Overwhelmed. Any advice?

[Kelly1996]

Hi, this is my first post! Thank you for having me in the group.

Hope everyone’s okay! 😊

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia last year in January, and have been struggling with it. When I have a flare I keep doing work and chores, and then feel worse and worse, I get really overwhelmed by it all, also the noises/lights around me, and end up crying a lot!! I wondered if anyone else feels like this? And what techniques do you use?

Unfortunately, most people around me don’t understand what I have, which makes it really difficult to have a flare in peace! I’ve just started a new full time job which will mean commuting to London which I’m also very overwhelmed by.

Any tips will be much appreciated! Thank you!

[LoneEra]

Hi Kelly and welcome ☀️ You’re in the right place!

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed - but things can get better. From reading your post and hearing how you continue to push yourself, I think that “pacing” will be one of the key skills for you to learn.

This is about making sure you have enough energy to get through the day by planning, prioritising, and learning when to rest. Here’s a useful link: creakyjoints.org/living-wit...

Pushing yourself to carry on regardless of how you feel is actually one of the worst things you can do long term. It’s important to start listening to your body and adapting your schedule to enable you to live the best life you can.

In terms of coping with the pain, there are many different techniques you can try:

- Stretching and gentle exercise

- TENS machine

- Acupressure mat

- Eating a “clean” diet and drinking plenty of water

- Sleep hygiene

- Mindfulness and hobbies

- CBD oil

I’m not sure how long your commute to London will be, but this could be a good time to get in some mindfulness. This will help you cope with everything, including the lights and noises on the train journey itself.

I’d also recommend sorting out a little stretching routine you can do for just 1 minute in the ladies loo at work. This will help you to not get so stiff during the work day.

Please feel free to ask any questions if you would like more details xx

[Kelly1996 in reply to LoneEra]

Hi LoneEra,

Thank you so much for your message, this is so helpful and I will definitely be using these techniques you mentioned!

It’s hard for me to pace as I like to keep busy, but these will be great techniques to work on. I feel a lot more positive about my new job, now you’ve given me some advice.

I have tried CBD Oil, and it didn’t work for me. Is there one you would recommend?

Thanks again! 😊

Kelly xx

[LoneEra in reply to Kelly1996]

You’re most welcome ❤️ I must admit I am rubbish at pacing too 😂 But I’m getting better at it as I go along - and as I see the consequences of overdoing it.

I’m only just starting on CBD oil myself but I’m sure some of the other members will share their experiences with you. Some have had very good results.

The new job opportunity is really exciting and I wish you all the best! Xx

[Kelly1996 in reply to LoneEra]

It’s not at all easy to pace 😂

I’ll look into the CBD Oil. Thanks again, really appreciate it! Wish you the best with everything too! Xx

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Hi and a warm welcome. LoneEra had given you some good advice.

You may find FMA UK's patient booklets useful to read, you can download a pdf copy at fmauk.org/publications

[Kelly1996 in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

Hi Hazel_Angelstar,

Thank you for sharing. Will take a look!

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Hello and welcome, you sound a very busy lady with a full time job and traveling, hard I know but rest as much as you can when your at home, it really does pay off with the pacing method, especially weekends to recharge your batteries, have you been in touch with your doc lately ?it may help to have a catch up especially if your felling low and tearful, there are options to try some pain relief and something to lift your mood, I am on duloxtene it certaintly keeps me so much more postive after trial and errors of trying different meds. Xx

[Kelly1996]

Hi Yassytina,

Thank you for your lovely reply! 😊

Yes, I’m constantly busy it seems! I do wish for a part time easier role, but I have bills to pay. I feel like this new role is very busy too. I’m on my third day, and I feel bombarded with work, and I’ve only been told the hours are 9-6pm, which is a lot when commuting for about 2 hours...

I’m definitely going to find ways to pace when I can. I’m on pain management (only two sessions in), and they suggested it’s not good to take pain medication, but duloxtene sounds very helpful, thank you for suggesting it! I’ll mention it to my doctor when I next see her.

Thanks so much for your help and suggestions!! Xx