Help

[D0788]

Hey everyone, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia around a year ago after 10 years of going to doctors and blood tests ect with no answers. I am fairly new to this type of thing. Does anyone have any advice on how to cope and manage with fibromyalgia? I am really struggling to manage work and home life.

[Dizzytwo Moderator]

Hi there and welcomed to the group. I would suggest you take your time and read through the many thousands of very helpful posts that our members have shared with us.

If its a pacific question you may find what your looking for by entering it in to the search box.

Also our main website is packed with loads of information you may find helpful

fmauk.org

I see you've left your post unlocked to this community only for privacy reasons you may want to lock it. Also locked posts tend to get more replies xx

Momo

[D0788 in reply to Dizzytwo]

Thanks Mo I will have a look around

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Hi,

Firstly, remember that what works for one person does not necessarily work for another - so it can be trial and error to find what works for you. Also, my experience is based on fibromyalgia alone, and does not take into account other conditions.

Medication - the recent NICE guidelines may result in you only being offered antidepressants such as amitryptilene or duloxetine. Although not in the guidelines, gabapentin or pregabalin are also prescribed. Paracetamol and Tramadol at common pain meds. Opioids are not recommended for chronic pain generally.

Pacing is key to managing symptoms. Pacing activities helps you to avoid the boom and bust cycle where you do too much activity then flare up symptoms. Pacing allows you to do activities /tasks with rests in between. Larger tasks should be broken down into periods of activity with rests in between.

Exercise/activity. Keeping moving and as active as possible is important. Lack of moment leads to stiffness and muscle weakness, which subsequently leads to increased pain. However, it is important to do activity at a level which does not push you into a flare. Start small and slow and build up gradually.

Other things which may help are heat /cold, complementary therapies, mindfulness, meditation, distraction,supplements etc.

Talking therapies such as cbt can be useful in teaching you coping techniques for how to live with a chronic health condition.

[D0788 in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

Hi there, thanks so much for getting replying. Definitely stuck in a cycle with my work taking everything out of me by the time I get home and weekends I am floored.

I will definitely look into some of the therapies you mentioned. I have tried to speak to my doctor after I saw a specialist that diagnosed me and they just keep telling me I need to deal with it and there is nothing they can do.

Thanks again 😊

[saluhouse]

Hi D0788. Welcome to the club nobody wanted to join. Sorry you haven’t had much support from your doctor - but tbh that’s not uncommon.

What I always recommend is a book called Fibromyalgia for Dummies. It gives a broad outline of what you are dealing with - but doesn’t confuse you with too much scientific data. At this stage you probably need help to come to terms with this nasty life changing condition.

But - once you get your head round it - there is a lot you can do to help yourself. Personally - I’m really careful with my diet (no alcohol/refined carbs/coffee/chocolate). Yes - all the nice stuff! Try to keep moving - but pace yourself so you don’t get over-tired. Stretching really does help.

This forum is a huge help. There are experts in everything - you only need to ask and somebody will give you good advice based on their own experience.

Best wishes. Stay positive. Xxx

[Hidden]

Hi DO788;Be kind to yourself firstly, my blood tests all showed chronic inflammation although was diagnosed fibromyalgia since 2015 I have osteoarthritis in most parts of my body pain managed by tramadol and tens machines hot water bottle is a godsend also cold cloths on my wrists help too, although not in hot weather more of a torture, I now do as much as pain allows I have noticed though that fibromyalgia is treated more as a mental health condition than a physical one but I feel navigating the medical and benefit support system cause more depression and does significantly cause flare up i have thought of wearing that sticker they put in cars not all disabilities are visible when I see anyone now

Take care