ADHD and Fibromyalgia (Or...Squirrel!)

Okay, so I have something to admit.

I get distracted easily, especially if I'm dealing with a lot of stress. I've joked for years that I had some weird form of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, but as it turns out, there have been a number of studies showing that there is a link between ADHD and conditions like Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue. And when you think about it, it makes a lot of sense.

Disrupted Sleep
Let's face it: when you don't sleep well at night--or sleep well consistently--it impacts the ability to concentrate and focus on tasks. And Chronic Pain Warriors are notorious for disrupted sleep. Since we have disrupted sleep, our ability to concentrate and focus on tasks can decrease, and the more the sleep is disrupted, the more challenges we have.

Increased Sensitivity to External Stimuli
Working in mental health, I've worked with kids who deal with ADHD, and I once heard a description that I think describes the experience perfectly:  Sitting in a classroom, trying to focus on the task in front of the student, but the brain keeps picking up on things like the ticking clock or the rustling of papers and it makes it difficult to focus on what the teacher is saying.

Those of us with conditions such as Fibromyalgia have an increased sensitivity to sounds, smells, and other external stimuli. So, the ticking of the clock can be extremely distracting (and potentially irritating).  In times of increased stress, our sensitivity can increase, making our ability to focus even more challenging.

Increased Fatigue
This is also linked to problems sleeping, but living in a body that is in constant pain is fatiguing. When the body--and brain--are fatigued, the ability to concentrate and focus on tasks becomes more challenging.

Co-morbid Conditions
First, "co-morbid conditions" means other conditions that tend to exist in addition to the "main disorder".  For instance, for individuals with Fibromyalgia, it's not uncommon to also develop conditions such as Reynaud's Syndrome, Hypoglycemia, or Migraine.

Using these three as examples, if you're dealing with poor circulation in your extremities, such as in the case of Reynaud's, it's going to be difficult to focus on things when your hands and feet feel as if they're freezing off.  Or in the case of a Hypoglycemic moment (low blood sugar), the ability to focus can fly out the window. And Migraine? Well, anyone who has experienced the nausea, light sensitivity, and feeling of inexplicable pain in the head can tell you how hard it is to focus when one of those things hit.

While I was writing this post, I found myself distracted a number of times by the cars driving by outside, the sound of the A/C clicking on, the show on the television, my phone, more cars driving by, by a piece of paper on the front lawn, by my dog dreaming on the floor, by the headache that's starting to form because of this cold that I've caught....

The list can go on and on. In times of higher stress (physical, mental, and/or emotional), my ADHD is worse. It can be exhausting, working to focus on tasks, particularly if I find myself getting distracted easily. My husband has learned that if he wants to talk to me about something, he has to make sure he has my full attention before starting the conversation. It's not uncommon for me to become distracted by my own thoughts while I'm having a conversation with someone. It's definitely worse when I'm having more stress or pain.

The biggest lesson that this has taught me is that I need to slow down, focus on one thing at a time, and be gentle with myself when I'm more distracted.  I've learned to laugh it off at times, despite the fact that in a world that moves 100 miles an hour, it's not the easiest thing to do. It takes time, practice, and patience.

Be gentle with yourself today. Wishing you low pain, high energy, and laughter.

Definitions of Medical Conditions Listed in My Medical Chart

Chemical Sensitivity (Or what do you do when your shampoo makes you break out in hives?)

About four years ago, I began having allergic reactions to my shampoo.  And shortly thereafter, I noticed that I was breaking out in rashes with my face cleanser and make-up. Then there was the allergic reaction to my deodorant (which was highly uncomfortable), and I noticed that I seemed to have increased sensitivity to my body wash.  Even my clothes seemed to cause a sort of allergic reaction.  I'd used the same brand of products for about 15 years, and the brand reported themselves to be natural with ingredients that shouldn't cause these sorts of problems.

But sure enough, I was experiencing sensitivity to something within the products I had been using for years and found myself standing in the aisles of Target wondering what would work for me.  Well, I found myself wondering what would work, but also worried of what else may cause these reactions. (I'm glad to say that I was eventually successful in finding new skincare, shampoo, body wash, make-up, deodorant, laundry detergent, and cleaning products, but I'm also very aware that this could change at any time.)

I, like many other individuals dealing with an Autoimmune Condition, have developed Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS).  WebMD has a great technical description of this condition, but here's a definition from my point of view:  Intolerance to a variety of chemicals that can lead to allergic reactions within the body.

I won't bore you with the list of chemicals I cannot tolerate, but fragrance can be a major trigger for someone with MCS.  Strong perfumes or colognes are problematic items for me, because it can actually trigger breathing difficulties and severe nausea.  I once had to share a computer wrist rest of someone who wore strong colognes, and found myself breaking out in hives on my wrist.  I can't walk down the detergent aisle at the store because of the strong perfumes.  I can't wear clothes that have been bleached, nor can I be around areas where bleach has been used for cleaning purposes.  

Like Fibromyalgia and Lupus (or other Autoimmune Conditions), there isn't a definitive list of what chemicals to which a person with MCS will react to, nor is there a list of potential reactions, so what I may have sensitivities to others with MCS may not (or vice versa).  

It's easier to control the environmental factors within the home.  For instance, in our household, we've found a line of house cleaning products that both work well and don't lead me to have a negative reaction.  We're very clear with the individual who cleans our house for us that it's necessary for her to use those cleaners, as well as why.  

In our home life, we have run into some challenges with MCS. My husband and I are both artists and many creative endeavors require chemicals that aren't so great.  I refuse to give up those creative outlets, and so I've had to figure out workarounds where I can.  The big challenges come while being out in the world.  

Ever have the experience of stepping into an elevator with someone who's wearing very strong perfume?  For a "normal" person, it's an uncomfortable experience, but for someone with MCS, it can feel like being choked.  So you can imagine being stuck on a plane or working in an office where strong fragrances exist.  

So, if you're sensitive to chemicals, what are some ways to deal?

• If you're working outside of the home, advocate for a fragrance-free workplace. You might be surprised how many of your coworkers will thank you for it. Chemical Sensitivity is also recognized as as a disability by the Americans with Disabilities Act.  (Learn your rights under the ADA.)
• Read labels.  Learn about what products you're using on and in your body.  Learn about the products you use to clean your home.  Not all "natural" products are natural (labeling can be misleading), so do some research.
• Remember if you have an Autoimmune Condition, you're more likely to develop additional Autoimmune Conditions and/or Chemical Sensitivity.  Talk to you medical team and other trusted professionals on how best to address these issues for you.

Definitions of medical conditions listed in my medical chart