Excuse Me, I’m Having A Mental-pause

What happens when Fibromyalgia and Menopause collide? 

(For symptoms of both Fibromyalgia and Menopause, I have included them at the end of the post.)

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelations 21:4

I don’t know about you, but I cannot wait until that day comes! I have had fibromyalgia and other chronic illnesses for almost 30 years.  Actually I have had fibromyalgia before they had a “name” for the chronic illness.  Back then doctors would send a patient (mostly women) to a psychiatrist because at that time doctors thought it was all in their head -  no one person could have all those symptoms and yet nothing “medically” or “diagnostically” wrong (in their opinion). 

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I find it quite ironic that years before doctors had a name for menopause (and PMS), women again were treated as though it was all psychotic and many women were committed to mental institutions instead of treating the symptoms.     

It does make me wonder how many of these women had both fibromyalgia and menopause (or PMS) at the same time when they were committed to institutions. 

Although, considering back then most doctors were men, it was inconceivable for them to consider that what was occurring in a woman’s body was truly medical. 

I must admit there are times I “feel” crazy or out of control.  When you combine the symptoms of both fibromyalgia and menopause you find that some symptoms are alike; such as, hot flashes, depression, night sweats, increased muscle pain, increased anxiety or irritability.  Therefore those of us with both fibromyalgia and menopause are receiving a double dose of depression and mood swings etc…of which much has to do with hormone and chemical imbalances in our bodies.  In non-medical jargon – it feels like our bodies are experiencing combustible explosion or implosion!  When “mental-pause” begins – it can come on slowly or it can hit us like a race car hitting a brick wall at 100 miles per hour!  Woe to anyone or anything that gets in our way! 

 No wonder our spouses are afraid to speak to us or even enter a room when we are having a bad “mental-pause” day.  Some days I am waiting for my husband to begin an exorcism!  It’s amazing how in one day (sometimes even within an hour) I can go from laughter, anger, crying, agitated, screaming – you name it!

There are some “helps” or “aides” that we can do or take to assist us through these most difficult “mental-pause” days.  Whether you believe in taking medication, hormones or naturopathic approach, we can get some relief.   Just a little hint to the men out there – DO NOT APPROACH YOUR WIFE WITH THESE HELPS!  Unless you’re a glutton for punishment and want your head chewed off! 

 Notice I said “relief”.  There is NO cure for fibromyalgia but we can get some relief from some of the symptoms through certain treatments.  The one consoling thing is that even though fibromyalgia, (at this time) is a life-long chronic illness, menopause WILL finally leave us in time.  Yes, I know men, you are asking WHEN?  It’s no picnic for us women either! 

Oh, Eve, why did you have to listen to the old serpent in the first place?  Well, until we are able to hear Eve’s response to that age old question, women will continue to take “mental-pause” – Just don’t call us CRAZY! 

 I don’t know about you, but I look forward to the day when there will no longer be any pain, tears, death, sorrow or suffering…even so Lord Jesus… come – quickly! 

Do you have fibromyalgia and or going through menopause?  How do you cope?  What has helped you through these most difficult health days? 

Dear Lord, You know that on our worse days when we are angry at everyone and everything we still love you beyond measure.  We may not understand right now why?  But we do know that You are in control and we are looking forward for the day when you will wipe away our tears and remove all pain and sorrow.  In the meantime Lord, we ask that You provide Your strength and wisdom so we can make it through another day.  In Jesus precious name, amen. 

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What Are the Symptoms of Menopause?

Not all women experience symptoms prior to or following menopause, which is defined as the time when a woman has naturally ceased having menstrual periods for one year. If menopausal symptoms occur, they may include hot flashes, night sweats, pain during intercourse, increased anxiety or irritability, and the need to urinate more often.

http://www.webmd.com/menopause/default.htm

What Are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Symptoms of fibromyalgia include:  Chronic muscle pain, muscle spasms or tightness, moderate or severe fatigue and decreased energy; Insomnia or waking up feeling just as tired as when you went to sleep; stiffness upon waking or after staying in one position for too long; difficulty remembering, concentrating, and performing simple mental tasks ("fibro fog"); abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and constipation alternating with diarrhea (irritable bowel syndrome); tension or migraine headaches, jaw and facial tenderness; sensitivity to one or more of the following: odors, noise, bright lights, medications, certain foods, and cold; feeling anxious or depressed; numbness or tingling in the face, arms, hands, legs, or feet; increase in urinary urgency or frequency (irritable bladder); reduced tolerance for exercise and muscle pain after exercise; a  feeling of swelling (without actual swelling) in the hands and feet.

Fibromyalgia symptoms may intensify depending on the time of day -- morning, late afternoon, and evening tend to be the worst times. Symptoms may also get worse with fatigue, tension, inactivity, changes in the weather, cold or drafty conditions, overexertion, hormonal fluctuations (such as just before your period or during menopause), stress, depression, or other emotional factors.

http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/understanding-fibromyalgia-symptoms