I'm back!

[Maddie21]

Hello All,

I have been off this for a long time due to changes in my job and just general life changes.

Has anyone (UK people) been finding that your Fibro has been kicking off more than usual?

Due to the unpredictable weather (and the fact that my office is constantly cold) I have found my fibro kicking off more than usual. Mainly pain wise and stiffness. I'm 8 weeks into a new job and I have already been off sick at least twice for fibro pain. To add to matters I am exhausted this week.

I started pain killer free Sundays in January but yesterday was one of the hardest days, I ended up sobbing due to pain and just the fact that I am sick of dealing with this on my own.

Sorry for the vent, I hope everything is well with you all x

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Hi and welcome back. Changeable weather always affects my symptoms. Can you have a small heater in office for when you feel cold (or keep a warm cardigan there for an extra layer if needed)

[Maddie21 in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

I've been wearing my fleece lined clothes lately but might have to get an under desk heater if it continues as if it's often warmer outside than in the office as it's an old building

[Jaycee18]

Hi, my body is definitely happier on the warmer sunny days. Somehow my muscles seem to relax a little especially if I can sit in the garden and enjoy the warmth.

I used to try and have drug free days just to prove to myself that I could and to help feel I had some control over the fibro so I know where you are coming from with the painkiller free Sundays. But if you were left sobbing with pain this week was it worth it?

Starting a new job can be tough and stressful at the best of times, which no doubt is adding to the fibro. Maybe cut yourself some slack, rest when you can and take the painkillers when you need to. When your symptoms settle down you can always try again with your Sundays.

[Maddie21 in reply to Jaycee18]

Thank you for understanding, things have just really been getting to me lately

[alihetherington]

I always find emotional stress is far more of a trigger than weather although of course a gorgeous sunny day makes everyone feel a little better... dtarting a new job then having to take time off would do that.. hope you have an understanding boss hun 😘 💕 best of luck xx

[Miloandharley]

Sorry to hear you have been struggling. Im sure you know that stress can be a trigger so maybe its the change & starting a new job. The damp weather doesnt help me at all, but then again i have arthritis too. If u have an accessable microwave maybe a heat wrap could help?

[Gaballetto]

Take a hot water bottle and refill it with hot water from the loo toilets or the break room kettle (not recently boiled - if so put some cold in first). I find that putting it behind my back or inside my jumper on my stomach makes me feel warm no matter how cold the surroundings. Makes me feel 'warm and fuzzy'

[Wobblygirl in reply to Gaballetto]

Yes it's a great idea. I regularly heat my wheat bag every night to save on energy bills... A warm tummy and thermal socks under a pile of blankets can help warm you up so much after dark...Sad solution though when we can't afford to keep warm???

[Wobblygirl]

I bought some thermal tights and they are invaluable to keep your legs warmer esp in your chilly workplace...Not sure if you can still buy them now it's supposed to be summer??!!??

I bought cheap pairs from Primark and they were ideal!

Hope you can keep warmer at work? X

[Maddie21]

Thank you all for your support and suggestions. My pain got worse this week so had to take some time off work. I've asked my doctor to wrote a letter explaining Fibro better as I feel like my manager doesn't really believe me. I already use thermals at work but might get an under desk heater to help.

[Annya34]

Hi I know where your coming from Iv been the same this week a nice warm bath with Epsom salts .. the cold weather has knocked me about this week i feel terrible I have to have a warm bath an wrap up like a mummy .. I suffer with fibro an arthritis .. Allso been coughing for weeks now .. post covid knocked me about a bit .. Hope you feel better soon an hope this weather changes soon ..lots of hugs xx