It’s been a minute since I really, and I mean really, broke down some more fibromyalgia facts with you all. So, I figured why not share the really embarrassing stuff that no one really enjoys talking about?
(Let’s be real, I no longer care or have shame.)
So, if you read the OG “What the f*ck is fibromyalgia?” post you learned all about the pain, exhaustion, swelling and mental health struggles. I know. How could there be any more fun?!
Well, buckle up.
*Disclaimer: we all know I am far from a doctor or expert of any kind. So, all of this is what I deal with, and what I’ve researched and talked with my doctors about.
IBS-ish
Let’s just get right to it. Somehow fibromyalgia causes some fun stomach issues. Discomfort, pain, bloat, constipation, not constipation, sensitivity issues. (Don’t worry, I pulled this from my online dating profile).
Some days are totally fine and others are honestly pretty shitty. 😜
Hair loss
This is a very serious issue for me that just rapidly occured in the last week. I wasn’t that cute with my big ol’ bald head when I was a baby, and really don’t think I’ll look any cuter now. But, I went to the doctor today and he confirmed this is very common for people with fibromyalgia, but, per usual, has no idea why. Thankfully he’s not letting that be the answer and ordered a full panel of blood work and referred me to a dermatologist.
So, fingers crossed we get this figured out. Or, who wants to go wig shopping?
(In all seriousness I didn’t realize how vain I actually am until the bald patch on my head decided to show up)
Itchy hives
Chicken pox, but make it constant. Ok, well, not constant but a few days a week I have random hives for no reason. I’ve had alllllllll of the allergy tests, so please don’t @ me about that.
Its even better when they are on my face. So attractive.
Easy bruising
Like a peach. Sometimes I feel like I look at a sharp corner and BAM! I have a bruise on my leg. I swear, each week I have about 10 unexplained bruises.
Sweating
As dad would say, “like a hooker in the front pew of church.” I’m never cold. Like, it will be snowing outside and my windows are open. I feel like there isn’t enough deodorant some days. It’s also a bit challenging when heating pads help the pain, but come on, it is HOT.
I also have an irrational fear that I smell and no one tells me, so you can imagine how fun this symptom is. Have I mentioned I have anxiety? No idea why. 🙄
Flushed face
On the plus side, my blush lasts me a long time because I don’t need to use a lot of it. But, I also look warm, uncomfortable and embarrased. Which, now that I think about it is how I feel most of the time.
Twitches and muscle spasms
I’m not always just winking 😉 Eye twitches, arms, legs, you name it, and it’s spasing. The most fun is when it causes me to knock things over. Or, even better! When my hand twitches as I’m holding, I don’t know, a mug full of hot coffee and then I drop it all over the place. (Moment of silence for all those lost mugs)
Allodynia
This is a weird one, and please dont stop hugging and high-fiving me. But this fancy-ass word basically means it hurts to be touched. This is most common for me with unimportant things like clothes and shaving my legs.
(I love hugs, so keep ’em coming! Really, I don’t feel like I get that many which is sad and embarrassing but I’m going to share it anyway!)
I hope you enjoyed this second installment of the “What the f*ck is fibromyalgia?” series. Hopefully this provides some insight into my life, and some others who you may know. Really though, it could be a lot worse. I am fortunate that my fibro is more or less under control, without medication. I know that not everyone is that lucky, and I do my best to not take it for granted.
Next time you see me, give me a hug and tell me if I smell.
-J
Please feel free to browse through my blog for other posts, or check out some articles I have written for Thought Catalog here.
The Life of Julie 