Mila and Hambone

I just found another book trying to explain to young children about Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The first is "Why Is Mommy Staying in Bed Again Today?", and the second is "Why Can't Sharon Come Out To Play?", discussing pediatric Fibromyalgia. To order check go to Fibromyalgia Treatment Center.

My oldest son is starting to ask questions about why Mommy is still sleeping, and why Mommy can't do this or that? It is so hard to know what to tell him. Do I tell him I'm sick, do I tell him I'm tired? I just don't know what to do.  

Grocery Shopping with a disability

Here are some tips I've come up with for grocery shopping with Fibromyalgia and/or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:

For numbers 1-5 do these on separate days so you don't get too tired or have someone else help you.

1. Clean out refrigerator to make room for what you are going to purchase.

2. Make a menu schedule for the week.

3. Write down a grocery list according to area - baking, soups, produce, deli, frozen, etc. (this cuts down on wandering around the store in a fibro fog haha).

4. On your calendar write down what day you are having what, which cookbook/recipe, and page number. This way whomever is cooking knows right where the recipe is.

5. Get ads, coupons, grocery list, and re-usable bags together and put in car.

6. Drive to the store and park close to the door, *don't forget the items from step 5 Wink!

7. If having a bad day use the electronic wheelchair at the front of the store, don't be embarrassed when it makes that beep, beep, beeping noise as you are backing up.

8. Make sure they bag frozen foods together and anything that needs refrigerating.

9. Have a bagger help you out to your car and unload your groceries.

10. Once home take in the frozen foods and those that need refrigerating. If you have the energy unload the rest, if not take a break and finish later!

11. Yay, you did it!!!


Does anyone else have suggestions for making grocery shopping easier?

Mommy Is Too Tired To Play

I saw this book on another Blog and thought it was very appropriate. It makes me sad though to see my life written in a book. Maybe some day there will be a cure.

First Post

Wow, there is so much anticipation for the first post, should I introduce myself, say something really deep and profound, jeez the possibilities are endless...I guess I will just start with my hopes for this blog.

I hope to chronicle our journey homeschooling while living with chronic pain and fatigue.

Me

I grew up as an unschooler because of my health problems: Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) also know as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). I went to public school for kindergarten and part of 1st grade, but when the fatigue became debilitating my parents pulled me out and homeschooled me until my freshman year of high school.

When high school rolled around I really wanted to attend public school and see what it was like. I made it through 9th and 10th grade and then was unable to attend 11th because of the severe fatigue. I was able to go through a distance education program the school district had so I was able to do my school work at home. After that year I was able to return for my 12th grade year and graduate with my class.

I struggled physically through college and part of a masters degree program, but felt more prepared than my fellow students because I knew how to find information and was used to teacher's not feeding it to me. 

My Family

I met my husband, Outdoor Man, at a bar, yes, you can meet people at the bar LOL! We've been married for 10 years and have 3 amazing children Blue our 3 1/2 year old son, and our boy/girl twins Yellow and Red. They have brought so much joy to our lives but it is definitely the hardest thing I have done. Physically I am at my limit and hope it starts getting a little easier.

Let the adventure begin...