Most every year there is that one special event for which I cross my fingers and hope I will be able to attend. Some years it works out, as it did four years ago when I attended a small get-together at my neighbors’ house. Other years it does not, such as two years ago, when I missed my eldest niece’s wedding.
While the status of my health is the deciding factor, I forget that other issues come into play, too, such as last year when my husband and I were offered tickets to see the Washington Nationals baseball team play. It rained the entire day.
This year, we once again were offered tickets to a baseball game next month. As a big Nationals fan, naturally I am excited about the prospect. Before the Nationals were formed, or rather, before Major League Baseball brought the team back to the D.C. area in 2005, I went to see the Baltimore Orioles play. While my husband has been to the Nationals’ ballpark twice, it will be a new adventure for me. I will be full of excitement, but I also have to implement certain measures that cater to my illness.
I already have reviewed the map (noting ramps, elevators, and restrooms) and thoroughly questioned my husband on the type of seating (type of chairs, leg room, etc.), as well as the amount of walking from Metrorail and the amount of travel time. I have taken time to denote the various eateries, something I would normally do to avoid the standard routine we play of, “What do you want to eat? I don’t know, what do YOU want to eat?”
I ordered a cool pad and wrist wraps from Amazon. Thankfully, the highly rated ones were inexpensive and an item I can use them throughout the summer to fend off the burning pain of fibromyalgia syndrome. As a backup, I also plan to bring medicine should burning pain or escalated pain emerge from extensive walking and riding.
The specific day chosen to attend is during one of my husband’s days off, so both of us can enjoy the game and not worry about his early morning rise the next day. It also helps because I will undoubtedly need to sleep most of the next day, and he will be able to spend most of the day with Samee, our puppy who is now 10 months old.
Most people planning a special event scour their closets to find just the right outfit. This is for looks. But for those of us with a chronic illness, comfort and accessibility overrule. Having sadly given away years ago my suits, dresses, and some of my pants and jeans, my main outfits now consist of yoga leggings, shorts, and T-shirts. Since I don’t like excess material, I like form-fitting pants and soft cotton shirts. One of the reasons for loose-fitting clothing is that it sometimes allows me to avoid wearing a bra. In the past, I loved the opportunity to wear one of my pretty Victoria’s Secret bras. Today, they are nothing more than pretty pieces of binding cloth. I have traded most for bralettes and unlined bras.
That said, all that remains is hoping for good weather that is stable for a couple of days beforehand. While I can remain optimistic, there is little I can do outside of that. I can only prepare to reduce stress and energy depletion. Since it is an evening game, that gives me time to rest and try to temper any emerging symptoms.
One aspect I learned early on is that on good days, I must enjoy them to the fullest. Yes, there will be a crash-and-burn effect afterward, but for me, it is worth having had a day that brings me joy. I just hope that all the moons align themselves correctly so that I can attend the game.
Wish me luck!
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Note: Fibromyalgia News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Fibromyalgia News Today or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to fibromyalgia.
Good luck from a fellow fibie, hope you have a great day there!
Thank you Steve!! Will definitely have an article later next month alerting everyone about the event!
I really would like to know more about the cool pad and wrist wraps. I went looking but am not finding the type of product mentioned.
My medication makes me sweat so badly. I would welcome any relief.
Also, if anyone has suggestions for… ahem… moisture issues (skin yeast infections), I’d be so glad. I’m allergic to talc so that often makes it harder to find products.
