Here is some more of my sketchbook from the Sketchbook Project. If you missed yesterday’s post, you might want to take a minute to go look at it.

As I said yesterday, this sketchbook is focused on my ongoing medical issues. Over the summer I went to a neurologist. He ordered a bunch of tests, and I had a nerve conduction study. It was torture!

Have you had an MRI before? Ack! The fight or flight response totally kicked in with me. I ended up having to reschedule and come back with happy pills. I tried to show how restricted I felt in these pages.

As one doctor put it, I have had the million dollar work-up. It has made me really feel for those with cancer or other very serious conditions. Waiting for test results is not fun!

The neurologist sent me to a rheumatologist. This meant more paperwork, tests, x-rays, etc. Fortunately we have been able to rule out a bunch of diseases including cancer, multiple sclerosis, lyme, diabetes, and lupus.

The pain scale is your friend.

I wish that I could say that everyone in my life has been supportive and understanding of the problems I am having. This can be very frustrating!

No! It isn’t in my head… Finally a diagnosis! The rheumatologist diagnosed me with fibromyalgia. It is a disorder “characterized by long-term, body-wide pain and tender points in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Fibromyalgia has also been linked to fatigue, morning stiffness, sleep problems, headaches, numbness in hands and feet, depression, and anxiety.” (Definition from Google)

I was only diagnosed a few months ago so now I am on a road of experimentation to see what medication and therapies will help me. I am sleeping a lot better than I have in years which has really made a difference.

I have already learned that this disorder means I have to learn to balance life a little better. Frankly I haven’t been good at this. If I push myself too much, I end up totally wiped out and useless.

A little cheesy with the “It won’t stop me.” but what can I say beyond that? Someone mentioned they are a fibromyalgia warrior. I kind of like that image and I am trying hard to take care of myself while also not letting this get to me. No, I am not perfect and sometimes I am a little whiny but I know things will improve with time.

It has been interesting to find others who have fibromyalgia, I seem to know quite a few artists with the disorder.

If you would like to learn more about fibromyalgia, please visit the National Fibromyalgia Association.

As for the sketchbook, I am not quite finished. I have some ideas for the cover as well as the inside covers. After scanning all of this, I realized some pages could be improved. I will try to share the end result before I ship it back to Art House Co-op. If you have a few minutes, take a look at some of the submissions they have already received.