I feel very lucky and blessed not to have anything but the fibromyalgia. For me the only time I'm without pain is when I'm in the water. I could swim forever and just be so happy. I love that I have the option to be active in the water.
The interesting story behind my diving is this. About 8 years ago, for my 40th birthday my husband "surprises" me with a trip to Hawaii. I was just a baby and wasn't all that thrilled. I was in so much pain from the fibro I just didn't think I could handle the trip. But I got there and decided to go snorkeling. I loved it. Did it for 7 days! And after about 4 days it dawned on me that while I was snorkling I was in no pain. I hadn't felt that way (no pain) in 5 years!!!!
It was the best birthday gift ever. My attitude really changed. I went home and signed up for diving classes. Went through all the class work and when it got time to go to the pool, the instructor informs me that they don't have a wet suit big enough for me. He even said that he didn't think there was a wet suit big enough for me. I was so embarrassed, I wanted to just die!
Last year my wonderful husband took me to the BVIs for our 25th wedding anniversary. It was this cool island hotel. By the docks was a dive shop that had a sign that said dive in one day. My husband was like...let's do it!!! I was like, no way I'd be so embarrassed when I was told there was no wet suit big enough for me. Well, my husband went to talk to the instructor and guess what! He had a BC for me and a wet suit! The instructor was so cute. He put the size large BC on me and said, "Well, this is a little too big for you, but I'm all out of smalls." Bless his heart, I felt like a million dollars.
The happy ending is that I loved diving with all my heart. I am equal to anyone in the water and I am free of pain. My whole outlook and attitude in life changed. I am more positive and I've lost over 35 pounds. I want to be the best diver I can be and I know that means getting the extra weight off my body.
It's hard to explain to others sometimes what it is like to always have some muscle in your body hurting or spasming. I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me, I never want to hold up the boat or other divers... I always want to be the best diver on the boat!