This was a local support group that had, as its guest speaker, a physical therapist. Now, that might not seem so shocking to you, dear reader, but track with me here.
The woman was obviously a wonderfully skilled PT. She had obviously worked with many Fibro clients. I don't doubt her credibility at all. She gave a wonderful talk about dealing with Fibro from HER point of view.
Now, before I get to the shocking part, I want to say this; Why does someone who has NEVER suffered with Fibromyalgia have the right to tell those of us who do, how to make our lives better?
Well, OK, I suppose we can't shoot her for trying to help us, can we? I just never can figure out why the people who write articles, say they are experts, and give presentations are people that have NEVER suffered with this "illness" a day in their lives.
In order to deal with this "mysterious" illness that most professionals have NOT wrapped any sort of explanation, cause or cure around, I find it odd that they can "advise" us in any way. There should, at a minimum be a Fibromyalgia suffering co-facilitator, to shed light on the "practicality" of the suggestions.
So, let me now bring you to what I found "shocking" about the presentation. I found it most amazing that this professionals suggestions were the following:
Go to a PT who specializes in Fibro.
Go to an MD who specializes in Fibro.
Move your body, yoga, stretching, Tai Chi.
Relax.
Keep a positive attitude.
Eat right.
Get enough sleep.
Need I go on? Are you feeling a bit unnerved by these suggestions. I mean, of course, some of them are practical and correct, but coming from a completely healthy person, they somehow lose their credibility.
I saw eyes glaze over around me as she was going through these points. Can you blame those eyes?
Let's be honest folks, how many of us, as Fibro sufferers even for just a year or less, have NOT heard all of those suggestions at least ONCE in our journey? Now, I'm not saying that I question this woman's abilities as a PT, but I certainly would have expanded on some of these and also, added a few (if not more of my own).
And maybe, if these were coming from a Fibro sufferer with some practical tips on how to achieve the "eating right" or the "get enough sleep", I would have probably given the presentation more credibility.
Not sure, maybe the head of the support group was trying to fill up the meeting as we seemed to be at a loss for speakers. But to me, a support group isn't necessarily where you have to have "speakers".
It should be a place to vent, share ideas, articles and just generally "support" each other.
However, I have to be honest with you. I'm not a "support group" person deep down inside. I have my reasons for this. First, I tried to run my own and people wouldn't show up because the time never worked for them even when I tried to make the time for the majority. Secondly, I find that often, rather than producing any positive result, a support group turns into nothing more than a negative bitch session. To me, that's counterproductive and no one walks out of the "meeting" served or helped in any viable way.
Now, I'd like to offer you an alternative. HOWEVER, this alternative comes with a caveat. This caveat is that you suffer from ONLY Fibromyalgia and its symptoms and NOT any other illness that presents with Fibro symptoms. In other words, if you have Lupus, Arthritis, Diabetes, Lyme Disease, Peripheral Neuropathy, MS, or any other illness that sometimes has Fibro as a secondary diagnosis, please do not "join" my group OR read my blogs. The reason for this is because I ONLY have Fibromyalgia and there are many people who ONLY have Fibro.
I cannot pretend to be an expert on anything but dealing with Fibromyalgia and I will not try. In addition, some of my suggestions might be downright detrimental to anyone with any of those other diseases/illnesses.
SO, if you are interested in some practical, simple, but sometimes challenging ways to make your life better while living with Fibromyalgia, then follow the blog and I will get you started.
Also, if you are a very negative person, who feels they have been "punished" by the Universe with this illness and they hate themselves and everyone around them, do NOT follow this blog. I am/HAVE BECOME, the most positive, optimistic and "faithfilled" person on the face of the earth for someone who suffers every day. You will get angry at me and my hopeful outlook if you read the blog. Consider yourself warned. :)
SO, it's time to continue on this journey of helping YOU feel better. Tomorrow, I will write the first in a series of blogs that will lead you into a new lifestyle and give you more hope than you had before.
Until then, sleep well, eat well and relax....trust me...I know...I HAVE FIBRO...only FIBRO!
All my best,
Fibro Mo
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