Sunday Stories: Is it flare worthy?

On Sundays, this space is reserved for God stories. As one of the redeemed, I'd like to share just some of the many things he's done in my life. I hope you'll be encouraged by them!

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story - those he redeemed from the hand of the foe. Psalm 107:1-2

One of the things Fibromyalgia sufferers know well is the phrase:

                                                   Good days and bad days

Those "good days" are days to savor. I'm fully alive and like a glutton, I want to gulp as much goodness as I possibly can.

I believe we sufferers are more aware of what personally makes a day good or bad. We have to intentionally pace ourselves and think: Is this really worth it to me?

                    Is it flare worthy?

Good for you if you don't know what a flare is! Long story short, flare = agony. Most times we can accurately assess them, but there are days when plans go awry.

                                             And there are some days God dreams up for us.

I had one of those days last year, and if I knew at that time that I had a disease, I would never have done this...

                             On the outside I'm smiling, but inside I'm really praying they don't bite my face.

My husband, who planned this whole adventure, was in more pain than I was that day and I had to take his place in the water with our kids. I didn't want to.

                                   You see, I am terrified of large fish. Absolutely terrified.

Even seeing them in aquariums gives me the willies. In three of the snorkeling trips my hubby has thoughtfully planned for my daughters, I've had to take his place TWICE. On this trip, I wasn't even planning to go, but I changed my mind at the last minute.

It's never been my dream to swim with dolphins. I certainly never thought I'd stand on them.

It was incredible.

In these pics, I'm screaming, "Oh my God!" at the top of my lungs. I completely embarrassed my kids.

No doubt about it. This was flare worthy.

Do you have any flare worthy God stories to share? If so, I'd love to hear them.

                                                                                He is wonderful and faithful!

Tracking Pain Triggers

We chronic pain sufferers are (for the most part) tuned into our bodies. However, we can spend so much time protecting ourselves and trying to prevent pain, that we neglect to identify our triggers. Knowing what triggers a flare, is important to self care and increases the quality of our life.

According to the Mayo Clinic's website, "symptoms can begin after a physical trauma, surgery, infection or significant psychological stress." Sometimes, there's no reason at all, symptoms simply accumulate over time. 

               My body was perfectly positioned for devastation. 

I'd had a hysterectomy, chronic recurrent sinus infections, serious psychological stress and a minor car "incident" in the course of two years. But it was the car incident that sparked the disease.
                         
Paying attention to our bodies is critical for understanding what causes pain flares. This requires us to slow down and listen to what our body is trying to say. It's easier said than done, but I'll share some of my triggers and hope it helps you. I set myself up for a flare whenever I....

             Carry or lift anything over 8 pounds
             Sit too long
             Crane my neck
             Carry a purse on my shoulder
             Do too much
             Run or jump*
             Allow stress to take over
             Hunch my shoulders
             
             And so far, the most surprising trigger is...a sunny day.

                                                                                                        photo courtesy Dania Rizkallah

I actually feel better on cloudy and rainy days!

Do you know what your triggers are? If not, try tracking your pain level and activities for seven days and see if you get a spark.
                                                                       He is faithful and wonderful!