Home › Health › #Health Update for Harmony #Fribromyalgia and @vocal_creators #TopStories!

#Health Update for Harmony #Fribromyalgia and @vocal_creators #TopStories!

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Cute teddy bear with Thank You, See You Soon, and Hugs! captions
Image by Anne-marie Ridderhof from Pixabay. Edited in Canva.

Hi everyone! I hope you all had a lovely weekend.

Today, I have some news for you, which I’ve thought long and hard about for a while.

Some of it is good and some not so good. So, here goes …

Many of you know I’ve experienced chronic pain and fatigue for a while now, on top of already being an amputee with chronic neuralgia and insomnia and all the fun that can bring at times.

Since June 2021, I experienced a sudden, unexplained onset of symptoms, which included nerve pain, muscle spasms, and extreme fatigue and brain fog.

I’ve been on high dose steroids since March 2022, and that has brought its own set of challenges. But at least it helped with the pain. From December, I have been on a punishing reducing regimen. It’s been a struggle to stay online and keep up with all of my fantastic online friends, but being online with you all is also something I love.

Finally, in December 2022, I had a consultation with a Rheumatology consultant. When I saw this lovely doctor again, at the end of January, he offered a tentative diagnosis: Fibromyalgia … and it is tentative at this stage.

At this point, I’m in the process of trying to find out as much about this condition as I can and research ways to help myself. Unfortunately, my GP is proving less than helpful, and I may end up completely on my own with this, medically speaking, which includes–and I can’t even think about this right now–not having any pain relief medication at all. His first words upon hearing ‘Fibromyalgia’ were: ‘There’s no treatment for that.’ He then went on to say he can’t keep prescribing pain meds long term. Well, what he said isn’t–strictly speaking–true. While there is no cure, there are treatment options, such as pain management. So, it seems I’m going to have to push hard here as well as find ways to treat the pain myself. Not great, but I’m determined. I have no choice, really. 

It may be that I can find a specialist in private practice, with affordable rates–oh, goodness, I hope so!–who might be able to help me manage the symptoms and find workable solutions. Yet something else to which I will need to give time and energy.

Throughout all of this, I haven’t managed to write anything longer than short stories or poems for a LONG TIME. I have a novella obligation this year, which I desperately want to get written, and I’m missing that sort of writing! The reality is that I can’t do it all. Even though I REALLY REALLY want to.

So, I’m sad to say, you won’t be seeing me around as much online for a while. On a daily basis, by the time I’ve caught up on all your wonderful blog posts, responded to your lovely comments on my blog, and interacted on Twitter, I don’t have the energy or brain focus to do anything else. Some days, I can’t even read let alone write.

As you will have guessed by now, I’ve gone the long way around saying I’m going to have to take a break from being online until I get my novella written. This makes me so sad, yet also hopeful that at the end of it I can come back stronger and with a book to show for it!

Cute teddy bear with Thank You, See You Soon, and Hugs! captions
Image by Anne-marie Ridderhof from Pixabay. Edited in Canva

I won’t disappear completely, and I will try and post here and on Vocal as regularly as possible. What I won’t be doing is be active on Twitter beyond the odd retweet or tweet, and neither will I be responding to all the blogs I’m following. Each day, I’ll try to do some, but I can’t make any promises.

I have review posts scheduled up to the beginning of April, and it is my hope to at least continue with those weekly review posts. But that will have to be a take-it-as-it-comes situation. Also, you’ll see me roughly once a month over at Story Empire with a series of posts on Homonyms, and I’d be delighted if you could come over and say hello on those days!

Vocal has become a great platform for me to express myself creatively and hone my poetic and short-fiction talents. And if I can manage it, I’d like to continue to put some energy and time into that and share the results with you …

… Which leads me to my good news of the day … I have not one but two–yes, TWO!!!–short stories that Vocal has named as Top Story, and I am so thrilled and shocked and awed and doing my happy dance! 💃💃💃

If you haven’t read them already, you can find each Top Story below …

Double Jeopardy

 

House covered in snow with bench outside.Lake behind. Rural. Isolated.

The Safe House

 

Cute teddy bear with Thank You, See You Soon, and Hugs! captions
Image by Anne-marie Ridderhof from Pixabay. Edited in Canva

I’m so sorry I won’t be able to be around to cheer you on or say hello as often as I’d like, and I hope you understand. It’s not because I don’t care, because I truly do!

At the moment, it seems that I have to retreat in order to advance. I can’t thank you enough for all your love and support over the years, and I appreciate each and every one of you.

