There is a strong possibility you have fibromyalgia if you are here. And if you have fibromyalgia, there is a significant possibility you are also struggling with additional health issues. As if the fibromyalgia’s plethora of symptoms were not enough, there is something about it that renders you vulnerable to additional issues. Fibromyalgia, for example, is connected to autoimmune diseases while not being formally categorized as such. According to several studies, having autoimmune illnesses makes you more prone to fibromyalgia.
If you are reading this, you or someone you care about is most likely dealing with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and/or fibromyalgia. There is more, though! You are probably also dealing with headaches, IBS, restless legs, pelvic discomfort, depression, and maybe obesity. Let us not forget about juggling treatments, drugs, medical appointments, particular meals, limited exercise, and restless nights. I could go on and on, but I am sure you get the idea. You are probably also annoyed and unhappy simply thinking about all of the challenges you face on a daily basis.
“The health-care system is largely organized to deliver disease-by-disease care,” the Department of Health and Human Services notes. As a result, when people consult many specialists, the risk of being confused increases.” When it comes to drugs, this is particularly true. For example, you might be taking a depressive drug that also causes anxiety or migraines. With drugs alone, the potential for pandemonium is limitless.
Try an Osteopath
The Association of American Medical Colleges has a list of approximately 120 Western medicine specializations and subspecialties. On the surface, this appears to be a positive development. However, it has the potential to cause major issues.
The notion of treating symptoms rather than the real disease is one of the most important. That is because you have an underlying issue that presents itself in a variety of ways. It may appear to be a single ailment with a number of unconnected problems. When, in actuality, they are all connected to the same unidentified problem.
So, what exactly does your expert do? They only treat symptoms that are under their field of expertise. Take a look at a different type of physician. Osteopathy is a distinct type of practice, even though it is still part of the Western medical system.
As guardians of wellbeing, DOs [Doctors of Osteopathy, as opposed to MDs, who treat symptoms] focus on prevention through getting a better understanding of your lifestyle and surroundings, rather than merely treating your symptoms.
An osteopath, you see, takes a comprehensive approach to healing. That means that, rather than just treating migraines, they will look at everything else going on in your body, mind, and life. Seeing an osteopath could make a huge impact in someone’s life who is coping with several ailments. They are also taught how to interact with the body’s innate healing abilities. Should you insist on visiting an expert, guess what? In the United States, there are over 100,000 Doctors of Osteopathy working in every medical speciality.
Stop Criticizing Yourself
You know how you feel terrible about yourself because you are always ill and tired? Having had severe depression myself, I know that even the most well-intentioned individuals may say some of the most foolish things to you. While I obviously do not condone violence, when I think about those remarks, a small part of me wants to hit them.
Let us return to you and the hateful and irresponsible things you tell yourself. “Anyway, it is my fault.” “I really should not have…” fill in the blank. “This is unbelievable,” you might hear from others but you don’t think of expressing yourself (until you really do). You should simply get over it, dust yourself off, and go on.”
But there is a problem: you are a HUMAN. This is not your fault. You do not believe me, do you? So you got up one day and said, “You know, I believe I would prefer to spend the next few years in bed, taking meds that make me ill, undergoing operations, and simply being in chronic pain.” Did you do it? No one wants to suffer, so no one does it.”
One sick disabled woman describes her experience of living with illness’s burden. “The notion is not that we do not have control,” she writes. The goal is to focus on “What can I do that will be useful?” rather than “Why?”
I believe that all of this analysis has gone too far. The next time I get caught up in a worry cycle, I will question myself, “Why?” or “What have I done?” “Hey, you have not done anything wrong,” You have already figured it out. “You are a human.”
I hope you find the path to your best life in these words.
—Thom
