Yesterday I had a CP flare up. I had been feeling good lately, but I know these flare ups are a part of my life. Yesterday I struggled to make my daily video for this blog’s Instagram. When I got done posting the video, it was a relief. I always smile in my videos and yesterday I was in so much pain from a muscle spasm that smiling was difficult. However, I learned a long time ago to deal with the pain that sometimes comes from having my kind of CP.
After I finished my video for the day, I took half of a doctor prescribed muscle relaxer and got sleep. I have not had any muscle pain today. That development is welcomed. You all might be curious if I was aware I was going to have a flare up yesterday. The answer is no. Sometimes, I do know because my muscles feel extra tight on a particular day, and I will have a headache as a symptom. The headache is a migraine. None of these symptoms were present yesterday. The flare up just happened.
As much as I do my best to manage the symptoms of my CP daily, there are days that are just difficult physically for me with no warning. Thriving with CP means that I am strong. Learning to adjust as I go is also something at which I am good. I often ask my body to cooperate with me when I have challenging days. It helps me to compartmentalize my CP from who I am as a person. Such compartmentalization works for me. Once I compartmentalize what is happening in my body as something I can manage, I can go about living my life as I normally would.
Sometimes, thriving requires me to admit that I need to take a doctor prescribed half a muscle relaxer to get my tone back to manageable levels. I do not share details of yesterday for pity, but to show you all that thriving with CP is not easy, a choice, but possible. Sharing details of difficult days with my CP is also a way for me to process my tough days and be honest with all of you.