Fibromyalgia - Newly diagnosed

[Sam1378]

Hi. I am a 37 year old woman who after a long process of tests I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia this morning. I've read lots about the illness but I thought it might be better to actually speak to people who suffer like me. I was wondering if any one can give me any tips to help me live with this condition. I have found that pillows really do help but was wondering if there is anything simple I can do that will help. I work full time in an office so any tips on how to manage it in that environment will be great.

Thank you all, and I hope you're having a good day

[Stephrm44]

Hi Sam.

Firstly welcome and I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis.

One of the first things to do would be to ensure that your workplace know your diagnosis; I know some find it hard to tell work but they should support you and make sure that they do everything to help you cope. I think I am incredibly lucky because my work are very supportive and hopefully yours will be to if they are fully informed of what you have to deal with.

I only take Amitriptyline for my fibro but many others on here have experience of most of the other treatments available. It would also be good to get things like your Vitamin D level checked as being deficient in this can aggravate some of the symptoms.

Pacing is another technique used where you have to learn your limits and make time to rest in between busy times. Try not to overdo it as this can make symptoms worse. You say you work in an office so trying to have regular breaks to rest up a bit might help you to cope if you continue working full time.

The main thing is to accept that you can no longer do it all. Sometimes something has to give; like the housework may need to wait another day (or more), and you need to allow yourself time to rest. Take care of yourself and be kind; do not beat yourself up about what you can no longer do but focus on what you can do and achieve.

Good luck with getting to grips with things and I am sure many others on here will have words of wisdom for you.

Gentle hugs, Steph

[Hidden in reply to Stephrm44]

Hi Sam,

A very warm welcome to the form, as Steph has mentioned It helps to take things at a resonable pace, otherwiseyou will wear yourself out. It's hard to except that your life is changing, It's all about modifying your needs to cope, this takes time. We are always here for you to chat too anytime.

Pls take care and keep us updated.

Soft hugs,

Elizabeth xxx

[Keeleybee]

Hi sam, I work in an office as well, make sure you have a dse and get a back rest, I use wrist splints to help my arm pain. Pernaton gel is great and I use all over over body also a ergonomical keyboard and mouse will help. I do stretches at my desk and walk around as well. Also get to occ health as soon as you can. Hope this helps x

[Regnofibro1]

My sister has this problem she has a backrest a memory foam pillow for her seat. A small foot stool under her desk she can prop her feet on. Wrist brace , back brace and knee braces she can use as needed. She walks on her breaks and some at lunch time. She also keeps cold packs she can use if needed. At the moment that's all I can think of. Hugs

[TheAuthor]

I sincerely hope that you are feeling as well as you possibly can be today? Welcome to the forum and I genuinely hope that you find it useful, informative and loads of fun!

I am so sorry to read that you also have Fibro and I sincerely hope that you can find some resolution and relief to your Fibro issues. I have pasted you a link below to our parent site, Fibromyalgia Action UK which hosts loads of useful Fibro information:

Fibromyalgia Action UK Website:

fmauk.org/

I want to genuinely and sincerely wish you all the best of luck.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[Sam1378]

Thank you all so much for the warm welcome and the advice. I have a meeting with HR on Tuesday so hopefully Occ Health will be involved soon.

Wishing you all the best

Gentle hugs x

[cutebird]

hi, saw the email you left, and hope I can help. I agree with the pillows, my feather pillows really help me. I would suggest trying to get up and move a little during the day. Sitting for too long makes me very stiff. I go swimming quite alot, which keeps me mobile. Otherwise I would be in more pain than I usually am. Please try not to overdo it, and try and split tasks like shopping, housework etc into smaller tasks - don't try and clean the whole house in one go!! Best of luck with everything, make sure you get the support of a good g.p. that will really help.

lots of love

Liz x