It’s a loaded question because I’m sure that together we could name 10,000 things that suck about this disease.

The one that annoys me the most doesn’t have a word to describe it, but you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about. It starts with a good day. Things are going along fine, pain is manageable, reasonably good sleep the night before, good self-care, no changes in diet or exercise and no new medicines. Yet, upon waking the next day you find yourself bone tired with increased pain, you’re cranky, foggy and just feel sick. You’d love to go back to sleep but you know that – now that you’re awake – you probably won’t be able to sleep.

Familiar, isn’t it?

One perfectly good day followed by a flare. It’s the mystery of this syndrome. Things change for no apparent reason, without a single hint that a bad day is on its way.

I wish it were more like what (I think) happens for many people who must live with diabetes is (although I freely admit I’m not diabetic and am exceedingly grateful for that). The way I understand it, if a diabetic is conscientious about food intake, gets some exercise and takes medicine as prescribed, the disease is – in very general terms – under control. (Please, please correct me if you are diabetic and have a different experience. I actually like to be wrong, because it’s an opportunity to expand my thinking.)

By comparison, fibro seems under control and then kicks your ass when you’re not looking.

Has anyone cracked that nut? If so, I’d love to hear your story.