Jeanie's Daily Blog 17th April

Photo by courtesy of Robert Connor

Fibro Day And Other Exciting Stuff

Today has been a day of non-achievement due to the fact that I had an uprising of Fibromyalgia.  I could do nothing about it except rest and move around when it was possible.   The pain in my arms and shoulders made using the laptop a little difficult.  However, I did manage to prepare a list for next week.  I don't make plans, instead my list turns into 'Things I would like to do' instead of Things to Do, no dates no times. That way their is no pressure and no disappointment when I can't do them.  So, very little writing, very little anything, but life goes on and the world wont end.

It may sound like it has been all doom and gloom today, but it wasn't like that at all.  No depression, no frustrations and no moaning.  I just took it all on the chin, well on the arms, shoulders, legs, back .......   Having lived with this condition for so long I have learned that trying to  fight it is a no win situation, it just makes it worse.  It always calms down quicker when I just rest and don't worry about it.  It's there, it's painful but my life will go on. 

Farewell To Baroness Thatcher

On a different note, I had plenty of time on my hands to watch the funeral of Baroness Thatcher with all the pomp and ceremony.  I was glad that there were not too many protesters there.  I was not a fan of Baroness Thatcher's politics or her Iron Lady approach, but I would never take part in such public displays of dislike.  Baroness Thatcher's children and grandchildren had nothing to do with the decisions made by this Lady of Iron and to subject them to all of the 'hatred' just doesn't seem fair.   Many would argue that the Baroness gave no thought to their families when she made her political decisions that ruined the lives of many.  All I can say is two wrongs don't make a right.

Benefits & Scroungers

No one likes the idea that their are benefit scroungers in the UK.  Unfortunately there are, and a lot of innocent people are suffering because of it.  I can fully understand the need to seek the scroungers out and get them working.  What I don't understand is why do a blanket benefit change to oust out the scroungers.  

It would appear that the government are classing everyone on benefits as being a scrounger when that is not the case.  What happened to innocent until proven guilty?  I will answer that, it is now Guilty until proven innocent, and all to save money.

If you are going to make changes in the benefit system you should begin with the people who accepted the claims in the first place.   Maybe it's just me thinking this, but those administrators who allow claims to go through should be held responsible.  It's tax payers money they are dishing out.  They are the ones who say yes or no to claims coming before them.  They are the ones who have cost this UK. millions of pounds in tax payers money.   

We already know that their is a section in the benefit system that deals with fraud. Obviously this is not enough, more manpower is needed for the  investigations into fraudulent claims.   Oh, wait, not enough man power!  Here is the governments chance to give jobs to people. Yes, good idea. Oops, no money to fund a project like this?  Hmm this is a tough one.  You can find the money in the same place that you found the millions of pounds to pay for Baroness Thatcher's funeral.  Too easy?  The UK. government wants get everyone back to work.  If that is the case it maybe an idea to create some jobs for people to go to.   

Decentralising the benefit departments could also be a big help in getting work to the people and sorting out some of the day to day benefit problems.  This would reduce the amount of waiting time on the phone to reach benefit departments, it can take up to an hour before you get through on the phone to talk to someone.   Putting benefit departments back into the regions would also help with fraud prevention. 

Time to change everything and not just benefits but a brand new system is needed as well as a new way of thinking. What we have now is definitely not working for anyone.  Get the claims right in the first place so that  no one can get through with a fraudulent claim.

Fibromyalgia Questions & Answers

Question:  I have just been diagnosed with Fibro and I get a lot of facial pain is this normal?

Answer:  Fibromyalgia can be the cause of facial pain.  However, it would be wise to let your doctor know so that he can rule out other causes of the symptom.

Question:  My daughter has been recently diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. She just lies there on the couch all day sleeping mostly.   I don't know what is going on with her. She is often bad tempered and I feel so helpless.   

Answer:  Fibromyalgia is a complex set of symptoms and it is often difficult for doctors to understand this condition.  It is therefore no wonder that families and friends of anyone who has Fibromyalgia often feel helpless and unsure of what to do.   Nowadays there is plenty of help and support available for Fibromyalgia suffers and their families.  Online there are lots of communities and support groups that you could join. I find that joining in with others who are going through the same illness helps.   There is also a good website that will provide you with a lot of information about Fibromyalgia you can find it here: UK Fibromyalgia .   You can also do a Google search to find other sources of online help.

Fibromyalgia community support groups are popping up all over the UK.  Check with your local surgery or medical professional to find out if there is one near you.   I might be an idea for you to go along with your daughter to enable you to have a better understanding of the illness.  As for being bad tempered;  your daughter is trying to deal with changes in her body, these are life changing differences and often it difficult for the sufferer to deal with. There will be frustrations and anger,  all  you can do it listen, and be there, sometimes that is all that is needed.  

That's all from my inbox today. Please note:  I am not a medical professional and I cannot diagnose or give medical advice.  I can only share my experience of living with Fibromyalgia for almost 8 years.  I don't have all the answers, but I will try to help where I can using my own experiences.   

This has been my blog for today, it's a short one but at least I managed it. Hopefully tomorrow will be better and the sun will shine.  For now I am going to relax with a horror movie.