A doctor told me 14 years that I probably had fibromyalgia and that was that! I have recently had the worst flare up I’ve ever had and finally GP at my new practice ruled everything else out and did the pressure points test! I knew I had pain in all of these points years ago. I have had fatigue and pain as a constant for these years.
I’m struggling with walking as well as the basics of being right-handed and not able to chop, stir, lift pots etc. What aids do people use. I’m 48 and seriously thinking about a walking stick for balance and pain but not sure how they help with pain. I also wonder if it would be too painful to use because of the pain in my hands and arms. I have tried many pain medications but I don’t tolerate drugs very well and was dizzy, banging into walls and falling and that was with one being a child’s dose. Any advice would be welcome as this current flare is severely limiting what I can do.
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Katy8374
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Good morning, sorry to hear that you're having such a bad time at the moment. I use a walking stick for short distances and around my home, it helps with balance and support. I also use a rollator (wheeled walker) when I have to walk any distance, this provides better support than the stick as your weight is evenly distributed onto the frame. I have 2, one is a 3 wheeler, and the other is a 4 wheeler which has a seat so is good if I'm going a fair distance or in a lot of pain because I can stop and sit on it whenever I need to. They only help with pain in your back as they support your weight, if your pain is in your limbs they don't really help much.
I also have a percher chair which I use when ironing, cleaning/preparing veg, washing up etc, so that my weight is supported and I'm not having to stand for any length of time.
If you decide to buy any aid that helps your disability you can get a form from the retailer to fill in so that you don't have to pay the VAT.
I also use a magnesium spray that I use on my legs for the pain and I have an Ibuprofen Gel that is prescribed by my GP for the pain in my joints for the arthritis.
Hope you feel a bit better soon, sending you a gentle hug. Lesley
Thank you so much. That’s all very helpful. I didn’t know about the VAT so also great advice. I will phone the doctor for ibuprofen gel - I’m can’t take tablets due to lung conditions but that might help a little! Sending a gentle hug back! I loved that! ☺️
You're welcome, hope you do find something that helps you. Never heard of Lady Windermere Syndrome 🤔I will have to google that one! Hope you have a reasonable day. x
I wonder if having occupational health do an asessment would be helpful. They are probably the most knowledgeable about aids and appliances. When my mum needed help they came out to the house, assessed her needs and provided most of it as well. In my area you can now self refer. Rather than having to go through your GP.
Tilt kettle to avoid picking up heavy full kettle. Plug in steamer for veg as no heavy water to drain.
I never go in freezer without oven glove as cold starts my pain off in my hands. I use chinese jade balls for exercise and have bottle/jar openers and boot removers.
Every time I have a difficulty I check out gadgets. Next stop airdryer I think as food will be on kitchen side in drawer not bending down.
Thank you. I started having a a look yesterday and saw the tilted kettle. I’m sorry your pain gets worse with the freezer - thankfully that’s something I’ve not experienced. I will have a look at the Chinese use balls as that’s new!
Hi I am like this I can not undo tops on bottles hang washing out I need help to get dressed etc I know how you feel . My two fingers swell up when I have flare ups do yours do this it goes stiff painful .
It’s hard at times - hanging out washing and even holding up my mobile phone. My fingers don’t swell thankfully but I’ll look into bottle openers. Thank you.
Thank you. Lots of great ideas here. Finding an air fryer is a tough job at the moment! 😂 I tried my hiking pole yesterday but it really aggravated my shoulder too so not worth it! Thanks again.
Care needs to be taken when selecting walking aids as they themselves cause changes in posture and displacement as the body compensates for changes and can cause more problems than they alleviate. I’ve used crutches and a wheelchair for nearly 10 years and have had treatment for 2 frozen shoulders and have developed cubital canal syndrome in one elbow and carpal tunnel in both wrists. It’s not helped by the inflammatory arthritis, so in that respect Fibro is the least of my problems.
An magnetic bracelet, while do not believe in such things it has reduced my pain killer intake,
an suspension wheelchair when out of home for grocery shopping, I have a person who provides human power. Its hard to propel self. pleased have the option. those grippy gloves help.
a suspension 4 wheel rollator for inside home which doubles as a perching chair, was lucky to find a pre used on ebay, it stands on its own whether narrow or wide to sit on.
a helping hand for many different tasks, including door opening and closing, curtain opening, electric switching on, picking up objects, dressing, back scratcher, magnets great for dropped metal things like keys.
a question mark walking stick (looks like a question mark think called off set) with a tri rubber foot.
Airfryer and hob with timers, steamer pans make life easier.
superkettle air pot they on the amazon site, press a button hot water appears, fill by a water filter jug. (clean with citric acid)
compression gloves for hand pain
shower stool and bath mat, grab handle
loo wise got a commode stand with a hoop insert and used to raise the seat with handles.
the bed has block under to raise and the sofa.
as do not feel safe with a hot water bottle filling have a 700watt heat mat, found on amazon.
chopping wise, saw a lawn mower pull type chopper on tv for onions ect. there are electric versions online
personally chopping is past over to someone else. who chops food with scissors after cooking.
and finally an oversized sherpa jumper comfy first made them, lots on line now at differing price points, even saw some in b+m it is very very very important to stay warm, as pain increases with the cold,
if can afford a electric rad in room most in, then do or perhaps a electric thermal blanket,
4 season sleeping bag which is what under as type wearing the comfy, gloves, bracelet.
hope this helps.
forgot to mention walking trousers use when go out are made from microshell fabric, fluffy on inside smooth on outside, they are so warm, find online or at outdoor supplier places
What an amazing list! Thank you. I have an oodie (oversized fluffy jumper) and couldn’t live without it! I must get an air fryer as that has come up a few times. Lots to investigate so thanks again.
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