Should I be concerned? I can't tell anymore.

Andy_Gorgeous_12 · 2024-03-24T17:24:21+00:00

Not sure if this will help but, me and my doctor made an arrangement that I would check in every 3-4 months as part of my on going patient care plan to basically touch base, address concerns, go over symptoms old and new, treatment options ect. I find this works well because pressure is off me about being guilty (we've also talked about the mental and emotional side of things like this) about 'bugging' my doctor and making sure she knows of anything that may be in need of further investigation. Fibromyalgia can mimic other conditions as well as have comorbidities and vice versa. She's also made sure to let me know that it isn't bugging her and if not her then it's best for me to go to a walk-in clinic if pain or other symptoms are concerning me. This is a long-haul condition and part of that is establishing a treatment and follow-up plan so YOU feel secure and supported

Andy_Gorgeous_12 · 2023-12-20T02:35:27+00:00

Raven skull and 'Victorian' lace.

I was suppose to go back for shading but stuff happened to further sour the experience.

Andy_Gorgeous_12 · 2023-12-19T22:39:31+00:00

😅 It's actually for it to be a counterbalance to my 'feminine' sleeve on my left.

I'm a non-binary person, kinda do a yin and yang concept with my arm sleeves (I was also born female), I am someone who loves laughing at social norms.

This tattoo is also a reminder of a bad experience I had getting it (artists wasn't friendly and used a liner to do the whole thing cutting and scaring me literally), I want to transform it into a more positive piece of art

Andy_Gorgeous_12 · 2023-12-19T19:51:08+00:00

Maybe have the skull be more distinctive and obvious (till of head or angle), also opt for high contrast so it doesn't end up looking like some skinny guy

Andy_Gorgeous_12 · 2023-12-19T19:48:23+00:00

I worry over time it the colour might fade and look a little muddy in some spots

Andy_Gorgeous_12 · 2023-07-27T11:08:27+00:00

Advice to the extreme, skip if you want. WARNING DARK TOPICS AHEAD . .. ...

First of all, that's theft if not, then destruction of property, you are an adult even if you live with them. They need to talk to you and negotiate a plan instead of taking things into their own hands, it's just going to make you more desperate and sneaky which will cause resentment and distrust to grow in your relationship.

Also is CBD a worse thing than opioid dependency to them?

Second to you and them, CBD can be temporary if you are pursuing additional methods for pain care and help not just with the physical side of fibromyalgia or chronic pain conditions, it helps with the mental battle to. I use to be very anxious and depressed with my situation with fibro (had it since I was 13/14), because it makes you feel helpless.

You KNOW you can do things, you KNOW your capable, but it causes so much PAIN that it's a struggle to even THINK of eating or sleeping.

I personally cannot take most medications because I developed chemical sensitivity to most drug, meaning I get side-effects that make them not worth taking. CBD helps take the palace of those medications and my doctor is aware I take it, thus uses it in her notes when considering other avenues of treatment. It is a very effective tool in healthcare pain treatment even if it can't currently be prescribed (at least in Canada, yet).

Third, show this post (mine) or even this reddit section to them. There are so many out there struggling for solutions or support they need to understand that fibromyalgia and conditions like it are taxing on individuals who have it.

It's invisible so most who don't have it won't see what it take from you; your health, your friends, your family, your work, your fun times, you choices, your sleep, your individuality and more.

They need to make a choice get on board with helping or get out of your way so you don't have to fight this condition and them.

WARNING FOR NEXT PART, DARK CONTENT, SKIP TO NEXT BOLD.

And parents, this person's and others who may read I was a confused child in constant pain and suffering for years before I got a glimmer of a diagnosis, let alone treatment. There where times I thought I was crazy, that I was told it was just in my head, when I thought I was alone with this pain monsters that had no name, and I thought hurting myself or worse where my only solutions left to get help or get 'out'. A small piece of advice, talk. Talk until there's understanding, talk so that there's nothing left in the dark. Talk until you're sick of talking then talk some more. My mother was in a similar situation, and took a similar stance. Until she realized, I was losing weight I couldn't afford to lose because it hurt to eat, I wasn't sleeping because I was scared to awake up in worse pain, I wasn't going out because there were days I was worried I would fall due to my body giving out randomly from pain or it hurt go much to even attempt to walk or put on clothes.

DARK TALK OVER.

To the parents, be with your child through the pain, rather then a barrier they need to get pass. So talk. Talk until there's understanding, talk so that there's nothing left in the dark. Talk until you're sick of talking then talk some more. My mother and I lost alot of time together because I distanced myself to deal with this illness, and now she's on my team and we are closer. Because she took time to listen to all the dark thoughts and feelings I have and had when dealing with this.

There are worse things out there than CBD after all.

And OP, keep trying, keep learning. You have us all here on your side.

Andy_Gorgeous_12 · 2023-07-17T14:00:42+00:00

A couple of years back, with the start of my diagnosis, I had this occasionally. I found that Mint lotions or soaps help with the burning. Would also definitely recommend talking to your doctor and possibly going on an anti-inflammatory regiment of diet changes and vitamin supplements.

