Fibromyalgia

[KBACS]

Hi everyone, so any tips really ive only been diagnosed 3 months 😞. Need some ideas on how to feel better in myself Thanks 😊

[Dinkie]

Hi and welcome to the club nobody particularly wants to join.

Firstly be kind to yourself. It's early in your fibro journey and you may still be mourning the person you were and getting to know the person you have become. PMA (positive mental attitude) is very important. You can still do the things you love but perhaps in a different way. I competed for years with my dogs, can't manage that any more so I steward etc so I still meet up with my fellow competitors and get "my fix" that way.

Finding the right medication can be a long drawn out journey as what works for one may not work for another. Very much a case of trial and error. Prescription meds do not agree with me so I rely on various other things. Hot water bottles, heatpads, biofreeze gel together with epsom salt baths help. I also visit the chiropractor and hynotherapist. Some find that hydrotherapy is useful or tai chi. Gentle exercise helps too, even if it is just a stroll in the garden, getting out in the fresh air lifts mood. The art of pacing - on better days do not charge around doing all those chores you haven't been able to do. If you do you could find yourself in a flare. 5 minutes and then rest and repeat.

Diet - this has been the main one for me. No processed foods or refined sugars. On the rare occasion that I have fallen off the wagon, I really notice how much worse I feel.

I continue to work, with reasonable adjustments in place. I know I am fortunate and some cannot continue in employment but for me I know my mental health would suffer if I did not have something to take my mind off fibro and the problems it brings.

You may find it useful to request a referral to either a pain clinic, fibro clinic or CBT course.

I don't want to overwhelm you so won't list anything else but feel free to ask any questions. I am sure other members will be along soon to add suggestions for you.

[Gigiruth]

Hi KBACSWelcome to our club!

Just like Dinkie says,there are many things that help.and many don't and it is an individual journey.

You can use the search on this website to check out past posts for ideas.

I find distraction helps with chronic pain. Nature,bath salts. My husband,my kids,my dog.

I use the Deb Dana polyvagal card deck for ideas to support mind and body.

I like to be creative and listen to music.

I have learned to say no.

I learned to accept help and ask for it.

Sorting your sleep helps if you can.

I have stopped trying to justify or prove my condition exists and just say what needs to happen.

So far kept my sense of humour (most days) especially when I get stuck in the bath.

My reasonable adjustments were leaving work at short notice so I could drive safely and more sick days before trigger. I ended a long career and became self employed in something else.

You may notice many on this site have other connected health issues. So what we need or medication is unique.

The journey to what helps is yours but you are not alone.

Look after you x

Gigi

[KBACS in reply to Gigiruth]

Thanks so much its so hard adapting to this ive gone from being so active & normal to now having to deal with this. Im going to look into acupuncture i guess only time will tell!

[Gigiruth in reply to KBACS]

I had chinese acupuncture which was helpful. X I use the Jade balls that you move round each other to help my hands.

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Hello and welcome, a well written post from our member Dinkie that says it all, I think if we can take one day at a time and not put too much pressure on what we task ourselves with, the one thing I’ve learnt is also too say no too things , be it a social gathering if I’m not up too things on the day I don’t push too hard as it result s in sometimes feeling worse the next day or days. It’s our personal journey and as my best friend says we don’t walk in your shoes with this xx

[sunnysanie]

Hello there🌞being so newly diagnosed throws up all the avenues of right what's going to work for me to make this better,where are my options through GP,pain management,what's my adjusted life goals n plans????but I say wait wait ✋get the kettle on,comfy socks on and say right what are the simple things in my life that make it better for me coz your gonna need them🤗🤗🤗your gonna go through frustrating times,angry at your body for letting you down,adjustments having to be made 👎be comforted that people here will understand it all however bizarre at times🤗I wish you well and be extra kind with yourself😍