Welcome come on in my friend, I have prepared a unique cuppa for us today.
This month I’ve been wearing as much purple as possible!
And today we even have purple tea!
An Australian Bush tea that turns purple when infused. And we have little purple edible flowers on our gf Chocolate Brownies.
Why?
Because it’s the month to bring awareness to a condition I journey with each day.
It’s Fibromyalgia Awareness month & purple Ribbons are it’s symbol!
Update
Fibromyalgia impacts the lives of millions of people across the globe.
It affects mainly women but men are amongst its sufferers as well as children.
The exact cause is not known, although many hypothesise have been researched. And to date there is no known cure.
It’s a chronic pain & fatigue condition often accompanied by several autoimmune conditions that make life extremely challenging, to say the least.
Definition of Fibromyalgia;
Fibro means fibres +
Myalgia means muscle pain
= Fibromyalgia → Pain in the fibres of the muscle.
It’s recognised as a medical condition/syndrome that affects the entire body because the body is made up of muscles.
Let’s make this personal
I’ve now lived with Fibromyalgia for 17 years.
Although, I still vividly remember the day I realised something was terribly wrong.
Back then I had an Australian Kelpie, my faithful work dog from my days as a Wool grower on the farm, her name was Polly (more in Home sweet home).
Every afternoon when I got home from work I would drive Polly down to the waterfront for her daily walk.
Which was also my time to wind down from a busy day of Counseling, walking kilometres along the waterfront & back.
That particular day, as I got out of the car for our walk extreme fatigue suddenly hit me like a tonne of bricks.
I only made it about 50m & couldn’t go any further & had trouble getting back to the car.
I had no idea what was happening, as up to that point I had been literally bouncing with energy & good health.
It would be years before Fibromyalgia was properly diagnosed by a Specialist Rheumatologist (with all its accompanying autoimmune conditions)!
17 years on…
If you join me here often then you know I have shared different aspects of living with Fibromyalgia on occasion & how a full life can still be lived.
Although it looks very different from my previous life & to a life that enjoys full health.
But I’m still able to live my best life within the daily challenges Fibromyalgia presents!
What I’ve learnt
I’ve learnt that Fibromyalgia has cycles, these cycles consist of ‘less intense cycles’ & ‘very intense cycles’ (aka flares).
There is no particular pattern to these cycles, for either cycle can last for any length of time from a few days to months at a time.
In the ‘less intense cycle’ while the pain & fatigue are still there, (they never leave) the intensity is less.
Where as the ‘very intense cycles’ (or flares) are significantly challenging with extreme pain & fatigue.
How to Thrive with Chronic Conditions
I know that title above sounds like a contradiction in terms but you can thrive with Chronic disease!
I’m a living testimony to this phenomenon.
The greatest thing I’ve learnt throughout the past 17 years is that I can’t thrive in this time without my relationship with my heavenly Father through my Lord & Saviour, Jesus Christ nor do I want to!
For He has kept His promise;
“…For He Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up, nor leave you without support.
I will not, I will not, I will not in any way leave you helpless nor forsake nor let you down (relax my hold on you)!
Assuredly not!”
Hebrews 13: 5 Paraphrased
So with His love & support I can face each day with confidence that I’m not alone in this challenging season.
A Suggestion
If you know someone who has Fibromyalgia or Chronic Health conditions why not send them a lovely encouraging card.
It will mean the absolute world to them.
Until next time my friend,
Jennifer
You’re most welcome to join me in The Reading Nook
or
in Prayer
© 2022, Jennifer M. Ross, teawithjennifer.blog All Rights Reserved. Photo by Anastasia Belousova on Pexels.com
Jennifer, I can’t imagine living with constant pain. I see my husband doing it every day and so did my beloved Mother. I do know that God’s grace is sufficient as we trust in Him.
Blessings and prayers,
Pam♥️
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Thank you sweet friend! I’m saddened to hear Butch lives with constant pain too Pam.
Prayers & blessings for you both 💜
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A chronic hidden disability is not easy. Folks just don’t understand …but Jesus does. Praying for you…
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That He does Jansaun, that He does! 🤗 Thank you for your prayers they are greatly appreciated my friend.
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PURPLE – 🌸💜🟣🟪
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💜
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Jennifer, I am so sorry you deal with this chronic illness. Yet your testimony is one of thriving, hope and encouragement to others! Thank you my friend for sharing your journey with us.
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Thank you Donna for your loving & encouraging words sweet friend 💜
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Thank you for sharing, Jennifer. My daughter was just diagnosed with this, and what you shared is very helpful, “What I’ve learnt is that Fibromyalgia has cycles, these cycles consist of ‘less intense cycles’ & ‘very intense cycles’ (aka flares).” ~Lisa, Visiting from Inspire Me Monday #5
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You’re welcome Lisa. I’m saddened to hear your daughter has been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia too. The beginning of the journey is a difficult one.
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Love this Jennifer! I also wrote about Fibromyalgia awareness month on my other website. You can check out that post as I shared it today a Inspire Me Monday #1
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Thank you Paula! I’ll check it out 😄
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I checked out your post Paula, I didn’t realise we are Fibro buddies! 🤗
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I have to say, I am sorry that you are living in constant pain. Unfortunately I do know what that is like. The tea looks absolutely soothing & the purple edible flowers; while symbolic also add to the romance of the photo. Praying that you have more good days & less bad ones.
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Thank you, I’m delighted you enjoyed your time here today & appreciate your thoughtful prayers 🤗
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‘But I’m still able to live my best life within the daily challenges Fibromyalgia presents!’
This is such a victory statement … what encouragement it brings any of us who live with physical, brain health, or other challenges. Thank you for sharing this grace, Jennifer.
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Thank you Linda! His grace is truly amazing. 🤗
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I am so thankful for your suggestion; not living with chronic pain myself I always feel at a loss to help those who are and your suggestion that even something as simple as sending a card could help makes me feel like maybe I can help in some small way.
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I’m delighted you picked up on my suggestion ☺️
When we live with chronic health conditions, we can’t keep up with our former socialising, so many fade from our lives. Receiving a card helps us feel connected. 🤗
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Thanks for sharing on this, ma’am.
I pray for Abba’s increased strength to your body. 🙏🏻
You are loved. 🤗
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Thank you Herry! I appreciate your prayers. 💓
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Thank you for sharing this encouraging post. I never understood the challenges of living with chronic pain until a long season of going through it myself. Thank you for the verses and for reminding us of the truth that we can face each day with Jesus by our side.
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You’re most welcome Leslie. I’m saddened to hear you too have experienced chronic pain though.
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Jennifer, I know it is a hard thing to live with but so good that you have the Lord to rely on and get you through. What a great inspiration that is to all of us in our struggles.
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Thank you Donna ☺️
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I wasn’t aware that men suffered from Fibro too. All I’ve ever heard was that women suffered from it.
Praying for you!
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Thank you Ed, I appreciate your prayers. Yes, sadly men & children are amongst its sufferers too.
A good article to read on this is; https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315422
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You had me with the purple flowers and I love the idea of purple tea. My sister has fibro myalgia and has lots of pain. It’s a beautiful post you wrote about it. Thank you!
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You’re most welcome Carol! I love purple flowers too! I’m saddened to hear that your sister has Fibromyalgia. Maybe she would enjoy joining us for a cuppa here ☺️
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