Hi jellybean,
I know just how you feel. I felt the same way many times before I finally found some things that worked for me to help control my fibromyalgia pain and fatigue. It usually takes a combination of things:
Medication – You didn't mention whether you take any medicaiton for FM. If you do, it's obviously not giving you the level of pain relief you need. It's probably time to talk to your doctor about trying something else. Also, if you do have pain medication, be sure not to wait to take it until you're already in bad pain because then it will be much more difficult to get the pain under control. Always take your pain medication on a regular schedule to keep a rein on pain.
Movement – Most people say to exercise, but what we usually think of as exercise is often too much for people with FM. The important thing is to move as much as you're able. Sitting or lying down for too long will actually cause your pain to increase. If nothing else, just walk around your house or do some gentle stretches to keep your muscles from becoming stiff and more painful.
Alternative/complementary therapies – Many people with FM find it helpful to use some things like massage therapy or yoga. The two that have done the most for me are Myofascial Release Therapy and Acupuncture. (Click on the links to read more about them.)
Lifestyle changes – Try to notice which things you do that end up causing you have a flare. You might even consider keeping a log or journal noting what you do and your pain and fatigue levels each day so you can look for patterns. For instance, you mentioned household chores. I've found that I can dust and do dishes without too much problem, but if I vacuum, mop or scrub bath fixtures, I'm in major pain for days. Now I get my daughter to come do those things for me. I pay her when I can, but when I can't afford it, thankfully she's kind enough to do it anyway. (I've also learned not to be as picky about how the house looks.) The point is to try to get help doing the things you know are going to cause you pain. If you can't afford to pay for help, perhaps you can swap services with a friend, doing something you're able to do for her and vice versa. Here's an article with some other lifestyle tips that may be helpful: Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
I hope some of these things help. No matter what we do, there will be some bad days, but overall it is possible to also have many good days as well. We're here to offer support and encouragement any time we can. – Karen
Hi jellybean,
I know just how you feel. I felt the same way many times before I finally found some things that worked for me to help control my fibromyalgia pain and fatigue. It usually takes a combination of things:
Medication – You didn't mention whether you take any medicaiton for FM. If you do, it's obviously not giving you the level of pain relief you need. It's probably time to talk to your doctor about trying something else. Also, if you do have pain medication, be sure not to wait to take it until you're already in bad pain because then it will be much more difficult to get the pain under control. Always take your pain medication on a regular schedule to keep a rein on pain.
Movement – Most people say to exercise, but what we usually think of as exercise is often too much for people with FM. The important thing is to move as much as you're able. Sitting or lying down for too long will actually cause your pain to increase. If nothing else, just walk around your house or do some gentle stretches to keep your muscles from becoming stiff and more painful.
Alternative/complementary therapies – Many people with FM find it helpful to use some things like massage therapy or yoga. The two that have done the most for me are Myofascial Release Therapy and Acupuncture. (Click on the links to read more about them.)
Lifestyle changes – Try to notice which things you do that end up causing you have a flare. You might even consider keeping a log or journal noting what you do and your pain and fatigue levels each day so you can look for patterns. For instance, you mentioned household chores. I've found that I can dust and do dishes without too much problem, but if I vacuum, mop or scrub bath fixtures, I'm in major pain for days. Now I get my daughter to come do those things for me. I pay her when I can, but when I can't afford it, thankfully she's kind enough to do it anyway. (I've also learned not to be as picky about how the house looks.) The point is to try to get help doing the things you know are going to cause you pain. If you can't afford to pay for help, perhaps you can swap services with a friend, doing something you're able to do for her and vice versa. Here's an article with some other lifestyle tips that may be helpful: Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
I hope some of these things help. No matter what we do, there will be some bad days, but overall it is possible to also have many good days as well. We're here to offer support and encouragement any time we can. – Karen