Insights are the catalysts of change
Insights are aha moments.
Learning has happened.
A realisation when the world changes.
I call insights catalysts of change.
Insights change pain because they update your belief systems.
Here are 17 insights on fibromyalgia in no particular order.
Insights
- fibromyalgia affects more females than males.
- widespread pain and tenderness is characteristic and diagnostic, but there is more to it than chronic pain.
- menopause symptoms are similar.
- female and male biology is different and hence there are difference considerations when helping a female versus a male — historically, most of the studies have been done on male subjects (e.g./ rats).
- the symptoms cannot be seen but are real.
- symptoms cannot be seen on any test — you cannot see pain, tiredness, brain fog etc.
- the body systems that generate your symptoms include the nervous system, immune system and endocrine system.
- where you feel your symptoms is not where they are being generated — just as the film you watch in the cinema is not generated by the screen.
- fibromyalgia is not your fault.
- you are doing your best at each point with the knowledge and skills you have.
- fibromyalgia can get better.
- understanding fibromyalgia (e.g./ the biology, how your body systems generate experiences) opens the door to possibilities; i.e. the skills and strategies that can help.
- the symptoms of fibromyalgia are those of a sickness response when your neuroimmune system is protecting you: including aches and pains, tenderness, brain fog, fatigue, sleep disruption, mood changes, loss of appetite, nausea, sensitivity to light and sounds and touch, upset stomach.
- it often begins after a sustained period of stress when the body systems have the chance to move from flight-fight to recovery.
- there is a genetic basis but just because a relative had fibromyalgia it does not mean you will definitely suffer, or in the same way — you are on your own path and can learn how to live better and well.
- fibromyalgia is a word; a diagnosis. It is not the experience. It is an umbrella term that captures a range of symptoms.
- there is a biology that is being understood that does not show on standard tests.
See you tomorrow.
r.s.
Sign up to receive my free daily newsletter
To understand and overcome your chronic pain, delivered to your inbox each morning at 8.14am
Here.