Help with supports and tackling bad days

[Karen54karma]

I've recently been given the diagnosis of fibromyalgia and currently struggling, mainly back and hip pain but do have bad knees and wrists too, can't carry anything heavy, now when I say that my hand shakes when trying to fill a measuring jug, I'm tired all the time but can't sleep, been given gabapentin, amitriptolene and tramadol. Can anyone suggest wrist supports and good ways to tackle bad days

[Dinkie]

Hi and welcome to the club nobody particularly wants to be a member of. A few pointers for you, which have helped me over the years:-

The art of pacing oneself - look up the spoon theory if you are not familiar with it. It's really easy on better days to rush around getting all those outstanding jobs done. Don't do it as it will probably end in a flare. Sure do one chore then rest, listen to your body. If that pile of ironing doesn't get done nobody is going to die, same if the hoovering misses a day. Overdo it and the fibro sprite sitting on your shoulder will want payback. Sometimes overdoing it for a special occasion is worth it but choose carefully and be prepared to feel worn out afterwards. If I have anything planned then I take at least the day before and the day after off work so that I can recover.

When I am able to cook then I do double - no extra work involved really, particularly as I buy ready chopped vegetables etc. Put the extra in the freezer for the day when things are just too much.

It's important friends and family and work colleagues understand that just because you managed to do xyz yesterday doesn't mean you can do the same again today.

Muscle aches and pains - lots of help here from relaxing in epsom salt baths, to heated wheat bags, tens machines, chiropractor, hot water bottles etc.

Insomnia - the only help I have found is a weighted blanket although some can't tolerate the weight.

I use wrist supports when fibro strikes my wrists and arms but then the pain moves elsewhere. I also use a smart crutch when needed and sticks and a rollator depending on my needs on any particular day.

Fibro has been in my life since 1987 and I'm still learning. The best gifts I have ever had include vouchers for cleaners, gardener etc most of my family know these are the presents that help me keep on top of things.

If you are working you are entitled to have an occupational health assessment to see if they can put in place any reasonable adjustments to make your working life easier. I have car parking space next to door, special chair, ramps and handrails and modified uniform and extra breaks if I need them. Without them I doubt I would still be working.

I won't bore you anymore but any questions you only have to ask and somebody will respond. We are quite a friendly bunch on here.

[Karen54karma in reply to Dinkie]

Hi, tha ks for the advice, I am battling with physio at the moment as she doesn't quite understand fibro, her words not mine, because I have pains in other areas than my back she's asked I get referrals for the pains in other parts of my body!!So basically now I have to start again with every new pain, I'm currently looking at weighted blankets and wrist supports but so hard knowing what to get and within my budget.

Had to give up work as the tiredness and pain got too much, going through the benefits system now but again never claimed before so no clue there either, applied for pip but been told this is stressful and I will probably get refused so at the moment living on 300 pounds a month and bills take all of that

Asking family to buy my the things I need for Christmas, sorry for the long moan xx

[Suffering2021]

I spoke with the chemist and she has same she said wrist /hand supports do help her . She works in Boots however she told me she got hers on Amazon

[Mirka_Uma]

Hi lovely I got mela weighted blanket it's really good and thay offer klarna 3 months repayment plan. Also 20% off at the moment. Hope this help.

Mela weighted blanket