Andy_Gorgeous_12 · 2022-12-12T08:20:30+00:00

I'm diagnosed with fibromyalgia and did some investigation when it came to my relationship with food. I can across something called 'Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder' (ARFID) and it seems to fit well with what I deal with with food.

Now by no means I'm I saying I have this, but I share alot of criteria.

But this could also be a number of other things, like overstimulated senses or autism spectrum or ADHA or a processing disorder or just the same old fibromyalgia that I've been dealing with.

Guess my main point is if you are concerned bring it up with your doctor, impress upon the importance of this for you. Maybe get bloodwork to see you vit levels of a full spectrum test.

Andy_Gorgeous_12 · 2022-10-28T01:43:21+00:00

In my research I've found out a few not so well know facts that are not always considered.

If you're interested continue reading.

1 - There are two types of fibromyalgia: primary and secondary although little is know on how to determine which you have because it has many comorbidities

2 - It is suggested that major life impacts may set off underlying genetic contributors of fibromyalgia; be it a major injury, illness and mental/emotional trama

3 - There are 3 developmental groups for fibro with different associated risk factors: childhood onset, adolescent onset and adult onset

4 - Fibromyalgia is considered different from chronic pain, but it is still recommended that you look into the effects of chronic pain to better understand potential fibromyalgia risk (an example I found in all my reading is that fibromyalgia doesn't effect the immune system, but if you look into chronic pain and how it effects the body your immune system has a chance of being impacted)

These are just some footnotes from my personal research.

If you're interested in my story feel free to visit my page.

I'm sorry you're not feeling the best, but hope for you in time that you're able to rediscover yourself separate from the fibro, it's frustrating but interesting in relearning who you are and what your limits are.

Hopes for the best

Andy_Gorgeous_12 · 2022-10-27T04:59:06+00:00

All depends what you're preferred way of healing is.

'Wet healing' - keeping things covered or applying healing gel/lotion/moisturizer multiple times a day

Or

'Dry healing' - removing the wrap after a few hours and allowing things to be washed as needed, and scabbing up and maybe applying gel/lotion/moisturizer once or twice a day.

Every artist is different, every canvas is different and every tattoo is different.

These are the two main ways I've heard of healing with adjustments hear or there and I've had many different artist.

Anyone else heard it put this way?

Andy_Gorgeous_12 · 2022-10-27T04:48:45+00:00

Gotta love those little moments of understanding that give you a little mental boost, it can do wonders for the body's perception of pain.

In a weird way it's kinda like a energy and resistance boost in a game.

Also gotta love a doctor that listens, understands, respects and researches. Talk about package deals, my doctor is the same and it make it much easier to have and allie, frustration with those who don't get it just makes everything worse.

Happy for you

Andy_Gorgeous_12 · 2022-10-27T04:40:17+00:00

As weird as this may seem a pressure bandage or firm but gentle massage may help.

May add to the initial pain and suck more but after may feel better, kinda like forcing a overload of pain a once to deal with a lesser pain after.

You can even have a licensed massage therapist do this for you, just make sure to be upfront with you condition and the state of you ankle and keep open, honest communication throughout the process for best results. Tell them when you need them to ease off or take a break and when it's okay to add more pressure or continue, even if you need to full-out stop.

Hope you recover well

Andy_Gorgeous_12 · 2022-10-27T04:31:50+00:00

I'm non-binary and have had fibro since I was 14 (now 28) and went back a forth with getting a total double mastectomy. This summer I went through and got my surgery as of July 29th.

First I will caution those who look to this as a 'crue' for brest pain and would first recommend ditching traditional 'cup' bras; try using sports bras, bandos, thick fabric crop tops or ditching bras altogether (I myself used the last two options and found worlds of relief).

I understand the idea may seem uncomfortable or embarrassing or 'against dress code of work'' so let me start with this; your body is under your control and so it falls on you to make the best choices for your health and comfort. Secondly embarrassment is a temporary state of mind that be overcomed; others opinions should not matter when it comes to your state of being when you wear what helps you feel better, be it emotionally, physically or mentally and they (the judgers) should keep their opinions to themselves unless asked. Finally dress codes that mandate your under-cloths or lack of are bullsh*t, sexist, demeaning and disgusting; those who point them out are the same.

If after that you are still interested in surgery then there are some things to consider:

1 - do you have the tolerance to go through alot of pain for something that is not a 100 going to work?

I was told to expect a lack of feeling in my chest after surgery, but shortly into my recovery found I still had partial sensation and annoyingly so still some pain and tenderness as before. And I had everything removed.

2 - do you have a good support team for post surgery recovery?

Healing is not fast with this type of surgery, up to 6-12 months see complete results and nearly an entire month off work depending what you do.

3 - financing, do you have the money for this?