I purchased both the wrist wraps and the cool towel on Amazon – they are: Hyperkewl Evaporating Cooling Wrist Wrap (they come
in package of 2 – $6.99) and Bogi Cooling Towel for Instant Cool ($7.99). In regards to the women’s moisture issue, you mentioned you are allergic to talc, have you tried cornstarch? Johnson’s Baby Powder has a cornstarch version. I myself had problems with underarm perspiration that the clinical formulas were either too strong that I broke out in a rash, or still had a little moisture. I use Certain Dri, it blocks sweat gland production but replaces sweating in other areas and find that I will perspire in lower back area. I never sweated a lot until FMS worsened and noticed times of flushing in face and perspiring
underarms more than usual (when I recognized that I was using the hair dryer a couple times a day I knew something had changed LOL). I hate to sweat anyway and no longer sweating in that area makes me feel better. I also go through night sweats sometimes (or ‘day sweats’ if I take a nap); never sure when it will occur and sometimes won’t for long periods of time. Not sure if related to being peri-menopausal. The joys of going through both, huh? Sorry that your med makes you go through this uncomfortable experience; I can imagine is frustrating, maybe even feel bit embarrassed. I hope that these items help! Let me know if you get the chance. Here’s to a ‘cool’ summer, or at least we can ‘glisten’ while others sweat through the hot weather 🙂
Thanks so much for the product information! Oh the joys of medicines, perimenopause and fibro. LOL! We’ll make it through, together!
I KNOW! LOL . . At least we have moments that we can laugh about it. I hope the products are helpful for you like they have been for me!
I’m new to this site, thank you, it’s a Blessing! Many times I’ve been accused of not trying to push through and when I do and crash, feel like I’m being thought of as weaker. I love the good days&live them to the fullest too! Hope you had a great day at the game!
Welcome Diane! Glad that this site has been helpful for you; it is so important to have support and validation in any way possible. It truly is a shame that the society we live in stresses ‘action’ and if one is unable to do so (and has an illness not readily ‘seen’, i.e. invisible illness) it is viewed negatively. I hope that you realize that you are NOT weak, lacking mental strength, etc. . the last thing you need to do is make yourself feel guilty about something you have no control over. I know, easier said than done, it took many, many years before I let go of the guilt or allowing others to put me down. I hope you are having many good days – – the baseball game is next month. I will write an article about the experience (let’s hope it will be a great one 🙂 ). Feel free to write any of us with any questions or comments!
Lori
You WILL be up to going to the game. You have done your research. Now you just have to not worry about it in the meantime. That’s what gets me every time, if I keep thinking about the event.
Then the anxiety builds and I make myself sick.
Think how much fun you will have instead.
I wish a healthy day.
I,too, am new to this site. So hello everybody.
I have suffered with this horrible illness for 28 years. If I have learned anything, it is that people who do not have FM have no clue about what we go through. Lately, everyday is a struggle and I am waiting for that one good day. Yes, they know we are in pain but not much else. A few weeks ago I spent the day with my friend who I know since kindergarten. First, I had a doctors appt. with a new gynecologist to find out if I need to have a hysterectomy. The drive there was about 30 minutes. Then, we sat in traffic for about an hour to go to her daughter’s house, where we stayed for about 2 hours and then we went to eat something, where I sat for another hour. I enjoyed being out and seeing people but next day, I could not move. When I told my friend this, her reply was “But you did not do anything”. I was shocked, hurt and thought if this person thinks that was nothing and she knows me forever, then nobody understands. That comment was so painful. I thought that after so many years, I could handle stupid remarks but coming from her, it was just too much.
I hope that you are able to go to the game and enjoy it. I do understand asking about the seats and the walking etc. and definitely taking all the things you may need. Life is not easy for us but I think we are all warriors. I hope I can make some new fibro friends.
Thanks Brenda! I know how important cognitive thinking (in the positive manner) helps a great deal too. I used to practice it even in school (i.e. imagining me ace-ing the test I studied hard for; doing well in college after a rough year – that one took a couple years of hard work and visualization to keep my mind focused on the positive but did graduating with strong “B” average and having made the Dean’s List). I like to prepare in advance and for lack of not having control over most things, find myself wanting to be prepared for all sorts of scenarios sometimes as opposed to relaxing and just letting it happen. Turns out I did have a good day, but unfortunately Mother Nature did not: the game was rained out 🙁 Hopefully the postponement date will be feasible with my husband’s schedule so that we can try again.