I’ve often said that I’m thankful for fibromyalgia. Learning how to analyze and deal with chronic illness has taught me powerful lessons I wouldn’t have learned any other way. The Fibromyalgia Tuning Fork Analogy is one lesson I share at most speaking engagements.
It’s well-understood that fibromyalgia turns us into hyper-sensitive people. We’re hyper-aware of surrounding smells, sounds, and lights. For example, a perfume advertised to be enticing might smell toxic to us and trigger an all-day migraine. Road repair noise that’s a minor annoyance to the general public might jangle the nerves of fibrofolk so terribly that it causes them to flee. You get the point.
We’re sensitive to things that are “Un-Natural” in nature.
This hyper-sensitivity applies to everything that we ingest internally and experience externally. My body tells me (in not-so-subtle ways) that some foods and chemical additives are not my friends. My body also tells me if a room has been recently painted or re-carpeted. I have my very own toxin radar.
That’s where the Fibromyalgia Tuning Fork Analogy comes in. Have you ever seen a tuning fork? I held a very large one once that made my fillings vibrate when it was struck. If you haven’t shared my experience, you can take a look at much smaller ones HERE and get an idea of what they’re like.
A tuning fork is a precision instrument. It’s carefully crafted, balanced, and mathematically designed to create a perfect pitch. When struck correctly, it rings true. If struck incorrectly (i.e. if it’s not allowed to vibrate freely) you can definitely tell the difference -– more clang than ring.
The fibro body is very much like a precision tuning fork. If you take the time to listen, your body tells you what foods and surroundings ring true for you. This even applies to relationships. Some friends or co-workers make you “ring” in their company — others can cause you to “clang” simply by entering the room.
I’ve developed a healthy respect for my personal toxin radar and try to pay attention to what my body is telling me. Have you ever thought of your body as a precision instrument? This is one analogy, I suspect, that rings true for you, too!
I have severe generalized osteoarthritis and erosive inflammatory osteoarthritis. I could not function at home, let alone work, if I did not have my pain meds. I totally believe in eathing healthy and exercising when possible. Sometimes that is not enough. I would hope that others who don’t need pains would be thankful for their good fortune and understanding of those of us who do need meds. Best Wishes to all.
Thanks for your input, Maria. I can definitely understand how you feel.
I definitely understand about the sensitivity as I feel it all day, every day. Noises, smells, touch, food, lights, darkness, chemicals… …..even people and thoughts and emotions……hyper sensitive!! I hadn’t ever thought of my body as a highly tuned precision instrument in respect to this before though….Great analogy. This can put a positive spin on something we so often see as all negative. Here’s hoping for a day that I “ring” more and “clang” less….:-) Thanks Sue!
Ringing more and clanging less is a definite benchmark. I know you’ll get there!