Fibromyalgia

It’s the rare person with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome who hasn’t had to give up some activity. Whether it’s something little (like an occasional hobby), or something major (like a career), we’ve all made those sacrifices.

I’ve had to give up some things because I simply can’t do them anymore, and other things because of the toll they take on my health and functionality (and some for a combination of both reasons.) I’ve given up my TV news career, my gym workouts (a weight circuit plus 45 minutes on the treadmill? Are you joking?), occasional hiking trips, major home improvement projects, etc. Fortunately, I’ve been able to gain back long walks (on good days), gardening, a social life, and enough of my brain to write a few blogs and articles every week.

Some things, though, I still don’t have back. While I hope they’ll someday be part of my life again, there’s no guarantee. I have to say, I really miss long days of shopping. I used to spend hours wandering through shops, being inspired by things I saw and just enjoying the whole experience. I also have to admit I really miss being able to eat whatever I wanted. I was recently diagnosed as gluten-intolerant (not Celiac, though), and I’m especially missing “convenience” foods — have you ever noticed how much of what Americans eat comes breaded, on some form of bread, or wrapped in a tortilla? Earlier today I broke down and ate a single chocolate chip cookie, and now I have pain in my esophagus and intestines.

On the emotional side, I miss the feeling of freedom. I used to feel free to pursue whatever hobby, vocation, interest, etc. I wanted to pursue. Now, I have limits. I miss the benefits of the higher income I could have if I were healthy. Some opportunities are no longer available to me. I resent the limitations within which I have to live.

I try to keep in mind that a lot of people have had to give up much more than I have because of these illnesses, but at some moments I just have to get angry or frustrated about it. We all have to vent now and then to keep from exploding, right?

What activity do you miss most? Is it something you think you’ll be able to “reclaim” eventually? What feelings, attitudes or assumptions about life do you miss most? Vent your feelings about it here, by leaving a comment below!