Fibromyalgia and a wheel chair at age 26?

Jun 11, 2001 - © Barb Briley

Too often, I meet Fibromyalgia sufferers that refuse to use canes, wheelchairs or scooters. The reasoning behind their refusal is simple, “It isn't that bad yet. I am sure there is someone who is worse than I am”. Don't worry I do not want to talk you into a wheelchair. What I want to explain to you is why you should use one if it is necessary.

For years I suffered as a Fibromyalgia patient without knowing what caused all this pain and discomfort. A few doctors insisted it was Asthma. Asthma so severe I couldn't walk or be with anyone, really. No steps, nothing. I had stopped running years ago. I hurt terribly and couldn't walk the mall.

That is when I realized that Wheelchairs were important to me. BEFORE I started on a nutritional plan I could spend up to 3 months or more in a wheelchair. But mostly, if I wanted to go away, I had to use a chair to keep enough energy to allow me to enjoy the rest of the day.

I felt stupid and ashamed that at 27 I was in a wheelchair. I blamed my weight, my lungs and other unknown diseases. I didn't want to look stupid, I was angry with my body for misbehaving and causing me to surrender. Why do I have to do this to myself?

In reality I wasn't doing anything my body did not demand. I was young and I should be mowing lawns and swimming in the pool downtown. Not sitting quietly by a window watching the birds fly by because I was too weak and tired to move much or do anything at all.

Why oh why should I use a chair? Is that giving up? I had to calm down and look at this logically. Paralyzed patients could enjoy and lead a happy life... so why couldn't I? Okay, so I can walk several feet or the length of the house. Still I could not walk malls, and a job was out for good. A wheelchair... Hmmm. Okay... How would someone paralyzed look at it... I could regain a few things in my life if I did use one. I guess... Hey wait a minute. I realized something. People in wheelchairs use them because they NEED them. Honestly if I didn't want to get woozy and fall over I NEEDED something to HELP me.

The copyright of the article Fibromyalgia and a wheel chair at age 26? in Fibromyalgia Treatment is owned by Barb Briley. Permission to republish Fibromyalgia and a wheel chair at age 26? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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