Are You a Woman Over 40 with Chronic Pain?

         It takes, on average, five years to diagnose Fibromyalgia according to the National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association. It took me over forty years to be diagnosed with it. Why? Because I was seven years old when it started after breaking my collarbone. The symptoms were mild enough back at the start that I didn't know any better. It wasn't until they got much worse, in my early forties, that I sought help. And it took five years from that point to get an answer.
    Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, and tenderness throughout the body. It can also cause other symptoms such as frequent headaches, insomnia, and cognitive difficulties. Someone with fibromyalgia may struggle with daily activities and experience limitations in their daily routine due to their symptoms. They may also have to manage flare-ups, where their symptoms worsen, and adapt their lifestyle to accommodate their condition. Fibromyalgia is a complex condition that can be challenging to diagnose and manage, and those with it often require a combination of medical treatment, lifestyle changes, and support from loved ones to manage their symptoms and maintain their quality of life. 
       The biggest issue I had was with fatigue. Rebuilding strength after dealing with chronic fatigue can be a challenging journey, but it is not impossible. It takes a lot of patience, determination, and a willingness to make some lifestyle changes. However, it is important to start slow and not to push oneself too hard. For someone who has been experiencing chronic fatigue, starting with simple exercises such as walking or gentle stretching can be a good way to begin rebuilding strength. As progress is made, slowly increasing the intensity and duration of the workouts can help to build stamina and endurance. It is also important to prioritize rest and recovery time to allow the body to heal and recharge. With time, effort, and persistence, someone with chronic fatigue absolutely can rebuild their strength and regain a sense of physical wellbeing. 
       The driver for change for me was that if I didn't exercise, my anxiety would build up to epic proportions and I can't tolerate anti-anxiety medications like Xanax (lucky me: Xanax gives me panic attacks,) so exercise was my only hope. For those of you unfamiliar with the work of Dr. John Ratey, I highly recommend his book "Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain." Basically, he says that high intensity aerobic exercise helps reduce anxiety, depression, improves memory, improves learning, helps healthy aging and more. 
       I can tell you how I've overcome fibromyalgia in my life; it's been a multi-pronged approach. Improving my diet, gradually building up my ability to exercise, and reducing stress through energy healing. These days, I help others get the results I developed for myself-- I work one-on-one, in groups, and in no-contact sessions (an email lets clients know what cleared and offers insights into how to maintain the upgrade) to offer a range of affordable choices for people. Join me for my free group energy healing program on Wednesdays at 10am Pacific and learn how to turn your life around.