I’d also like to say I’m still open to any of you who’d like to guest post with new releases from time to time. All I ask is that you give me plenty of time between sending the post materials and the date of posting!

This isn’t a goodbye but rather a ‘See You Soon!’

Hugs and Love, Harmony 💖🤗💖

50 Comments on “#Health Update for Harmony #Fribromyalgia and @vocal_creators #TopStories!”

  1. So sorry you have all of this going on. I’m fighting this aw well. I had my nerves burned and more and it was not good. I finally had to resort to using 2.5 mg thc or 1/4 of 10 thc gummy. It helps a lot. doesn’t make it go away but helps. FYI: You may have Lyme disease which is exactly how it sounds. Let me know if you want info on that.

    • Thanks, Mary. Sorry you’re going through this too. I’m currently experimenting with various alternatives. I’m pleased the THC helps with your symptoms 💕🙂

  2. Oh Harmony, I’m so sorry to hear all you are and have been going through. I have a few friends who struggle with fibro and I know how it can suck the energy right out of you. Take the time you need to care for yourself. We will miss you and look forward to your visits when you’re up to it. Good luck with the novella. Hugs xox

    • Thanks so much for your wonderful support and encouragement, Debby. Hugs 💕🙂

  3. I am sorry I didn’t know you are facing health issues Harmony. Please take care, health is a priority. Take one step at a time and I am sure there must be pain therapies to deal with such a situation. Wishing you improvement in your health soon and sending you a big hug for staying strong. You’ll be in my prayers and thoughts. 🤗🤗

  4. I don’t know how you’ve hung in there as long as you have. You’ve been struggling a long time. We’ll miss you, but boy, do I understand. Sending prayers and sympathy. Good luck with your health and your writing!

  5. HI Harmony, I am aware of your health challenges and pain and I think it is wise for your to take some time off and write your novella. It is impossible to be everything to everyone all the time. I loved your Double Jeopardy story and enjoyed The Safe House very much. I am trying to get my story from the walls perspective finished so I can post it tomorrow. I had been wondering if your symptoms were fibromyalgia. I do know a bit about the condition and I read an interesting book about it. The book was written by Brigid P Gallagher who suffers from fibromyalgia and she found relief through alternative medications. Her book is available on Kindle Unlimited here: https://www.amazon.com/Watching-Daisies-Life-Lessons-Importance-ebook/dp/B01N3M9VJ0. Brigid lives in Ireland and no longer blogs, but she is on Facebook.

    • Thanks for the book recommendation and well wishes, Robbie. I keep you and your family are in my thoughts all the time too. Good luck with your ‘walls’ story! Hugs and love 💕🙂

  7. So sorry to hear of your health problems, Harmony. I have a friend with fibromyalgia, so I know a bit about what you are going through.
    Just don’t overdo it. We’ll all be here when you come back.
    Hugs

    • Thanks so much, Viv. It’s hitting that balance each day that’s so tough, especially as the limits keep on changing. Hugs 💕🙂

  8. Hi Harmony, I’m so sorry about your health struggles, and that has to come first as well as your own writing. Congratulations on your wonderful short story success – and warmest wishes for your novella writing. We’ll miss you, but you’re making the right decision. Toni x

  9. Take care of yourself first and foremost. We aren’t going anywhere and will be here when you’re ready to pop in.

  10. Of course you have two top stories! You’re an amazing writer! You absolutely have to put your health first. I get that. I had to cut back on some aspects of my life last year because there just aren’t enough hours in the day, and you are doing the same (for different reasons). We are all here to support you and will be here when you post and when you return in full mode at a later time.

    I do have a few suggestions. None of them are cures, but they might help with the pain. I’m not sure how prevalent holistic doctors are in your area, but try to search for an applied kinesiologist. They “listen” to your body and help alleviate whatever isn’t in harmony.

    Consider emotional frequency tapping. Tapping works to rewire the central nervous system and calm the signals. There is research that it helps with pain management.

    Perhaps look into CBD oil. I’ve heard it works wonders for pain management.

