Struggling anyone got any tips?

[hannaha123]

I have recently been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia I am only 26 and i am really struggling with day to day chores has anyone got any tips that might help?

Thanks Hannah

[RockRose]

Hello Hannah, I genuinely empathise with you struggling with daily chores...and I really take my hat off to you for actively looking for tips.

Can you share a bit more with us what kinds of things you are struggling with?

And is there anyone around you could ask for help?

Also, you may consider contacting your local social services and ask for a health and social care assessment.

I'm just in the process of having one myself...

From what I glean so far, the council sends a social worker round to discuss your needs. (...find the contact number on your council website - search 'Health and Social Care Assessment')

In my area they then start a deeper assessment process (from 2-6 weeks), at the end of which, they discuss how much care they can offer and any costs.

I think they also send an occupational therapist to see if there are any practical aids that would help your daily living.

I truly hope that helps a bit and wish you the best of luck finding some real support and help. Will you let us know how you get on?

Kindest wishes

Rock Rose

[Mrs_allen]

Hello I'm 27 I got diagnosed at 19. My advice is do little and often don't over do it on a good day you will really pay for it for the next 5 or so days, little and often is key

[TheAuthor]

I am so sorry to read that you are suffering and struggling in this way, and I genuinely hope that you can find the answers that you so desperately desire and deserve. I have both Fibro and Arthritis, and I struggle in the same way as you as daily chores can become so difficult.

The only real advice that I can offer you is to pace yourself with whatever you are doing. I want to genuinely and sincerely wish you all the best of luck.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[SallyE15]

I've been diagnosed a month and am 27. My only advise right now is to keep chasing doctors and refuse to be ignored if they push back treatment of problems or referrals etc.

The struggle has been endless for me (is ongoing) and getting everything under control takes time but if you keep on them they will listen and you'll get there.

Good luck xx

[magnetta]

Hi Hannah

I am 26 also. I learnt to ask myself "does that actually need doing"? What is the worst thing that can happen if your house is a bit of a mess? I would manically clean if a friend was coming over then suffer. Recently I have been to a few friends' houses and they have been rather messy. They don't care and I don't care, so why does it matter if mine isn't immaculate?

When you need to do essential things, little and often is best like other people have said. It's too tempting to clean like crazy when you are having a good day but avoid doing this or you might suffer because of it.

Take care xx

[Royalspec01]

Hi there its real devastating for someone so young. I know that there's quite a few ladies hear that have had it from their youth so your not alone. Keep reading if you can as this website has many who, can help you feel kind of normal, as this illness can make you feel alone with people that don't have it, as they say they understand just to be nice but only another fibro person can help you feel ok about yourself. What Ken put is about right pacing is a godsend which can allow you to still be able to do the things you've always done , but I will add it will take longer. Ive had fibro diagnosed for two years so im a babe at this but one thing about fibro is it will tire you leave you exhausted if you don't pace. For me I have a lot of pain from my condition so this I try to manage by not doing to much to cause too much pain this means less stress for me and then less fibro. If finances are not good try to manage it as best as poss as this will help to alleviate stress by the way this is just an example of the things that can cause stress. Your doctor can refer you to a fibro management of pain management course these are fantastic for helping one to understand and personalise ones own particular fibro. If the stress , When you get into a situation and there's nothing more you can do at that time about it then take it ease be kind and forgive yourself this can help too.

Well fibro complicates things enough without me going on so welcome and hope something I have written is of some help. xx

[Shazzzy]

Hi hannah, i agree witheveryone else, do a little rest a little throughout dsy. Sleep whenever you need to. Figure out what makes youfeel worse and better, keeping a diaryy of activity no matter how small and how you felt later and next day helps . I also use gadgets for loosening bottle and jar lids, an automatic tin opener and a chopping device for veg. Cook microwave meals and oven baking is easier than heavy pots and pans. All gadgets are available at disability shops or online. Oh and i have a stool in kitchen to sit when preparing food or washing dishes. I also have gadget to help with socks and shoes, there are lots of things out there to help with individual needs and has been said before occupational therapists can help too, but it can take ages to get appointment. I have had athritis since childhoood and fibro for 15 years. All the best and dont forget to enjoy the good timrs too !!