleep is a long process that I dread. I have literally tried every sleep medicine. Ambien is the only one that works for me. Unfortunately, Ambien has some not so fun side effects. Sometimes it gives me amnesia. It's a frustrating and scary side effect. Another downside is that it loses its effectiveness if you take it every night. My doctor told me it is supposed to be used on an as-needed basis. With fibromyalgia though, every night it seems needed. 

It is a challenge every day but it is rewarding and that is what makes it worth it.