How do you cope with the pain?

[PurpleSnoop]

I can't be the only one who feels like this, I've just had enough of this constant pain. I literally feel like giving up at least once a week.

I get told to rest by my family, but get no help with housework so force myself to do it anyway.

I don't think anyone actually understands the pain I'm in because I try to carry on as normal and I don't look ill.

I see pain management clinic but things aren't getting any better. Anything I see my GP about is put down to Fibromyalgia,I feel like they've had enough of me and going is a waste of time.

I end up breaking down in tears before anyone realises the pain I have. I take cocodamol,gabapentin, propranolol , use heat pads but nothing takes the pain away.

Ive had to give up my job,going out with friends,hobbies and i can barely walk some days. I'm 45 years old.

How does anyone cope? I can't accept that this is my life now and I'll always have to put up with this pain.

Any advice would be welcome

[CheetieCat]

You're definitely not! Firstly stop trying to carry on as normal and listen to your body.

Rest when you need to rest and put guilt in a bag marked DO NOT OPEN it's a negative pointless emotion we do not need.

Pacing, sounds easy but does take a bit of practice. Do a little at a time then rest before you're at the falling down wobbly legged sweaty mess stage. (I'm still practicing 🙄)

Have a lie down, a cuppa on the sofa, watch some TV whatever you need to do that recharges YOU.

Break everything down into smaller pieces and concentrate on one or two.

Looking at everything at once is just too much, it totally overwhelms you and usually let's those naggy negative feelings back in.

Functioning with very little sleep is a massive achievement most of us do every single day.

It might be worthwhile speaking to your GP regarding your medication, sometimes a small tweak or addition can make a huge difference.

Have a look for the spoon theory too, could be a good way in helping your family understand a bit better.

[Penthouse13 in reply to CheetieCat]

Great advice CheetieCat. I’m going to try the 5 kind active hemp gel rob- d. Love and hugs to everyone.

[CheetieCat in reply to Penthouse13]

Me too! It's coming today 😊

[Greyt in reply to CheetieCat]

Hi could you tell me what the spoon theory is or where I could find out about it. I am struggling like so many and my mood is so low . Unfortunately I still have to work and it’s manual work. I am over pension age but can’t afford not to work.

[CheetieCat in reply to Greyt]

Just do an online search for spoon theory and you'll get loads, this one explains it

arizonapain.com/fibromyalgi...

Hope this helps x

[Hidden]

hi , going through exactly the same at the min, doctors label every thing fibro with me now.

if your having joint pains, "5kind active hemp gel" works well for me and others ive got it for, you can find it on amazon. check out the reviews for it..

best of luck

[Shartaylor0264]

i know its hard but do have to listen to your body and rest. Just try not to get down i know how you feel i have been in since lockdown. I do a little bit of housework each day and if i am in to much pain i leave it .You have to think of yourself .i have found out who my real friends are they seem to have all walked away except 1 .

Try not to get to stressed do feel for you .

My Partner is only just understanding the pain i get in .

If you need a chat anytime just message me

[Knightqueen84]

Hi PurpleSnoop I wish in this reply I could suggest something to take the pain away and I hate to say it but the responses so far have nailed it in terms of resting. This and all the emotions that come with fibro are my biggest battle.

All I can offer is a friendly ear, virtual hugs and I promise not everyday will feel like you are someone's voodoo doll.

Please if it gets too much reach out, sometimes it can help venting to someone who knows exactly what you're feeling and going through.

[Tuscany]

Hello lovely. I know that headspace , very well. I, like you, have to carry on with housework because my husband is quite lazy. He has also given me a lot of stress just lately. We nearly split up. My pain has been going through the roof. I have had this condition for about 8 years now but this year has definitely been the worst. I am on dihydrocodeine. It does allow me to function but I find the dosage they give me barely touches this extreme pain. What I find helps is being kind to yourself. Doing nice things for yourself that ease pain. I go to Reiki which is lovely. I go to a nice warm swimming pool, take warm baths in the lovely products my friends bought me for my birthday, I am going to try a floatation tank where you float in warm water, I am going for hot stone therapy etc. Water and heat helps me, and deep relaxation. Try meditation which relaxes you and distracts you. Treat yourself and be kind to yourself. I don't have much money at all but do these things for myself anyway. Sod it. You only have one life. I have been dealt this horrible hand so deserve some nice things. You do too. Good luck and take care. I know exactly what you are going through

[madblondebint]

It's very hard. I have acupuncture on top of my pain killers which gives me some temporary relief but more importantly it helps massively with my mental health. I definitely feel less depressed and hopeless since I started. The downside is that it can be expensive but I don't smoke or drink anymore so manage to budget a weekly session to keep me sane!

[Jaycee18]

I find it easier to cope if I feel I am doing something to try to help myself manage the condition. Whether it’s eating well, pacing, a bit of pampering, Pilates or hitting a weekly step target. I’m not saying these things take the pain away but it makes me feel mentally stronger.

I do housework in very short sessions, literally just 10 minutes or so at a time. I found it more successful if I asked people to do specific things rather than just ask for general help. For example vacuum, load the dishwasher or cook a meal once a week. My now adult children had to clean their own rooms & change their bed linens as well or they didn’t get done. I didn’t feel guilty, I told them they were learning life skills and it’s true. My youngest is now at uni and far more able to fend for herself than some of her friends, they’ve asked her for lessons!

Be kind to yourself. Try different ideas that people have suggested, hopefully you will find some things that work for you.

[Nordic17me]

hi Purple Snoop

My GP prescribed me monthly B12 injections and I think they are helping.

Maybe worth a try ?

Regards Jacimac

[PurpleSnoop]

Thanks everyone, it's nice to hear from people who understand the pain and are going through the same things. Big soft hugs to you all 🥰 xxx

[ScouserA]

Hi purplesnoop I have a gel from Amazon called Biofreeze its helps the pain. As for the low mood I cannot take cocodamol it makes me feel shite the next day, really anxious. Maybe try to cut them out and see if you feel better? Massage helps too maybe get a massage gun. I hope you feel better soon 💕