Anybody who knows me, knows how spontaneous I used to be prior to being diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I used to jump in my vehicle and take random road trips. I would stop and site see everywhere along the way. I used to join friends at the last minute to watch their child play hockey or go for a coffee and chat for hours. I used to be able to plan my weekends days in advance. Reality – I can no longer do this living with fibromyalgia.

Living with chronic pain makes making any plans difficult. Fibromyalgia is a very unpredictable condition. I find myself always cancelling plans because the pain slowly creeps in and takes over, or the chronic fatigue decides to attack. Better yet, a whole new symptom appears out of nowhere and I am left scrambling trying to figure out how to manage it.

For example, if a friend calls me randomly asking me to go for lunch or coffee I will most likely decline because I just can’t do spontaneous anymore. I often decline due to the fact I fear while we are out, I will suddenly not feel good. I’m always scared fibromyalgia will attack while I’m out and I won’t be able to get myself home. This is not an excuse to not spend time friends. It is a true fear and my reality! When my fibromyalgia decides to attack, I know I have to go home immediately and lay down. If I do not I will send myself into a full blown flare that will last for days. Even if I do accept the invitation, it takes a lot of planning. I have to make sure the restaurant has softer chairs or booths because seating without cushioning makes my body hurt. I have also developed a sensitivity to noise and smells. If the music is loud or there are a lot of people talking in the background – it becomes overwhelming and my anxiety levels begin to rise.

Even a planned relaxing weekend away can be exhausting. Travelling when you have a chronic illness takes a lot of preparation. Most people when they travel take clothing and toiletries – maybe a few other items. Pretty easy right!? Packing when you factor in a chronic illness takes way more planning. It is almost like I need a whole suitcase to accommodate my “pharmacy”. I have to pack so many different items just in case the pain decides to attack or any other symptoms I suffer from arise. From different sized heating pads to neck pillows all have to be packed. I have a full cosmetic bag of medications I have to take along. I dare not leave any behind because I know what will happen if I do. The one bottle of muscle relaxants I use as last resort I will need the next day! By the time you run every possible scenario through your head – and pack all the necessary items you are exhausted just from packing and mentally drained. I tend to pack days in advance so it isn’t all rushed right before we leave.

Friendships are often lost due to the fact that we can’t plan ahead nor be spontaneous. Please know that if I have agreed to meet up for a coffee and suddenly cancel – it is not on purpose. I am not just making up an excuse, or avoiding you. Fibromyalgia truly does run my life. You may not be able to see how sick I feel. If I try to make plans with you it is because you are important and I value our friendship. A friend of mine called me and as per usual I declined going out for supper. Instead she brought supper to me and we had a great visit!