TRYING TO HELP A FRIEND

[Kitcp]

Hello!

I hope you are doing well?

My friend has been really struggling with fibromyalgia, they were diagnosed a few years ago (around 17) but can’t really find much help except for what is on the internet.

I am wondering:

What are the best ways you guys have found to deal with fibromyalgia?

Any diet tips ?

- we are aware of the recommended diets but cutting out carbs and sugars is really proving difficult (obviously lol). Is this something you just sort of have to suck up and deal with ? Or are there any hacks or certain foods that aren’t so bad pain wise but still taste good ?

Are there any good substitutes for caffeine for people with fibromyalgia ?

Lastly, please let me know of ANY other ways I can support my friend or any other information that might be helpful to know

I am really not very educated on the subject and I have been trying to research but a lot of the sites are either in such a medical depth I honestly don’t understand or they seem to be trying to sell something so I don’t think they are very reliable

Thank you so so much for your time

Love x

[Dizzytwo Moderator]

Hello and welcome to our group. May I suggest you take your time and read through some of the many thousands of questions similar to what you have just asked about here on our forum.

Also you may want take a look T our main website. It is packed with loads of helpful information.

fmauk.org

Momo

PS I see you have left your post unlocked to this community only for privacy reasons you may want to lock it. Its not a rule to lock your post just a suggestion 😊

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee]

I would have a look at fmauk.org/publications for some resources that may help you and your friend.

You mention recommended diets and a couple of food related items. At present there is no recommended diet that has any validity however, there are plenty of people that propose diets based on their own experiences and some on the basis of encouraging their book sales,

What works for one may not work for your friend. Your question about caffeine substitutes is a hard one as for some it is very helpful in aiding take up of some meds and for others it aids in depriving them of sleep. But not sure what you want it for and not sure of any substitutes.

It would be worth your friend joining a good group like this one or our Facebook group or a physical group so they can relay what they have tried, why it did not work and then options can be offered.

Best of luck to you both.

[Jaycee18]

Hi, it’s lovely of you to want to help your friend and gain a better understanding of this strange condition.

Whilst I think trying to be generally healthy is important rather than starting any drastic elimination diets maybe your friend could keep a diary of what she is eating, drinking, exercise, sleep patterns etc and also her symptoms to see whether there are any obvious triggers or things that benefit her condition.

Can’t imagine giving up my tea habit if I really didn’t need to x