Help, I'm new...

[LongSufferingNurse]

Hi Everyone, I (23F) have just been Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and have no Idea where to go from here. My Doctor has me on Condrosulf to help manage the Pain. Does anyone have any Tipps or Tricks that i can do for myself?

Thank you

LongSufferingNurse xx

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Hi and a warm welcome. You can find general information on fibromyalgia at our main website fmauk.org and our patient information booklets at fmauk.org /publications

Firstly, remember that what works for one person does not necessarily work for another - so it can be trial and error to find what works for you. Also, my experience is based on fibromyalgia alone, and does not take into account other conditions.

Medication - the recent NICE guidelines may result in you only being offered antidepressants such as amitryptilene or duloxetine. Although not in the guidelines, gabapentin or pregabalin are also prescribed. Paracetamol and Tramadol at common pain meds. Opioids are not recommended for chronic pain generally.

Pacing is key to managing symptoms. Pacing activities helps you to avoid the boom and bust cycle where you do too much activity then flare up symptoms. Pacing allows you to do activities /tasks with rests in between. Larger tasks should be broken down into periods of activity with rests in between.

Exercise/activity. Keeping moving and as active as possible is important. Lack of moment leads to stiffness and muscle weakness, which subsequently leads to increased pain. However, it is important to do activity at a level which does not push you into a flare. Start small and slow and build up gradually.

Other things which may help are heat /cold, complementary therapies, mindfulness, meditation, distraction,supplements etc.

Talking therapies such as cbt can be useful in teaching you coping techniques for how to live with a chronic health condition.

[Rita1404]

Hi take each day as it comes. If you have a good day then don't over do it as you will feel it later. Just adapt and accept. For instance I used to do 10k now I'm shattered walking my hallway!!!! I used to do going to park etc So now I do stretching exercises (again on a good day) play board games which can help keep you distracted from pain n calm you

Everyone is different but you are not along

Take care

R

[Midori]

If you are a front line nurse, busy ward or department, you may find that you need to be careful of your energy levels. Have a look at The Spoon Theory on the web, it will help you understand how quickly your energy levels can fall with this condition, and why it is important to not totally deplete yourself or 'borrow' from tomorrow, as the payback can be very debilitating.

I was a nurse myself, couldn't do it now, no stamina.

It is possible that over time you may need to take shorter shifts, in order to allow energy recovery, or even move into the Admin side.

Talk with your HR and Occupational departments about it and see what can be done.

Cheers, Midori