Sleep is supposed to be when our bodies rest, recharge, and heal. But for me, it’s anything but restful. Falling asleep is hard enough—but staying asleep? Nearly impossible. I wake up multiple times through the night, stiff, sore, and in pain. And when the morning comes, it’s not much better.
There are days I open my eyes and literally can’t move for a few minutes. My body feels like it’s locked in place. I have to slowly stretch in bed, loosen things up little by little before I can even think about sitting up. It’s like waking up in a body that isn’t mine—one that resists everything.
Hydration has been one of the few small wins. I’ve been drinking a lot of Gatorade Zero Sugar, and honestly, it helps. When you’re dealing with dysautonomia, POTS, and daily dizziness, every drop of electrolytes counts. I notice I feel slightly more stable when I’m consistent with it.
Recently, I gave Lyrica another try for my fibromyalgia. I wanted to believe it would help. But just like the first time, it didn’t do much. I’m still in constant pain—bone-deep fatigue, aching muscles, nerves that feel like they’re on fire. It’s a full-body kind of exhaustion that doesn’t lift, no matter how much I rest.
Some days, mentally, I’m doing okay. I might laugh, feel hopeful, even be productive. Other days, I can barely function. It’s like pain has this way of creeping into your thoughts, dulling everything. Living with chronic pain day in and day out messes with your mental health. That’s the part people don’t always see—the invisible toll it takes on your mind and your spirit.
I’ve started taking Metoprolol Succinate for my heart rate. It’s helped a little—my base heart rate isn’t sky-high anymore. But I still get dizzy, lightheaded, and feel my heart race every time I stand up. It’s frustrating. I do all the “right” things, and still, my body refuses to cooperate.
Right now, I’m working with a pain pharmacist to figure out the right medications. We’re trying to find something that works, that makes this pain even a little more manageable. But truthfully? I’m not feeling very hopeful yet. I want to believe relief is possible—but every failed treatment chips away at that hope.
If you’re reading this and you’re in pain too—just know you’re not alone. There’s nothing weak about struggling. There’s nothing lazy about resting. There’s nothing wrong with doing whatever it takes to make it through the day.
I’m still searching for something that works. And maybe tomorrow will be better.
Stay strong and keep pushing through!
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