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Lance Is Getting Married!

After two years, he finally proposed. In a previous interview, he said he dreamed of having a family and kids. 

I just don't know how he would be able to do that with a fellow man. 

Yes, I'm talking about Lance Bass, member of 'N Sync who sang three of my favorite love songs of all time: This I Promise You, A Little More Time On You, and That's When I'll Stop Loving You. 

Actually, this post is not about him. It's just that when I clicked on the "New Post" button in Blogger, I heard over Mellow his recent engagement. It was shocking news for me, thus the title and the intro of this post. (Honestly, I really couldn't think of an appropriate title.)

Now on to the real topic. 

I went to St. Camillus this morning for my follow-up check-up. Dr. Belinda Fidel told me I wouldn't graduate yet from therapy because nodules are still all over my back. Well, I have scoliosis (S curve), myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), and fibromyalgia, based on my medical records. All of them are stress-related, and unfortunately, they cannot be permanently treated. The therapy, including all the exercises, and the medicine given to me are all just for pain management. 

I did a little research and found some disturbing stuff. According to Mayo Clinic, fibromyalgia is actually a complication of myofascial pain syndrome. So not only did my scoliosis progress, but also my MPS. Ayaw magpatalo. Gusto rin mag-level up? 

According to Dr. Fidel, aside from therapy and all the exercises taught to me by my therapist, Anne, I also need a regular sport (like badminton, swimming, dancing) that would allow me to sweat and move my whole body. She also recommended regular massages, warm compress, hot spring, and any stress-relieving activity that I enjoy doing and can make me forget about my worries. How about eating? :D

And because I was kind of stressed at the result of my rehab consultation, I got off at Jollibee Ligaya and bought myself some comfort food: Yum with Cheese and Chocolate Float! :D 

On my way to work, I couldn't help but think of the major lifestyle change that I need to do and the challenge to still keep things simple. 

But God's answer was fast. He led me to these articles on Mayo Clinic's website:


Take care of yourself if you have myofascial pain syndrome. Self-care measures to keep your body healthy may make it easier for you to concentrate on coping with your pain. 

Try to:
  • Exercise. Gentle exercise can help you cope better with pain. When your pain allows, get moving. Ask your doctor or physical therapist about appropriate exercises.
  • Relax. If you're stressed and tense, you may experience more pain. Find ways to relax. Meditating, writing in a journal or talking with friends can all be helpful.
  • Take care of your body. Eat a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables. Get enough sleep so that you wake rested. Take care of your body so that you can put your energy toward coping with your pain.

Trigger points.

Self-care is critical in the management of fibromyalgia.

Reduce stress. Develop a plan to avoid or limit overexertion and emotional stress. Allow yourself time each day to relax. That may mean learning how to say no without guilt. But try not to change your routine completely. People who quit work or drop all activity tend to do worse than those who remain active. Try stress management techniques, such as deep-breathing exercises or meditation.

Get enough sleep. Because fatigue is one of the main characteristics of fibromyalgia, getting sufficient sleep is essential. In addition to allotting enough time for sleep, practice good sleep habits, such as going to bed and getting up at the same time each day and limiting daytime napping.

Exercise regularly. At first, exercise may increase your pain. But doing it gradually and regularly often decreases symptoms. Appropriate exercises may include walking, swimming, biking and water aerobics. A physical therapist can help you develop a home exercise program. Stretching, good posture and relaxation exercises also are helpful.

Pace yourself. Keep your activity on an even level. If you do too much on your good days, you may have more bad days. Moderation means not "overdoing it" on your good days, but likewise it means not self-limiting or doing "too little" on the days when symptoms flare.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eat healthy foods. Limit your caffeine intake. Do something that you find enjoyable and fulfilling every day.

I got it, Lord! I heard it loud and clear. Thank You! You know how hard-headed I can get at times but thank You for loving me still and never giving up on me. :) I'm returning the favor by making myself a priority from now on because I know that the only way for me to love You back is to love others as I love myself. ♥

St. Camillus de Lellis, pray for me. :)

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