Believing In What You Feel

May 10, 2003 - © Barbara Brice

My legs felt like bags of fluid, they were so weak. I couldn’t believe how heavy my feet were. Still in disbelief, I have no idea how I got to my car. As I sat their with the motor running, I felt the roar of frustration rise up in me like a volcano. Hammering on the steering wheel I yelled out, “BUT, IT’S NOT MY IMAGINATION!” I slowly drove myself home. As much as I kept telling myself that it wasn’t all in my head, I realized I was beginning to doubt myself. Maybe I am just over-reacting or too sensitive as the doctors said. Maybe I am just losing my mind.

This is often a typical visit to the doctor of someone suffering from the invisible disease, FIBROMYALGIA. The pain and suffering is considerable in itself. But often it is no comparison to the frustration and humiliation they usually endure when seeking help from many in the medical profession. It has been my experience that the worst hurdle in dealing with Fibro is getting a proper diagnosis and acceptance from a knowledgeable physician.

In overcoming this hurdle, I believe it is vital for us to listen to our bodies and believe in what we feel. After all, what is the first thing the doctor will ask you when you go in, “what is bothering you, how long have you felt this way,” etc.... So even the doctor knows you need to listen to your body so that he can treat you to the best of his ability. But, being faced with constant disbelief, it is no wonder that doubt begins to creep into our thoughts.

How can we help ourselves to stay determined to find the proper help we need? Knowledge and preparation is the key. It’s important to learn to prepare for doctor visits. Also, how to get the most out of your doctor‘s appointment. The more you know about fibro, the more active a patient you can be!

1. Plan Ahead:

Think about what you want your doctor to know before you get to the office. Keeping a daily diary would be very handy . You can bring it with you to your appointment so that you can refer back to it.

2. Specific Information:

You can never be sure what may be relevant to your health, thus it is important to give your doctor every detail. This would include your symptoms and how they effect your daily activities. Also, how this effects your appetite as well as you and your family.

The copyright of the article Believing In What You Feel in Fibromyalgia is owned by Barbara Brice. Permission to republish Believing In What You Feel in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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