    Sending healing energy your way to help alleviate your pain. And I look forward to reading that novella once you finish it. XOXO

    Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
    http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com

    • Thanks for your support and wonderful suggestions, Yvi. I’m not finding CBD too beneficial, unfortunately but am trying other avenues. Your encouragement means such a lot! 💕🙂

  11. You sould not have to resort to private practice for help as the NHS should be aqble o help with pain management clinics. I hope hat becomes an option for you as I don’t want to think of you suufgferinng any more than you already do. Take whatever time you need to do whatever it i that most pleases you. We will stilll be here at the end of it.Waiting for your return with bated breath.
    Look after yourself an fee l better sooon.
    Huge Hugs

    • Thanks so much, David. Hugs received with gratitude and hugging you right back! 💕🙂

    • Thanks so much, Jacquie. I’m exploring all avenues right now 💕🙂

  13. So sorry to hear this, Harmony. My son suffers from fibromyalgia, so I know how challenging it will be for you. He too has been taken off steroids that helped him manage his pain. He has good days and bad days. I can see from your blog that you’re a strong person, and I hope this strength helps you to find a way through. I wish you the very best. xx

    • That’s so lovely of you to say, Ruth. I’m so sorry your son is suffering from fibromyalgia and hope his good days outweigh the bad ones. Hugs 💕🙂

  14. Congrats on having two top stories, Harmony! They both deserve it. Sorry about the Fibromyalgia, I’ve dealt/deal with that mixed with other issues. Yes, you must take care of your health. Sending healing hugs and tons of support.

    • I’m sorry you have this and other things to deal with, Denise. I’m amazed with the two top stories! Congratulations on your recent top story too. Hugs and love 💖🤗

  15. Sorry to hear you about your medical issues. You need to take care of yourself before you worry about everything else. Know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers, and I wish you relief when you can get it.

    Hopefully by scaling back, you will be able to care for yourself and get what little relief you can as well as being able to finish your novella.

    Congrats on both top stories!!!

  16. I’m so sorry to hear you’re going through this, Harmony. I hope you find the right doctor soon and get the help you need. Hugs 💖💖💖

  17. PLEASE take care of YOU, first and foremost, Harmony! That’s more important than anything else, and if your well being demands you find at least a bit of time for writing, then you’ll figure out how and when you can make it happen. (But only in conjunction with, or secondary TO, finding a way to put your health first.) I sincerely hope you find the right medical path/professionals to guide you in the weeks ahead.

    Remember, you are a loved and respected member of the writing/blogging community, and you have people pulling for you all across the world! I know you can do this, if you don’t try to handle all of it at once any more, and I’m sending you loads of positive, healing energy, tons of love, and many prayers.🤗💖🤗

    • You just made me cry! Lols 😂 Thank you, my friend, for your heartfelt words and wishes. Tons of love and hugs your way too 💖🤗💖

      • Sorry to make you cry, Harmony, but the words were truly heartfelt and sincere. We are all rooting for you to find your way forward, and I have great faith that you can! More hugs and love heading your way, my friend! :😘🤗💖🤗😘

  18. Fibromyalgia is about as nasty as it gets in the rheumatology diagnosis. I have RA and AS (on my backbone), and have always felt lucky it wasn’t Fibro. If you lived here in California, I’d get you to my rheumatologist. He has a perfect balance of treatment and pain management that works excellently, with respect and understanding.

    Best of luck. I love your Story Empire posts and will keep following you there!

    • I’m sorry you’re dealing with all that, Jacqui, and sending love and hugs to you! Thanks so much for your kind words and support 💕🙂

  19. “You have to retreat in order to advance.” What a great way to put it, Harmony, and a recognition and honoring of what you need to do for yourself. Absolutely take care of yourself first. Everyone who has a heart completely understands and supports your decision. People adjust their blogging schedules all the time to accommodate other priorities. It’s life. Take good care of yourself, my friend. <3 <3
    And congrats on the Vocal top stories!

  20. I can only imagine how difficult this time has been for you, Harmony. I’m so sorry you’re going through this, and I sincerely hope you find genuine guidance for your healing. How you managed to keep this pace is astonishing.
    Sending you healing (((hugs))) and love for the journey. xo

    • Your words cheer me on and encourage me, Natalie. Thank you! Hugs 💕🙂

  21. Health should always come first. (Including mental health, which has been my reason for cutting back while dealing with so many family issues.) You take care. Your friends will be here when you’re ready to come back.

    Sending love, hugs, and prayers for effective pain management (delivered quickly).

    • Thanks so much, Staci. Seeing you and other friends stepping back has helped me immensely in taking this decision. Love and hugs 💖🤗💖

  23. Perfectly understandable, Harmony. There’s just so much any of us can do and when illness is involved, it limits our abilities. We’re here for you whenever you’re able. {{{{Hugs}}}}

  24. Sorry to hear this Harmony but it is more important to look after your health. You are always so supportive of other writers and we will know you are there in spirit. Sending big hugs.