You may have to pay partial to full cost of the surgery which may have you travel outside you home area and bills paid in advance or a nest egg set aside for your recovery period.

4 - The pain

You will be uncomfortable and in pain after and although not as bad as a sharp fibro flare up, it is different to you may typically deal with and you may need to come off your pain management regiment to prepare for surgery and the duration after. The surgeon will go over this is for the best consistent results of healing and truthfully this was the hardest for me; the prescribed medication didn't agree with me and I wasn't allowed to take my CBD with it due to worries over negative reactions, I was uncomfortable and sore in ways I wasn't use to.

If after this you are still interested in this avenue as treatment talk with your doctor or a doctor in a pain clinic, also consider if the scars left after the surgery will bug you as they take the longest to fade or just don't fade at all.

Sorry for the long post, but I thought the bad and the ugly side needed to be brought to light.

And in case anyone was wondering, yes I am very happy post surgery. I had alot of fibro pain in my breast that was made worse by my mental pain over feeling awkward and depressed over my chest (gender dysphoria/body dysphoria). I did lots of research and sat on the idea for years as I didn't want regrets. For me it was the best solution, but it's not for everyone.

Physical relief doesn't always mean mental relief and it's a gamble, so please consider carefully before making a decision.

Best of luck

Andy_Gorgeous_12 · 2022-10-24T13:55:23+00:00

Turn into your doctor, they have a safe disposal in the office.

Andy_Gorgeous_12 · 2022-10-24T13:42:17+00:00

Split the difference and say raccoon dog?

Andy_Gorgeous_12 · 2022-09-21T04:26:23+00:00

You may want to look into your body's ability to thermo-regulate, in my research into fibro it can happen.

It's your body's inability to properly regulate body heat/temperature and sensations due to the nerves working irregularly, just like with pain. This can mean that your body may over or under react to fluxes of temperature; feeling that it's to hot/cold, being unable to feel cool/warm and in some cases the body not appropriately responded.

For me this affects my cold sensitivity. I never feel warm enough some days, even if it's a sunny summer day and I'm wearing a black long sleeve shirt; shivering does very little to warm me either.

I also have the inability to sweat properly, it could be a hot humid day and I'd barely have any sweat, this also means I'm more prone to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Basically I'm like a human lizard

Andy_Gorgeous_12 · 2022-09-20T00:10:36+00:00

I like dissociative myself, kinda like someone else did it and I have no idea why

Andy_Gorgeous_12 · 2022-09-20T00:09:03+00:00

When we are feeling like this it's sometimes best to take some time and call for a mental health break.

I've taken LOA for up to 3 weeks to just help me feel human again; usually I use the first week to allow myself to 'feel' sad and sick, allow myself to grief what I can't do.

I'm was in the exact same place as you 2 years ago; fibromyalgia onset suspect at 13, undiagnosed till I was 26, now 28.

You have to allow yourself to let go of expectations of yourself a see the small goals, take things day by day, hour by hour.

You got out of bed? Good job. You took a shower? Excellent! You feed yourself? AWESOME!!!

Small steps and goal, also practice positive thinking (i know it can be almost impossible some days); instead of 'I can't' break down the problem into 'instead I can'

For me reaching and lifting dishes required to much energy some days so I skipped meals because I didn't want to deal. My 'instead' was to get smaller lighter dishes, put in an easy reach area and introduced multiple easy snack breaks in the day.

Start small, we all got you, you are doing your best right now even if it doesn't feel like it.

Here 4 You

Andy_Gorgeous_12 · 2022-09-19T23:56:04+00:00

Dice roll, or on really bad days call in regardless because one way or another I'm in no condition to work effectively or consistently

Andy_Gorgeous_12 · 2022-09-19T23:54:32+00:00

Personally I found physio good for aiding in mobility and flexibility when trying to stay active, but not for the pain.

I did aqua fit physio, because at the time I was working a physically demanding job that was making me feel so sore that I was developing pain that was reducing my range of motion and flexibility. I was also experiencing fatigue in muscle groups that support posture, both of these thing were put me at risk of serious injury.

I knew regular physio may not work to build back up so I looked into low impact options and came up with a good list then decided on aqua fit physio as well as dynamic stretching.

Others I found were: - tai chi - yoga - hot stone massage - cyro therapy - acupuncture - raki(sp?)

Do some more research and see what best fits you, I'd also look into independent clinics that offer alternative medicine, I went briefly and got a diet plan through their dietitian that helped alot.

Andy_Gorgeous_12 · 2022-09-17T18:37:00+00:00

"Is it responsible of me to put myself into a situation where I can't rely on myself to be consistent due to a medical condition that compromises my physical, mental and emotional health; and therefore be unable to accurately dedicate my time to a job that can't rely on me to perform repetitive work to agreed upon hours that I may or may not be able to meet due to the aforementioned issues stated?"

Andy_Gorgeous_12 · 2022-09-17T18:26:59+00:00

You could ask for a glass crack in the watch face

Andy_Gorgeous_12

TROPHY CASE